What to do when it is breech? A state-of-the-art review on management of breech presentation

Any non-cephalic presentation in a fetus is regarded as malpresentation.The most common malpresentation,breech,contributes to 3%-5%of term pregnancies and is a leading indication for cesarean delivery.Identification of risk factors and a proper physical examination are beneficial;however,ultrasound is the gold standard for the diagnosis of malpresentations.External cephalic version(ECV)refers to a procedure aimed to convert a non-cephalic presenting fetus to cephalic presentation.This procedure is performed manually through the mother’s abdomen by a trained health care provider,to reduce the likelihood of a cesarean section.Studies have reported a version success rate of above 50%by ECV.The main objective of this review is to present a broad perspective on fetal malpresentation,ECV,and delivery of a breech fetus.The focus is to elaborate all clinical scenarios of breech and to provide an evidence-based clinical approach for them.After discussing breech prevalence,risk factors,diagnosis,and management,an updated review of ECV is presented.Moreover,ECV indications/contraindications,alternatives,clinical techniques on how to perform ECV and breech vaginal delivery,and obstetrical considerations for the delivery of malpresentations are thoroughly discussed.