Using Ultrasound to Predict Success of External Maneuvers for Turning a Breech Baby in Pregnant Women Aged 18 to 45

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore the use of transperineal ultrasound to assess fetal head progression in women with breech fetus presentations at term. Breech presentation complicates about 3-4% of single pregnancies near delivery and is linked with higher risks for the baby. The study focuses on measuring the Breech Progression Angle BPA and its potential role in predicting the success of external cephalic version maneuvers, which are procedures to turn the fetus to a head-down position. Participants will undergo ultrasound evaluations before the external version maneuver. These include transabdominal ultrasound to assess fetal presentation, estimated weight, amniotic fluid, placenta position, and fetal spine angle. Transperineal ultrasound will measure the BPA and Subpubic Arch. If the version is successful, another ultrasound will measure the Angle of Progression AoP. Data about delivery mode, any operative interventions, newborn blood pH, and NICU admissions will be collected from medical records. During the study, participants will be monitored with ultrasound evaluations and their delivery outcomes recorded. Researchers will evaluate new ultrasound indexes like BPA to understand their value in predicting version success. The study includes women aged 18 to 45 with single pregnancies at term and breech presentation. Participation involves ultrasound scans before and possibly after the version procedure, with follow-up data collected after delivery as part of routine care.

Prediction of Version Outcomes for External Maneuvers of Breech Fetus by Assessment of Breech Progression Angle