A new study reveals that the mode of delivery for the first child in breech presentation does not significantly affect the overall outcomes for families with two children. The research, conducted in Sweden, shows that the chance of a “happy family” – with no severe adverse outcomes for the mother or either of the first two children – is similar regardless of whether the first child was delivered vaginally or by cesarean section. This finding shifts the risk-harm balance in managing breech presentation towards equilibrium, justifying any choice of delivery mode in adequately selected cases.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
When a baby is in a mortality’>perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with vaginal breech birth. However, cesarean delivery also comes with its own set of risks, including an increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies.
Studying Outcomes for Families With Two Children
To better understand the tradeoffs, researchers in Sweden conducted a nationwide study involving over 23,000 women with two consecutive births, where the first child was in breech presentation. The study aimed to assess the effect of the mode of delivery for the first breech child on the outcomes for the mother and both children.
Similar “Happy Family” Outcomes
The researchers found that the probability of a “happy family” – with no severe adverse outcomes for the mother or either of the first two children – was similar regardless of whether the first child was delivered vaginally or by cesarean section. While the risk of adverse infant outcomes was higher for the first child born vaginally, this was balanced by a reduced risk for the second child.
The maternal risks for any of the two births were also similar, regardless of the mode of the first breech birth.
Implications for Informed Choice
These findings shift the risk-harm balance in managing breech presentation, suggesting that any choice of delivery mode may be approximately equally reasonable in adequately selected cases and similar healthcare settings. This information can help healthcare providers counsel women in an unbiased way, allowing them to make informed decisions that align with their values and preferences.
Limitations and Future Research
The study had some limitations, including the lack of information on the planned delivery mode and the indication for cesarean section. Additionally, the rarity of severe outcomes in Sweden makes it challenging to detect statistically significant differences. Further research in more diverse settings could provide additional insights into the long-term implications of delivery mode for families with breech presentation.
Meta description: New research suggests that the mode of delivery for the first child in breech presentation does not significantly affect the overall outcomes for families with two children.
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