What intervention is used when a mother has a breech presentation?

What intervention is used when a mother has a breech presentation?

• A. Cesarean delivery
• B. External cephalic version (ECV)
• C. Induction of labor
• D. Vacuum extraction

Answer: (B)

When addressing a breech presentation, the external cephalic version (ECV) is a key intervention that can be performed to encourage the fetus to turn to a head-down position before labor begins. This technique involves the physician manually applying pressure to the mother's abdomen to help reposition the fetus. It is typically attempted between 36 and 37 weeks of gestation when the fetus has enough amniotic fluid and is still small enough to make successful turning possible. When considering other options, cesarean delivery is often planned for cases where ECV is unsuccessful or contraindicated, but it’s not the first step. Induction of labor generally aims to initiate contractions in a favorable vertex presentation, so it is not suitable for breech cases without prior repositioning. Vacuum extraction is a method used during the second stage of labor specifically for assisting in the delivery of a vertex presentation and cannot be applied in breech situations. Thus, ECV serves as a non-invasive method aimed at changing the fetal position before labor, making it the preferred intervention for a breech presentation.

When addressing a breech presentation, the external cephalic version (ECV) is a key intervention that can be performed to encourage the fetus to turn to a head-down position before labor begins. This technique involves the physician manually applying pressure to the mother's abdomen to help reposition the fetus. It is typically attempted between 36 and 37 weeks of gestation when the fetus has enough amniotic fluid and is still small enough to make successful turning possible.

When considering other options, cesarean delivery is often planned for cases where ECV is unsuccessful or contraindicated, but it’s not the first step. Induction of labor generally aims to initiate contractions in a favorable vertex presentation, so it is not suitable for breech cases without prior repositioning. Vacuum extraction is a method used during the second stage of labor specifically for assisting in the delivery of a vertex presentation and cannot be applied in breech situations.

Thus, ECV serves as a non-invasive method aimed at changing the fetal position before labor, making it the preferred intervention for a breech presentation.