Preterm breech delivery. Early and late complications.

One hundred and ten singleton breech infants with a birth-weight less than 2 500 g have been delivered at Huddinge University Hospital during the years 1972-78. The cesarean section rate was 30.1 per cent. Vaginal and abdominal deliveries were compared with regard to perinatal mortality and asphyxial morbidity at birth. All infants born with reduced Apgar scores or traumatic birth injuries have been followed up. During a 6-year period 3 children born with low Apgar scores were found to have persistent sequelae. Two of these were considered to relate to the delivery. We conclude that cesarean section is of benefit for infants weighing 1 000-1 500 g. However, it is doubtful if abdominal delivery is of benefit for the fetus weighing 1 500-2 500 g. A high congenital anomaly rate (13.6 per cent) was found.