Table 2 Primary outcome and external cephalic version (ECV) success after each attempt according to randomisation to talcum powder or aqueous gel

Primary outcome

ECV Related Maternal Pain VNRS^*

6 [5–9]

8 [7–9]

P = 0.03

6.9 ± 2.2

7.9 ± 1.7

P = 0.02

ECV outcomes

First round of ECV (up to 2 attempts) ^†

P = 0.31

RR 0.6 (95% CI 0.3–1.4)

Successful

21 (43.8)

26 (55.3)

Failed

27 (56.2)

21 (44.7)

First round of ECV (up to 2 attempts)

First ECV attempt

P = 0.99

RR 1.0 (95% CI 0.7–1.5)

Successful

20/48 (41.7)

19/47 (40.4)

Failed

28/48 (58.3)

28/47 (59.6)

Second ECV attempt (failed 1^st attempt) n = 56

P = 0.07

Successful

1/28 (3.6)

7/28 (25.0)

Failed

23/28 (82.1)

17/28 (60.7)

Not attempted

4/28 (14.3)

4/28 (14.3)

Second round of ECV (up to 2 attempts)

Crossed-over (after failed 1^st round) n = 48

To gel

To powder

P = 0.07

RR 3.9 (95% CI 1.0–15)

Yes

13/27 (48.1)

4/21 (19.0)

No

14/27 (51.9)

17/21 (81.0)

3^rd ECV attempt (after cross-over) n = 17

Using gel

Using powder

P = 0.99

RR 0.8 (95% CI 0.1–6.0)

Successful

4/13 (30.8)

1/4 (25.0)

Failed

9/13 (69.2)

3/4 (75.0)

4^th ECV attempt (after failed 3^rd attempt) n = 12

Using gel

Using powder

P = 0.80

Successful

1/9 (11.1)

0/3 (0.0)

Failed

2/9 (22.2)

1/3 (33.3)

Not attempted

6/9 (66.7)

2 /3(66.7)

Cross-over round

P = 0.99

RR 1.9 (95% CI 0.2–23)

Successful

5/13 (38.5)

1/4 (25.0)

Failed

8/13 (61.5)

3/4 (75.0)

Powder

Gel

Final ECV outcome (cross-over included)^‡

P = 0.84

RR 0.9 (95% CI 0.4–2.0)

Successful

26 (54.2)

27 (57.4)

Failed

22 (45.8)

20 (42.6)