method of delivery
Last reviewed 01/2018
Factors favouring vaginal delivery:
- maternal:
- blood pressure stable and no cerebral irritation
- multiparous
- ripe cervix
- foetal:
- cephalic presentation
- mature - estimated weight > 1.5 Kg
- normally grown
- state good enough to withstand uterine contractions
Factors favouring delivery by Caesarean section:
- maternal:
- blood pressure unstable and/or cerebral irritation
- primiparous
- unripe cervix
- foetal:
- breech presentation
- immature - estimated weight < 1.5 Kg
- small for gestational age
- foetal distress - as evident from Doppler flow rates or cardiotocography