Third scan at end of pregnancy may greatly cut chance of a breech birth

Giving women a third scan at the end of their pregnancy could dramatically reduce the number of unexpected breech births and the risk of babies being born with severe health problems, research suggests.

- Rachel Hall

Pregnant women in the UK have routine scans at 12 and 20 weeks only, with no further scan offered in the third trimester unless they are considered at risk of a complicated pregnancy.

The researchers hope that their findings could lead to a change in guidance for clinicians that will improve maternity care.

Prof Asma Khalil, who led the study at St George's, University of London, said: "For the first time we've shown that just one extra scan could save mothers-to-be from trauma, an emergency C-section, and their babies from having severe health complications which could otherwise have been prevented."

She said the two routine scans are "far too early" to establish how the baby will be positioned during labour. "That's why a third scan at 36-37 weeks could be a game-changer to pregnancy and birth care."

The researchers estimated that the additional scan could result in a cut of 70% to unexpected breech births, which happens to about 4% of babies at the moment.