Trends in mode of delivery for breech presentation in Japan: ‘Transverse figure 8 breech delivery’

Abstract

This review discusses trends in mode of breech delivery in Japan. Recently, primary elective cesarean delivery rates for singleton breech pregnancies have markedly increased due to medical counseling and maternal requests. However, breech extraction skills should be preserved and passed on to future generations of obstetricians. Vaginal breech delivery may be considered if well-trained and full-time medical staff with experience performing breech deliveries are available and comprehensive informed consent is obtained. As specialists of obstetrics and gynecology, it may be necessary to acquire rudimentary techniques for vaginal breech delivery in order to perform fair and objective informed consent procedures regarding the mode of breech delivery.