Vaginal breech delivery in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates: experience of a single center.

AIMS: To compare the short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) breech singletons by mode of delivery.

METHODS: All breech fetuses born from 24-0/7 to 26-6/7 weeks' gestation at our institution between 2000 and 2008 were eligible for the study. Abstracted medical record data included maternal demographics, delivery data, and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS: There were 26 vaginal and 39 cesarean deliveries. Maternal age did not differ between groups; gestational age was greater in the cesarean group by five days. Short-term neonatal outcomes did not differ between groups. Of the 39 cesarean deliveries, 27 involved classical uterine incisions. Estimated blood loss (732 mL vs. 362 mL) and postpartum infection rate (26% vs. 4%) were greater with cesarean delivery.

CONCLUSION: Neonatal outcome is not improved in VLBW infants born by cesarean section. Given the morbidity of classical cesarean sections, vaginal delivery of the breech VLBW infant may be safely considered.