Fetal malformations associated with breech delivery. Implications for obstetric management.

Among 1,411 breech deliveries at the Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel, there were 116 cases of congenital anomalies (8.2 %). Forty-nine fetuses (3.47%) exhibited major congenital anomalies and 67 (4.7%), minor ones. The incidence of chromosomal anomalies was 0.63% (1 per 159 births) as compared with 0.25% in the general population. The frequency distribution indicated that most of the fetuses with congenital abnormalities weighed 2,000 gm or more. In view of the high incidence of chromosomal aberrations and major congenital anomalies among fetuses with breech presentation, it seems desirable to consider ultrasonographic assessment and chromosomal analysis during the last trimester of pregnancy.