ETIOLOGY FACTORS AND PERINATAL OUTCOME IN BREECH PRESENTATION : A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Breech presentation is the most common type of fetal malpresentation, occurring in approximately 3 4% of all term deliveries and more frequently in preterm births. It is associated with increased maternal and neonatal risks, often requiring cesarean delivery.

Objectives: To assess the etiological factors and perinatall outcomes associated with breech presentation among women delivering at a tertiary care center.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Kalaburagi, over a period of 18 months from May 2023 to November 2024 . Fifty women with singleton pregnancies between 28 and 41 weeks of gestation and confirmed breech presentation were included. Data regarding maternal demographics, obstetric history, clinical findings, and neonatal outcomes were collected and analyzed descriptively.

Results: The most common etiological factors identified were prematurity (24%), oligohydramnios (18%), uterine anomalies (14%), multiparity (12%),intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (4%), and polyhydramnios (4%). The majority of deliveries (92%) were conducted via cesarean section, with 8% managed by assisted breech delivery. Most neonates (68%) had birth weights between 2.5 3.5 kg, and 94% had Apgar scores ≥7 at one minute.

Conclusion: Breech presentation is frequently associated with identifiable maternal and fetal risk factors. Prematurity and oligohydramnios were the leading contributors in this study. High cesarean section rates reflect current management preferences aimed at minimizing neonatal complications. Early diagnosis and individualized care planning are essential for optimizing outcomes.