Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Approximately 3-5% of all pregnancies at term are with the fetus in the breech presentation in which
whatever thier mode of delivery, is a signal for potential fetal handicap Little is known about the
etiology; However there are several etiological factors might be related to fetal movement during
pregnancy. Maternal hypothyroxinaema early in gestation may have effect on fetal movement during
pregnancy through its effect on fetal brain maturation.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the relation between breech presentation at term and low maternal free thyroxin levels
during early gestation in women not suffering from overt thyroid dysfunction.
DesignA prospective observational study of pregnant women.
METHODS:
Analysis refers to 70 women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Main outcome assessment,
Fetal presentation (cephalic–breech) at term gestation in relation to maternal thyroid function at 12
weeks of gestation
RESULTS:
Breech presentation at term delivery was independently related to maternal free thyroxin ( fT4 ) levels
<10th cectile at 12 weeks of gestation (OR 4.63, 95% CI 0.8- 22)
CONCLUSION:
Women with hypothyroxinaemia ( FT level <10th centile) during their early gestation (without overt
thyroid dysfunction) are at risk for persistent breech presentation