Optimal Time Intervals for Vaginal Breech Births: A Case-Control Study

Objective: To test the predictive value of the Physiological Breech Birth Algorithm. Design: Retrospective case-control study Setting: Teaching Hospital, United Kingdom Population/sample: Cases were all vaginal breech births >37 weeks’ gestation where neonatal admission or death occurred between April 2012 and April 2020. Controls were the two term breech births without admission immediately prior to the cases. Methods: Data was collected from intrapartum care records and analysed using SPSS v26 statistical software. The chi-square test was used to determine association between exposure to the variables of interest and admission to the neonatal unit. Multiple logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of delays defined as non-adherence to the Algorithm. Main outcome measures: Intervals between the start of labour, the start of second stage of labour and various stages of emergence (presenting part, buttocks, pelvis, arms, head). Results: Logistic regressing modelling using the Algorithm time frames had an 84.2% accuracy, a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 92.3%. Delays between umbilicus and head >3 minutes (OR: 9.508 [95% CI: 1.390-65.046] p=0.022) and from buttocks on the perineum to head >7 minutes (OR: 6.682 [95% CI: 0.940-41.990] p=0.058) showed the most effect. Lengths of time until the first intervention were also longer among the cases, suggesting that at least some of this delay is modifiable. Conclusions: Improved recognition of delay and efficient assistance may help improve vaginal breech birth outcomes. Further research should determine whether training based on the Physiological Breech Birth Algorithm can reduce neonatal admissions.

External cephalic version at 38 weeks’ gestation at a specialized German single center

Introduction Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide. One constant indication is the breech presentation at term. By offering external cephalic version (ECV) and vaginal breech delivery CS rates can be further reduced. Objective This study aimed to analyze the ECV at 38 weeks of gestation with the associate uptake rate, predicting factors, success rate, and complications at a tertiary healthcare provider in Germany specializing in vaginal breech delivery. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study with retrospective data acquisition. All women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation presenting after 34 weeks of gestation for counseling between 2013 and 2017 were included. ECV impact factors were analyzed using logistic regression. Results A total of 1,598 women presented for breech birth planning. ECV was performed on 353 patients. The overall success rate was 22.4%. A later week of gestation (odds ratio [OR] 1.69), an abundant amniotic fluid index (AFI score) (OR 5.74), fundal (OR 3.78) and anterior (OR 0.39) placental location, and an oblique lie (OR 9.08) were significantly associated with successful ECV in our population. No major complications were observed. The overall vaginal delivery rates could be increased to approximately 14% with ECV. Conclusion The demand for alternative birth modes other than CS for breech birth is high in the area of Frankfurt, Germany. Our study offers evidence of the safety of ECV at 38 weeks. Centers with expertise in vaginal breech delivery and ECV can reduce CS-rates. To further establish vaginal breech delivery and ECV as alternate options, the required knowledge and skill should be implemented in the revised curricula.

Changing the tide: influencing factors for midwives on vaginal breech birth skill acquisition

Background Breech presentation at term occurs in 3%–5% of pregnancies. Many midwives are not skilled in vaginal breech births which affects the safety of vaginal breech birth. This research study begins to explore the influencing factors for skill attainment and potential areas for change to enhance education and competence. Method This was a small exploratory qualitative study that used a focus group with four participants for data collection. Findings The influence of internal and external factors in midwives' competence are represented by a ‘continuum of change’ and by moving from a place of fear to one of educational enlightenment. This encompasses three themes: ‘not a good place’, ‘changing the tide’ and ‘new normal’. Conclusion Education of student midwives and registered midwives is key in creating a safe space for vaginal breech births. Introducing normal physiology early in curriculums can impact the initial framing of vaginal breech birth. The uptake of specialised physiological breech birth training by registered midwives and other birth practitioners is upskilling all practitioners.

Development of a Core Outcome Set for Effectiveness Studies of Breech Birth at Term (Breech-COS)- An International Multi-Stakeholder Delphi Study: Study Protocol

Background: Women pregnant with a breech-presenting foetus at term are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The most common intervention used to improve neonatal outcomes is planned delivery by caesarean section. But this is not always possible, and some women prefer to plan a vaginal birth. A number of providers have proposed alternative interventions, such as delivery protocols or specialist teams, but heterogeneity in reported outcomes and their measurements prevents meaningful comparisons. The aim of this paper is to present a protocol for a study to develop a Breech Core Outcome Set (Breech-COS) for studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to improve outcomes associated with term breech birth.Methods: The development of a Breech-COS includes three phases. First, a systematic literature review will be conducted to identify outcomes previously used in effectiveness studies of breech birth at term. A focus group discussion will be conducted with the study’s pre-established Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group, to enable service user perspectives on the results of literature review to influence the design of Delphi survey instrument. Second, an international Delphi survey will be conducted to prioritize outcomes for inclusion in the Breech-COS from the point of view of key stakeholders, including perinatal care providers and families who have experienced a term breech pregnancy. Finally, a consensus meeting will be held with stakeholders to ratify the Breech-COS and disseminate findings for application in future effectiveness studies.Discussion: The expectation is that the Breech-COS will always be collected in all clinical trials, audits of practice and other forms of observation research that concern breech birth at term, along with other outcomes of interest. This will facilitate comparing, contrasting and combining studies with the ultimate goal of improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Trial registration: Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET): #1749; Core Outcomes in Women’s and Newborn Health (CROWN) Initiative.