Undiagnosed term breech. Management and outcome

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antenatal and intra-partum risk factors associated with undiagnosed breech at term and to compare their outcome with those diagnosed before the onset of labor, as well as identifying the determinants for cesarean section in breech presentation.

METHODS: Case control study of 183 undiagnosed breech deliveries at term with those diagnosed before labor.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between diagnosed term breech and undiagnosed breech deliveries with regards to maternal, neonatal outcome and incidence of cesarean section. Footling breech presentation, hypertension and failure to attend antenatal visits were independent risk factor for cesarean section in all case of breech.

CONCLUSION: Undiagnosed breech at term are not at increased risk for cesarean section and there is no additional maternal or fetal morbidity.