Transverse lie at 37 weeks - advice appreciated!

[Bubscomingsoon]

I'm currently 37+2 with my third child (I'm 43) and a scan confirmed today that the baby is still in transverse lie (and has been throughout the pregnancy). I was desperately hoping he would have turned by now, as I am now being admitted to hospital tomorrow due to the risk of cord prolapse.

My consultant is keen to do an ECV (as are various midwives I've spoken to). I have so far refused but I'm still wavering. If i refuse the ECV and baby doesn't turn naturally, it'll mean a c-section at 39 weeks. I'm obviously keen to avoid a section (first two DCs were born naturally with no complications) and the thought of staying in hospital for the next fortnight is majorly stressing me out (hate hospitals and didn't have a great experience on the postnatal ward after the births of my two DCs).... However i have read so many horrible stories about ECVs that I just don't feel comfortable with having the procedure and think that on balance an elective c-section carries less risk to the baby. I would also, for peace of mind, rather be in hospital as we live at least 30 mins drive from the maternity unit and have two children to organise childcare for, should anything happen.

I am trying to think that two weeks out of my life is nothing if it means the baby arrives safely. Also, quite a few people I have spoken to are very positive about their c-section experiences which is strengthening my resolve to refuse the ECV.

The other thing which is making me very anxious is the fact that I read somewhere that babies lying in the transverse position are more likely to have abnormalities (shouldn't google, but cant help it!). I had the harmony test which came back as less than 1/10k risk of the major trisomies and none of my scans (have had about 10 so far) have shown up any problems (growth is exactly as it should be, strong heart beat etc) so I'm hoping that the chance is very small, but still I just cant stop worrying ..

For those of you who have had transverse babies, please reassure me that they have been born healthily and all was well in the end?

Just looking for some positive stories from those of you who have been in a similar position to me. Many thanks.

[Nan0second]

ECV is safer than a caesarean for a woman who has had normal deliveries in the past.
There are random scare stories on the internet but they are a safe, straight forward procedure which is at worst mildly uncomfortable and may not work.
Surely worth following professional advice rather than crap off the internet?!
(I'm a consultant obstetrician. In over 10 years of practice, I have never seen a complication from an ECV, I even encouraged my own sister to have one!)

[DowntonDiva]

DD was transverse turned earlier however I think about 36 weeks. Didn't even feel her do it. She's grand.

SIL had c section was out of hospital on day 2 (this is in Scotland) no complications so not sure about fortnight stay in hospital or have I picked that up wrong. She had a very positive experience.

[DowntonDiva]

So sorry I've just twigged you'll be admitted for cord prolapse. Please ignore my last paragraph about 2 days!!

[Izzy24]

HCP here too.

You'll find scare stories about EVERYTHING childbirth related.

If the ECV is successful you won't have to stay in hospital for the next three weeks and you won't have to recover from a major operation with two children and a baby to care for.

It may not work, but definitely worth giving it a try.

[Joinourclub]

My baby was transverse at 37 weeks. After a very long and boring week in hospital hoping she would turn, I had an ecv. It was exceptionally quick and easy. I didn't even feel it! I was induced the following week as they were afraid she was going to turn again, and she was born healthy.

[totallyrandom]

One of my friend's babies (4th) was transverse at 37 weeks and successfully turned by ECV. I am currently almost 36 weeks pregnant and at my 34 week plus 6 days appointment baby was transverse too (also No 4). Midwife seemed to suggest it is more common with 3rd/4th pregnancies due to extra space in the uterus. If my baby doesn't turn naturally in next couple of weeks, I will be opting for the ECV as I don't fancy a C-section either unless absolutely required. Another friend's 3rd baby was oblique lie until very last moment and turned at 40 plus weeks following acupuncture. Have you tried all the spinning babies stuff/sitting backwards on chair/bouncing on birthing ball etc? Like you I am feeling a bit nervous, but having spoken to other mums too, I think I would try for ECV first. Your baby might still turn naturally too. If you do opt for C-section, I would make sure they scan you before the section to check position as babies can turn last minute.

[flyawayblue]

Currently in hospital due to transverse lie, I've had a previous emcs so evc hasn't been offered. If it had I would have discussed it with the doctors and tried in a safe environment.

[HeCantBeSerious]

I spent a lot of time from 38 weeks kneeling on the sofa with my head on the floor (Did frequent sessions of 15-20 mins). DD moved round bit by bit and was engaged properly by 40 weeks. (Little sod needed inducing and forceps at 40+13 to get her out but at least she was the right way up.)

[Misspilly88]

Why would you have to stay in hospital for 2 weeks? All the c sec mums in my ward were out on day 2. Have I missed something? Though obviously understand that recovery would be much harder especially with kids at home already

[Misspilly88]

Ah yes you'd have to wait till your car section date. Sorry

[Princesspinkgirl]

I would go with the trying to turn you won't regret it its better than a section

[letthefunbegin]

I was admitted at 37 weeks due to a transverse / unstable lie. I had previously refused ecv because of possible foetal distress. When I finally saw my own consultant after 5 days on the ward, she recommended ecv and I trusted her enough to go for it. The first doctor (who I think was doing it for the first time) tried really hard for ages but couldn't turn the baby. It really hurt. A second, supervising doctor successfully turned her in about 5 seconds and it didn't hurt at all. I was told ecv success rates depend according to who does it so it may be worth asking who would do it and what their success rate is