The Evidence on Breech Birth
Although it is common for obstetricians to advise that it has been proven that the outcomes of planned caesarean section (PCS) are better than the outcomes of vaginal breech birth (VBB), this is an oversimplification of the evidence and is misleading.
Whether a particular woman makes a good candidate for a VBB requires individual assessment. The circumstances in which VBB takes place, and the care taken by the birth-attendant, have both been shown to influence the outcomes.
In the right circumstances, VBB can be equally as safe for the baby as PCS and is undoubtedly better for the mother, her ability to care for her infant, and for future pregnancies, and therefore the family as a whole.
No longitudinal study has taken place of the down-stream effects of PCS but anecdotal evidence suggests that multiple caesarean section can lead to complicated subsequent pregnancies.
Here are links to some of the main studies on VBB and PCS. So as not to deliver biased information, we have included studies that showed both better outcomes for PCS and good outcomes for VBB.
The list is a work in progress - if you consider that something vital is missing, please let us know (via the Facebook group admins)!
Clinical studies about the risks of vaginal breech birth
Clinical studies and commentary about external cephalic version
Vaginal breech birth after caesarean section
Commentary about vaginal breech birth
Risks of caesarean section
Although it is common for obstetricians to advise that it has been proven that the outcomes of planned caesarean section (PCS) are better than the outcomes of vaginal breech birth (VBB), this is an oversimplification of the evidence and is misleading.
Whether a particular woman makes a good candidate for a VBB requires individual assessment. The circumstances in which VBB takes place, and the care taken by the birth-attendant, have both been shown to influence the outcomes.
In the right circumstances, VBB can be equally as safe for the baby as PCS and is undoubtedly better for the mother, her ability to care for her infant, and for future pregnancies, and therefore the family as a whole.
No longitudinal study has taken place of the down-stream effects of PCS but anecdotal evidence suggests that multiple caesarean section can lead to complicated subsequent pregnancies.
Here are links to some of the main studies on VBB and PCS. So as not to deliver biased information, we have included studies that showed both better outcomes for PCS and good outcomes for VBB.
The list is a work in progress - if you consider that something vital is missing, please let us know (via the Facebook group admins)!
Clinical studies about the risks of vaginal breech birth
Clinical studies and commentary about external cephalic version
Vaginal breech birth after caesarean section
Commentary about vaginal breech birth
Risks of caesarean section
