HYPEREXTENSION OF THE FETAL HEAD IN BREECH PRESENTATION A STUDY WITH LONG‐TERM FOLLOW‐UP

Abstract

The attitude of the fetal head was determined in 445 women with breech presentations. Thirty-three women (7.4 per cent) were found to have a fetus with the head in various degrees of hyperextension. Of these 26 were born vaginally and seven by Caesarean section. At follow-up (2 to 4 years) five of the vaginally born infants (22 per cent) had neurological sequelae referable to spinal, supraspinal and cerebellar injuries but all infants born by Caesarean section were normal. The results emphasise the value of an abdominal X-ray examination of all women with breech presentations. Caesarean section is recommended if the fetal head is hyperextended.