Discovery Home & Health

Hi Ladies

I've love to hear from anyone that has had a breech baby turned by ECV. I'm seeing a consultant on Friday to have this procedure done and obviously feeling a little scared about it all. Having discussed any risks with the consultant feel it's worth trying before I book a planned caesarean.

Thanks, Paula
37wks

Hi Paula

I have just watched City Hospital where they performed an ECV on a lady. Did you see it?

Firstly the woman was given an injection to make the uterus nice and soft. The Dr did say 1 in 3 babies don't like it and the heart rate dips and they have to end up with an emergency c-section.

The Dr massaged the babys bottom out of the pelvis, but unfortunately couldn't turn him around, so the woman has to have a planned section now.

Sorry if this isn't what you were hoping to hear, but every case is different, and I really hope you get the result you want.

I have heard if you place a bag of frozen peas or similar on your tummy by the babys head, they don't like the cold and tend to turn away from it. Not sure how safe or effective this is, but might be worth asking Midwife. (seen it on Babes in the Wood on Disco channel).

One of my babies is breech, but because it's twin 2, I will be able to deliver breech as long as twin 1 remains head down. C-section is the last thing I want.

Good luck

Annie (June thread)

Hi...I've had an ECV for my breech baby but it was not successful. I had to fast and go in at 9am, they gave me a pill to relax the uterus. They monitor with ultrasound. They only turned her half way and she turned back to where she was. It was painful (though I guess if the other option is c-section it is worth a try). I didn't enjoy it at all,the drs fingernails felt like they were digging into me, my belly was all red for a few minutes, and I was worried I'd end up bruised the next day! And it is scarey to think you could end up with a c-section if the heart rate dips. Not sure I would go through it again. Plus this is my 2nd c-section due to a breech baby. I have had one natural birth though..VBAC..no problems!

Good luck! I hope your baby turns! I tried so many things to get her to turn..the frozen peas, handstands in the pool, shining a torch down low...nah! She was stubborn.

Cheers
Cathy

Hi Cathy

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately my baby too was stubborn and the Dr could only move baby so far round and he/she would keep turning back. I agree with you I don't think I would choose to go through that procedure again, it was very uncomfortable and quite painful and DH didn't like watching it one little bit - I'm sure it looked quite brutal - Dr tried 2 times and that was it. I'm just relieved that baby's heartrate was OK throughout and afterwards. My stomach was quite sore all last night but feels fine today.

Looking forward to the 16th now - really can't wait to meet our little one at long last [][] DH reckons he'll look like George Clooney in his green theatre gear - bless him!!!!

Hope you are well and recovering from your c-section.

Take care, Paula x