Neonatal Outcome of Vaginal Breech Delivery for Singleton Pregnancy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i5.2211Keywords:
Vaginal Breech Delivery, Singleton Pregnancy, Neonatal Outcomes, Brachial Plexus Injury, Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.Abstract
Background: Vaginal breech delivery in singleton gestations is associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications. Knowledge about related risk factors is important for prevention and enhanced perinatal care, especially in low-resource environments. Objective: To determine the frequency of neonatal outcomes of vaginal breech delivery in singleton pregnancy. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: June 2024 to November 2024, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan. Methodology: A total of 130 women aged 18–40 years, with confirmed singleton breech pregnancies beyond 36 weeks’ gestation, were enrolled. Detailed demographic data were collected, and all underwent continuous intrapartum monitoring. Breech deliveries were performed using controlled maneuvers. Neonatal outcomes assessed included asphyxia, fetal distress, brachial plexus injury, respiratory distress, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and low Apgar score. Results: The mean maternal age was 27.32 ± 4.04 years, mean gestational age 38.95 ± 0.83 weeks, and mean BMI 23.96 ± 2.43 kg/m². Neonatal asphyxia occurred in 50.0%, fetal distress in 29.2%, brachial plexus injury in 6.9%, respiratory distress in 37.7%, HIE in 27.7%, and low Apgar scores in 25.4% of cases. Significant negative correlations were found between multiple maternal factors (age, parity, BMI, socioeconomic status, profession, education, and residence) and adverse neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Vaginal breech delivery in singleton pregnancies is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity.
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