Outcome of breech deliveries in cameroonian nulliparous women.

Objective: To evaluate nulliparous breech delivery so as to determine prognostic factors for an unsafe vaginal delivery (VD).

Methods: This retrospective and descriptive study was carried out in the University Teaching Hospital Yaoundé-Cameroon, from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009. Files of 126 women with singletons in breech presentation and normal fetal heart beats at a gestational age ≥32 weeks were reviewed with a trial of VD ordered in 104. The parameters recorded were mother's age, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight, 5th minute Apgar scores, neonatal outcome, and use of episiotomy.

Results: The results showed that 84 (66.7 %) had a successful VD. Failure of VD or poor Apgar score after VD were observed if fetal weight ≥3,500 or <1,800 g, footling breech, maternal age >28 or <19 years, post term, and rigid cervix.

Conclusions: Elective cesarean section should be systematic if the unsafe circumstances above mentioned are present.