Breech clinic tomorrow- Can I refuse ECV?

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

Just that really, I now a couple of people who have had it done, found it ridiculously uncomfortable and then they baby has returned to the breech position anyway!

This is DC3, I've had 2 natural labours, I won't feel I'm missing anything by having a c section, so if still breech tomorrow at scan (which he will be, I can see the head under my ribs!) I'd rather just get on and plan my ELCS.

Am I going to have a big fight on my hands?! And if they agree to my section are they likely to book it there and then, given I'm 37 weeks now?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

Oh and before anyone says it, yes I appreciate it is major abdominal surgery, but I will have DP and other family to help if we need it

[minifingerz]

Just say you don't want ECV.

It really is as simple as just saying 'no'. You don't even have to justify why.

[Trifleorbust]

Of course you can refuse it. A simple 'no' will do it.

[paddypants13]

Ds was transverse (although the little git turned at the last minute) and I was absolutely given the option just to have an elcs. I was presented with the options, discussed it with dh and informed the consultant. I wasn't pressured at all.

As I said above the little monkey turned anyway so I was able to give birth naturally.

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

Right, so I'll just be firm and say no I don't want it, no justification just a firm no.

Will they book the CS there and then? Would be handy as then I can crack on and make arrangements for the other two for whenever it is. (39 weeks isn't it usually??)

[LuchiMangsho]

Yes you can refuse the ECV. And section will be booked for 39 weeks.

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

OK great, thank you! That's good to hear.

Have any of you had a section? If it's early enough in the day will I be discharged same day or will it always be overnight?

[Iamcheeseman]

I refused evc. Section was booked for 39 weeks. Wasn't a problem at all.

[lisbapalea]

I found out at 38.5 weeks that dd was breech. Refused ecv and she was delivered at 38 weeks ELCS.

[lisbapalea]

Delivered at 39wks

[lorisparkle]

Ds1 was breech and throughout process I was given the option to say no to the ECV. I did let them try but even then they did not put any pressure on me to keep going when I was uncomfortable. I have had 3 elcs and the ones I had when mentally prepared were really positive experiences. With ds3 I took my diary with me and the consultant and I planned date together. At that point the earliest they would do it was 39 weeks but guidelines change. I can't remember at what point we booked the date but it was all rather civilised! With 2 older children it makes a huge difference to be able to plan however don't push yourself too hard afterwards - accept all the help you can.

[Crazycatlady83]

ECV is a medical procedure and as with all medical procedures, you can refuse it!

I had to stay in for 3 nights, I think this is standard after a section, as you won't be able to get out of bed for the first 12 hours at least!

Good luck

[lorisparkle]

At my hospital they definitely would keep you over night at a bare minimum. I was in 5 days for ds1, and 3 for ds2. I needed to be home for ds1's birthday after ds3 and put on a very brace face to convince them to let me out the day after.

[OfDragonsDeep]

I refused ECV as well, just said that I had researched it and woul prefer to go ahead with ELCS. They agreed straight away and booked it in for 39 weeks.

I wouldn't have thought they'd let you go home same day as it takes s while to get the feeling back, remove catheter and establish feeding if that's what you want to do. I stayed in one night, the standard for my hospital was 2 nights.

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

3?! Oh dear, I'll go stir crazy in hospital that long but if that's what it is, I'll manage I suppose! Will take some good books!

I'll have lots of support for when I get home so I am not worried about overdoing it whilst I recover, DP is off til the end of Jan and DD1 is 9 and like a little mum bless her! I also have the most amazing MIL (shock horror!) who is 5 mins up the road so all set on the help front

[firsttimemum15]

EVC was offered to me as a choice. The hospital were quite clear it was up to me. But certain factors meant it was not a viable option anyway for me.

C section was booked 1 week before DD but on a check up it was realised that the same issue that meant EVC wasnt possible was still present so CS was booked for the next day.

They will probably look to book you in wjen youre there

[sycamore54321]

I would be horrified if they let you home on the same day. They keep you not only until you feel up to fending for yourself but also because certain complications, that would need immediate action, can develop or manifest themselves in the initial period after surgery and they need to make sure you don't have these. It would be irresponsible of them to release you earlier. I think even a 24 hour stay seems negligently short by international standards where 3 to 5 days is often practiced.

[Backhometothenorth]

Hello - yes I refused and went for the planned section at 39 weeks for breach DD1. I also elected for a planned section for DD2 and was discharged the next day both times. In the absence of any complications and if you feel well, get up and about as soon as you can after being given clearance to do so. Good luck with whatever you decide

[NerrSnerr]

We also refused and they were fine. We were booked in for c section at 39.4weeks but I went to labour at 38.6 weeks so had an emergency section.

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

providing I feel up to it I think 24-48 hours is sufficient, I've had other abdominal surgery and not stayed longer than this. Will see how it goes I guess!

My appointment is tomorrow afternoon so will let you know how I get on! Hopefully they will respect my decision and not try the hard sell and just book it in.

[GreedyDuck]

Our hospital will let you go home after one night, under their 'enhanced recovery' protocol. I stayed in two nights as it was my first, but got no sleep or privacy and felt like I was losing the plot by the time they let me out. Next time I will be pushing to go home after one night.

[megletthesecond]

whatthe I had a private room after DC2's ELCS. 3 nights, newspapers to read, my own snacks. It was lovely, just me and little dd. Made up for the rotten postnatal ward with dc1.

As long as the ward or private room is ok I'd make the most of 3 days to recover.

[FlyingCat]

I was walking round the ward 4 hours after my ELCS in June (also for breech).
I was medically cleared for discharge next morning but paperwork meant we finally got discharged after a second night.

Section recovery was fine - much easier than I expected but make sure to take the painkillers on time in the first few days and if you're offered laxatives take them religiously... the first poo hurt more than my ventouse delivery with DC1.

[FlyingCat]

Oh and I had a failed ECV, the procedure wasn't too bad but left me very bruised, would not want those muscles to be going through labour as well within a couple of days ofthat.

Also success rates are pretty low at 37 weeks plus. My hospital would have been perfectly happy if I'd said no to the procedure and my section was actually booked before I had the ECV!

[Serafinaaa]

You also have the choice of a breech vaginal birth. If your hospital has a specialist breech team then it can be extremely safe for both of you. In fact my hospital states that there is no benefit to a c section for women who are not having their first baby. I have lots of statistics about breech vaginal births if you are interested.