[Effect of the delivery procedure on perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity of underweight infants in the breech position].

The paper deals with the effect of the delivery technique used on perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity rates. Overall mortality of 236 underweight breech babies (less than 2,500 g) and a number of morbidity parameters of 68 new-born children of 1,000 to 2,000 g birth weight are studied collected over a period of comparable perinatological management. The results show that cesarean section is the most favourable technique for children of 1,000 to 2,000 g birth weight. To do so, it is necessary to exclude non-viable malformations prenatally and to ensure a reliable neonatological intensive care. Another major problem is to prevent premature birth. On the basis of the results obtained and taking into account anamnestic and obstetrical risks, we give preference to an adequate selective section to deliver underweight children from breech presentation, but do not rule out vaginal methods of delivery using good techniques and proceeding as carefully as possible.