Induction of labor in breech presentations at term: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether induction of breech delivery at term is feasible and safe for mother and child compared with spontaneous vaginal breech delivery.

STUDY DESIGN: A total of 268 singleton term breech deliveries with an attempted vaginal delivery were identified in a single-center retrospective observational study. Out of these, 73 cases had an induction of labor for various medical and obstetric reasons and were compared to 195 spontaneous singleton breech deliveries. The main outcome measure was the mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS: The vaginal delivery rate in the induction group was 64.4% compared with 80% in the spontaneous delivery group. No statistical differences were observed between the two delivery groups regarding neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: The vaginal delivery rate was significantly lower in induced than in spontaneous breech deliveries. The neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality rates were similar implying that induction in breech delivery is an option and it is time for clinical reappraisal.