Research Protocol: Effects of lateral release of pelvic floor prior to the External Cephalic Version
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51326/ec.8.9427278Keywords:
Breech Presentation, Fetal Version, Midwifery, Pelvic Floor, PregnancyAbstract
The External Cephalic Version is a safe procedure aimed at changing the fetal breech presentation to a cephalic one by applying external pressure to the mother's abdomen. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the "side-lying release" technique before performing External Cephalic Version to improve the success rate of the procedure in pregnant women receiving care at the Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquía.
Although External Cephalic Version has been studied in combination with other techniques, its effectiveness alongside the "side-lying release" has not been evaluated. This technique involves stretching the pelvic floor muscles to enhance pelvic mobility. It is hypothesized that performing this technique before External Cephalic Version could facilitate fetal rotation and increase the procedure’s success rate.
The study will be designed as a randomized clinical trial with 161 pregnant women divided into two groups. One group will receive the side-lying release technique before External Cephalic Version, while the other will undergo External Cephalic Version alone.
Further research in obstetric biomechanics is necessary. If the hypothesis proves correct, this approach could improve External Cephalic Version success rates, reducing the need for cesarean sections. This would be particularly relevant in a context where the cesarean rate exceeds the limit recommended by the World Health Organization.
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References
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