Ecv’s

[Sarah1359]

Hi all.
I am 35+4 and baby is still breech. Midwife said at my 37week scan they will make a decision for either manual turning (ECV) or Caesarian which I am happy with. Has anyone ever had a ECV... I’ve read that it’s very painful and also is only 50% of working... anyone give me some advice before I’m hit with a decision to make. much appreciated first time mummy to be

I had one and it didn't work. Not painful as such, but was a bit uncomfortable.

Personally, if you are ok with having a c-section and don't want to try for a natural birth, then I would say not to have one.

Do they give you an option of a ECV or Caesarian or is it a case Of try the ECV and see what happens? Sorry for the questions.

It was almost nine years ago for me, so difficult to remember exactly, but I seem to remember the hospital being quite keen on performing an ECV when the breech presentation was confirmed by scan. I guess because ECV (if successful) + natural birth is cheaper than c-section??

But if you don't want the procedure then that is fine. You don't have to have it. I went ahead as I was keen to give myself the best possible chance of a natural delivery, but I did go away and asked for time to consider my options.

I believe an ECV can be carried out after 37(?) weeks and up to early labour as long as waters haven't broken, so guess you could wait and see if the baby turns by itself.

I remember also being told that an ECV can trigger labour and in some cases an immediate, emergency c-section is required. I had to pack and be ready for that eventuality. That didn't happen to me, but I think having the ECV did start contractions (the midwife noted contractions as I was being monitored afterwards) and I ended up having an emergency c-section a few days earlier than the elective one I'd been booked in for after the unsuccessful ECV.

Ok thanks for all the info. Hoping she turns naturally but she’s been a stubborn little bugger all the way through

fingers crossed for you.

I had one at 37 weeks. It worked, it was uncomfortable but not painful. I would let them try. I had to stay on a monitor for a few hours as I started having contractions after it, but it all stopped and I gave birth at 40 + 3. A natural birth is so much quicker to recover from than a CS.