Experiences of ECV?

[emyjulliani]

Hello! I am 38 weeks with a breech baby, and tomorrow am booked in for an ECV. I really don't like the thought of trying to force the baby to move if he doesn't want to, it seems a bit counter-intuitive and I know there are some risks - but also am so keen to have a natural water birth, as I did with my first. Feel quite conflicted and torn in my decision. I don't know anyone who has had an ECV before so keen to hear other mums' experiences of it - if you had it, what was it like and did it work? Did it affect you or baby and did it hurt? Any advice gratefully appreciated, thank you! X

I had a failed ECV in April of this year at 37 + 4. It was uncomfortable but not horrendous - I didn't use the gas and air they offered. It was quite obvious to the Obstetrician that he wasn't going to budge so we called it a day after 2 attempts. I went on to have a c-section 3 days later. No ill effects for me or my baby and I'm glad I tried it - I wanted a non medical birth so wanted to take every chance to achieve that. Of course I then ended up with the most medical birth you can get but hey ho, my little boy arrived safe and well. Good luck x

Similar experience as the other poster....had ECV two years ago due to breech baby. They did recommend I tried spinning babies website but my son had been lying breech pretty much for his whole gestation...the ECV we did two attempts. The first wasn't painful just uncomfortable...really indescribable to be honest. But again, I wanted as natural a birth as possible but then ended up with a booked c section. Which was fine in its way. I guess try it, if it doesn't work then at least you tried??( That was certainly my thought process during mine!)

I had it done with my son and it was unsuccessful for me too. Like previous posters I wouldn’t say it was painful, just uncomfortable. For me the worst bit was the injections as I’m needle phobic and I needed an extra one because I’m Rhesus negative. No negative affects on me or my son and it was worth trying as I was very keen to avoid a c section. I was extremely nervous about it but it was fine, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go.