This chapter discusses the types, implications and management strategies of breech delivery. Breech presentation at time of delivery is associated with increased perinatal mortality and morbidity. Any factor that affects the uterine shape and tone, passenger (fetal size, maturity, structure and number) and passage (both bony pelvis and sot tissues) can predispose to breech presentation. Before allowing vaginal breech delivery it is important to confirm the presenting part by performing a vaginal examination. An episiotomy may be performed as a prophylactic measure when the breech delivery is imminent, even in multiparous women. It has been advocated to prevent possibility of soft tissue dystocia. For simplicity, conduct of assisted vaginal breech delivery will be considered in three parts: Delivery of the legs and buttocks; Delivery of the trunk and shoulders and Delivery of the 'after-coming' head.

This chapter discusses instrument design, technique of application, and the risks and benefits of assisted delivery. The principal controversies concerning instrumental delivery by both forceps and the vacuum extractor are reviewed, and recommendations are made about the use of these instruments. The focus of this presentation remains the desirability and safety of instrumental delivery and a critical analysis of what constitute the best modern practice. Delivery instruments are conveniently classified into eight types: five of forceps, two of vacuum extractors, and one for miscellaneous instruments. The most important contraindications to vaginal delivery operations are operator inexperience and the inability to achieve a proper application. Educating clinicians in the appropriate use of force in instrumental deliveries is a difficult task. Instrument application involves forceps operation, and vacuum extraction. Maternal perineal lacerations are common complications of all operative vaginal deliveries; most are associated with episiotomy.