Discourse on the Mother's Decision Regarding the Mode of Delivery in Cases of Breech Presentation
This study is about how doctors and mothers make decisions when a baby is in a breech position, meaning their bottom or feet are coming first instead of their head. This happens in about 3-4 out of every 100 pregnancies. There's been a lot of discussion in the medical world about whether a planned C-section or a vaginal birth is safer for breech babies. In the past, C-sections became much more common for breech babies after a big study. However, some newer research has questioned those findings. Now, doctors are encouraged to talk openly with expectant mothers about the pros and cons of both delivery methods. This study aims to understand how these conversations go and how doctors decide, especially in university hospitals in France's Grand Est region.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When a baby is ready to be born, the usual position is head-first. However, sometimes a baby is in what's called a 'breech' position, meaning their bottom or feet are pointing down towards the birth canal. This happens in about 3 or 4 out of every 100 pregnancies. When a baby is breech, delivering them can sometimes be a bit more complicated because the head, which is the largest part, comes out last. Historically, there's been a lot of debate among doctors about the safest way to deliver a breech baby.
Twenty years ago, a big study suggested that a planned C-section (where the baby is delivered through an operation) was safer for breech babies, leading to many more C-sections being done worldwide for this reason. However, since then, many other studies have looked closer at this topic and found that the risks might not be as high as first thought for vaginal breech births, especially when done carefully. Because of these new discoveries, doctors now have updated guidelines. These guidelines suggest that a vaginal birth might be an option for some breech babies, as long as the mother fully understands all the benefits and risks of both a vaginal birth and a C-section.
This study wants to understand how these important decisions are made in practice. Researchers are asking doctors and mothers in specific hospitals in France about their experiences and choices related to breech births. They want to see if the new guidelines are being used consistently and how conversations between doctors and expectant mothers are helping them decide on the best way to deliver a breech baby.
Key takeaways
- Study explores decisions for breech babies (feet-first position).
- Aims to understand mother's and doctor's choices.
- Breech births can have different delivery methods (vaginal or C-section).
- Involves completing an anonymous questionnaire post-delivery.
- Participation will not affect your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to be a mother who gave birth in 2024 at one of four university hospitals in the Grand Est region of France (Besançon, Reims, Strasbourg, or Nancy). Your baby would have needed to be in a breech position and born after 37 weeks of pregnancy. You also need to be 18 years old or older and willing to fill out a questionnaire by yourself, which will be anonymous.
On the other hand, if you were under 18 when you gave birth, or if you had a C-section because you previously had one and wanted another, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if there were medical reasons that made a vaginal birth impossible, such as a problem with your womb from a previous surgery or something blocking the birth canal, you wouldn't be included in the study.
Doctors who are specialists in obstetrics and work at one of these four university hospitals in the Grand Est region are also being asked to take part. They need to have a medical degree and be willing to complete an anonymous questionnaire.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Did I give birth in 2024?
- Was my baby's position breech (bottom or feet first)?
- Was my baby born after 37 weeks of pregnancy?
- Did I give birth at a university hospital in Besançon, Reims, Strasbourg, or Nancy?
- Am I 18 years old or older?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible, taking part in this study simply involves filling out a questionnaire. You won't need to attend any extra appointments, take any special medication, or have any follow-up visits specifically for the study. The questionnaire will be about your experience and decisions regarding your breech delivery. It will be anonymous, meaning your name won't be linked to your answers. The study will not involve any changes to your medical care or how your baby is delivered.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Service de Gynécologique et d'Obstétrique - CHU de Strasbourg - FranceVerified postcodeStrasbourg, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a breech presentation?
A breech presentation is when a baby is positioned in the womb with their bottom or feet first, instead of their head, ready for birth.
Will my medical care change if I join this study?
No, joining this study will not change any part of your medical care or how your delivery is managed. It's just about sharing your experiences.
Is my information safe and private?
Yes, all your answers to the questionnaire will be anonymous, meaning your name won't be connected to what you say.
Do I have to answer all the questions?
You are free to answer as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. You can also stop the questionnaire at any time.
What is the purpose of this study?
The study aims to understand how decisions are made about breech births and how new medical guidelines are being put into practice, to help improve care for future mothers.
How to find out more
Mary PONTVIANNE, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.