ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND EXTERNAL CEPHALIC VERSION AT TERM

Sixty-five patients with nonvertex presentations at term were evaluated by ultrasonography to determine which factors were associated with a successful external cephalic version. Amniotic fluid volume, placental localization, type of breech, position of the fetal spine, and whether the breech had descended were determined and analyzed by χ2 analysis. Only a frank breech and an anteriorly located fetal spine were associated with a successful version. Four episodes of fetal bradycardia occurred, none requiring operative intervention. There were no episodes of maternal bleeding or dislodgement of the placenta. Fifty-eight percent of all breech presentations were converted and 62% were delivered vaginally. We conclude that ultrasonography is useful in the evaluation of patients with a nonvertex presentation at term and can be used to predict which patients are likely to undergo a successful external cephalic version. © 1990.