mortality and morbidity in breech deliveries
Last reviewed 01/2018
Factors which influence the morbidity and mortality:
- parity
- pelvic size and shape
- foetal weight and gestation
- type of breech - footling has the highest risk
- operator skill at delivery
Causes of the morbidity and mortality:
- intracranial haemorrhage - there is no moulding of the head, the forces on the head are very sudden
- asphyxia
- cord prolapse - four times more common in flexed or complete breech than in frank or extended breech
- birth trauma
- increased incidence of congenital abnormalities