ABSTRACT

Complications. While the rate of short-term fetal bradycardia is as high as 20% or more, the rate of need for urgent CD for NRFHT after an ECV is about 1/600 (5). Placental abruption (<1%) and onset of labor are uncommon complications. Rare fetal deaths following attempts at version have not been felt to be a result of the procedure (1). Femur fracture has been reported. In a meta-analysis, there was a risk of 4.7% for transient abnormal cardiotocography, 0.21% risk of abnormal cardiotocography leading to emergency CD but with good neonatal outcomes, and 0.35% risk of emergency CD. Other risks included 0.24% risk of stillbirth, 0.18% risk of placental abruption, 0.18% risk of cord prolapse, and 0.19% risk of fetal death. These complications were not found to be directly related to the ECV procedure. Vaginal bleeding related to ECV occurred in 0.34% of patients and rupture of membranes related to ECV occurred in 0.22% of patients (6).