Podalic version is an
obstetric
Obstetrics is the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. As a medical specialty, obstetrics is combined with gynecology under the discipline known as obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), which is a surg ...
procedure wherein the
fetus
A fetus or foetus (; plural fetuses, feti, foetuses, or foeti) is the unborn offspring that develops from an animal embryo. Following embryonic development the fetal stage of development takes place. In human prenatal development, fetal dev ...
is turned within the womb such that one or both feet present through the
cervix during
childbirth
Childbirth, also known as labour and delivery, is the ending of pregnancy where one or more babies exits the internal environment of the mother via vaginal delivery or caesarean section. In 2019, there were about 140.11 million births glob ...
. It is used most often in cases where the fetus
lies transversely or in another abnormal position in the womb. In modern medicine, abnormal lies are increasingly delivered via
Caesarean section. According to
Gabbe, "There is no place for internal podalic version and breech extraction in the management of transverse or oblique lie or unstable presentation in singleton pregnancies because of the unacceptably high rate of fetal and maternal complications."
Podalic version has a long history spanning back to
Hippocrates
Hippocrates of Kos (; grc-gre, Ἱπποκράτης ὁ Κῷος, Hippokrátēs ho Kôios; ), also known as Hippocrates II, was a Greek physician of the classical period who is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history o ...
. It fell out of favor over the centuries until revived by
Ambroise Paré in the 16th century.
•
Internal podalic version comprises a series of manoeuvres performed prior to breech extraction to deliver a fetus with a persistent transverse or oblique lie in the second stage of labour.
•
It is most commonly employed for the delivery of a second twin after the vaginal birth of the first and can expedite delivery in the case of profound bradycardia.
•
Caesarean section for the delivery of the second baby in these circumstances is an increasingly common alternative approach but is associated with its own physical and emotional morbidities and can cause undue delay in delivery.
Types
Podalic version may be
external
External may refer to:
* External (mathematics), a concept in abstract algebra
* Externality
In economics, an externality or external cost is an indirect cost or benefit to an uninvolved third party that arises as an effect of another party' ...
or internal.
References
Is internal podalic version a lost art? Optimum mode of delivery in transverse lie* Gabbe. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th Ed. 2007. Churchill Livingstone
* https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1576/toag.13.1.7.27635
Obstetrical procedures
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