Cephalic version by postural management for breech presentation.
BACKGROUND
It is possible that maternal posture may influence fetal position. Many postural techniques have been used to promote cephalic version.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of postural management of breech presentation on measures of pregnancy outcome.


METHODS
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register and Controlled Trials Register were searched. Date of last search: February 1999.


METHODS
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing postural management with pelvic elevation for breech presentation, with a control group.


METHODS
Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by both reviewers.


RESULTS
Three studies involving a total of 192 women were included. Postural management was associated with a non-significant trend towards fewer non-cephalic births (relative risk 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0. 73 to 1.12). No differences were detected for caesarean sections or Apgar scores below seven at one minute.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of postural management for breech presentation.
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Coronation Hospital and University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa. 091just@chiron.wits.ac.za
Kulier
R
R
D001946:Breech Presentation; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011187:Posture; D011247:Pregnancy