External cephalic version is contraindicated in all except: March 2012
**Core Concept**
External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure where a healthcare provider attempts to manually turn a fetus from a breech position to a cephalic (head-down) position before birth. This is often performed between 36 and 42 weeks of gestation. ECV is generally recommended for women with a singleton pregnancy and a favorable cervix.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Breech presentation is not a contraindication for ECV. In fact, the primary goal of ECV is to correct breech presentation, making it the exception in this list. The success rate of ECV is higher in women with a singleton pregnancy and a favorable cervix. The maneuver involves gentle manipulation of the fetus to guide it into a cephalic position. The process typically takes a few minutes and is usually performed under ultrasound guidance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is a condition where bleeding occurs from the birth canal before the onset of labor. Performing ECV in a patient with APH would increase the risk of further bleeding and potentially lead to complications.
**Option B:** Multiple pregnancy, also known as a twin or multiple gestation, is a contraindication for ECV. Performing the procedure in a woman carrying twins or multiples increases the risk of complications, including preterm labor, fetal distress, and placental abruption.
**Option C:** A contracted pelvis is a condition where the mother's pelvis is too small for the baby to pass through safely during delivery. Performing ECV in a woman with a contracted pelvis would not address the underlying issue and would increase the risk of complications during delivery.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A contracted pelvis is a significant contraindication for vaginal delivery and may require a cesarean section. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends careful evaluation of the pelvis before attempting vaginal delivery.
**Correct Answer:**
β Correct Answer: D. Breech presentation