Special deliveries

Breech presentation

In a breech presentation, the baby lies with the buttocks and/or feet down. Because in medical history, breech birth has mostly gained a bad reputation, the general gynaecologist will suggest a caesarean section by default.

Recently, however, there has been a relaunch of breech birth, with gynaecologists in several countries standing up for breech birth and trying to avoid the sometimes unnecessary caesarean section. New studies therefore show that in a selected population, a breech birth can be perfectly safe.

We, the gynaecologists at St Vincent's Hospital, have therefore taken the initiative to become a ‘Breech Centre’ for the province of Antwerp.

We keep all options open: a personal profile is made for each patient.

For a breech baby at 32 weeks, specific exercises can be suggested to promote natural rotation.

For a breech baby at 35 weeks, a version or externalisation may be discussed.

A pelvic measurement or pelvimetry via MRI may be performed in case of a wish for a breech birth for a first child.

If you meet all our criteria for a safe breech birth, vaginal delivery is an option with us and you will be given the chance of a natural birth, after discussing the pros and cons in detail.
 

Twin pregnancies and deliveries

Not only are these very special, they are also pregnancies with an increased risk for all kinds of complications, both in pregnancy and during delivery.

As a result, we see a significant caesarean section rate in twin births.

At Saint Vincent we always consider the individual situation. Taking several criteria into account, the method of delivery is discussed in detail with the couple.
 

Vaginal delivery AFTER a previous caesarean section

This gives a theoretical chance of tearing the uterine scar. This makes it too low to perform another caesarean section in a subsequent pregnancy. However, this risk appears to be low from the scientific literature.

Again, we review and discuss the individual case together with you and your birth partner, after which you can opt for either attempted vaginal delivery or a planned caesarean section.

Although here too we aim for a natural birth to the maximum extent possible, because of the caesarean scar, continuous monitoring of the baby will be indicated.

Think carefully about what you want, discuss, deliberate and dare to ask your questions!