[Programmed breech deliveries (author's transl)].

The question whether the termination of a breech pregnancy by a programmed breech delivery would reduce the fetal risk was investigated. In 71 of 433 singleton breech deliveries (16%) the breech delivery was induced by oxytocin infusion. There were 38 primigravidas and 33 multi-gravidas. The Apgar and pH values showed the same results as in 3904 vertex deliveries with spontaneous onset of labour. The duration of labour was shortened. The incidence of Caesarean Section in programmed breech deliveries was 9.86%. All 71 infants were mature and healthy. There were no perinatal deaths. The results show that the fetal risk in breech deliveries is reduced by programmed breech delivery to the same risk as in vertex deliveries with spontaneous onset of labour.