[Influences on decisions of pregnant patients with breech presentation for external fetal version or cesarean section--information status and anxiety pattern].

Within the framework of a retrospective and prospective analysis of 61 women with breech presentation in late pregnancy and with the help of a half-standardised questionnaire, we investigated the subjective reaction of these patients after they had been informed of their situation, as to what fears resulted and how well informed they were regarding the various obstetrical procedures in cases with breech presentation. The patients in the version group were clearly more anxious (n = 41). They were frightened of putting the child's well-being at risk, damaging personal health and having a cesarean section. The fear patterns were very varied in both groups. In the cesarean group (n = 20) the patients were not so afraid of the anesthesia and the risk of infection, whereas those in the version group were considerably more afraid; it was quite the reverse as regards the risk of permanent damage to the child due to the version--in the cesarean group this was rated as a high risk, whereas in the version group it was rated as a slight risk. The decision on the obstetrical procedure was mainly influenced by the doctor. In conclusion it can be said, that too little is known about the obstetrical procedure of cephalic version near to term and that it is tainted with unnecessary fears. We recommend that more intensive, specialised information should be given before undertaking obstetrical management of breech presentation.