Third scan could greatly reduce UK breech birth numbers, study suggests

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

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.

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