Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Admitted to Hospital with breech baby?

39 replies

CloudyVanilla · 02/01/2020 22:25

Just wondered if anyone has been admitted straight to hospital with a breech baby?

I’m 37 + 2 today and I went in with reduced movements to be monitored. As it’s not my first time noting RFM I had to speak to a consultant, who wanted to scan me. She was lovely but basically said oh, we actually have a completely different problem to deal with, baby is footling breech!

I assumed my options would be to make an appointment for the ECV she was talking about and see if it works, but she wanted to admit me right away so I am now lying in a hospital ward even though nobody is going to attempt to move the baby until the morning..

Has anyone got any stories they can share about experiences with having a breech baby quite far along? I’m very nervous about them feeling the need to keep me in hospital overnight, I understand that there is an issue if my waters break but is there some sort of increased likelihood of that happening due to the baby’s position or something??

OP posts:
Original poster
CloudyVanilla · 02/01/2020 22:28

The consultant was very lovely by the way and I saw her last time I went in for RFM. She was going to wait to scan me til the morning but after discussing my pattern of movements wanted to do it there and then.

Are the babies likely to turn at 37+ weeks or am I looking at a c section :(

OP posts:
PhannyMcNee · 02/01/2020 22:29

Dc1 was a footling breech. We too found out at just over 37 weeks due to reduced movement scan. I was sent home though, brought back a week later for ecv which failed and booked in for an ELCS the week after that.

Artesia · 02/01/2020 22:32

My second and third both moved beyond 37 weeks. Think DS2 finally went head down just before due date and DS3 was head down at 41+5 but still managed to move back to transverse without me even noticing! Plenty of time for them to shift still. Personally I refused ECV as wasn’t comfortable with the risks, and knew my babies were fairly mobile so were likely to just wriggle out of position again even if they were moved.

Best of luck tomorrow OP

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

3rd trimester Childbirth Families General pregnancy
BlueEyedFloozy · 02/01/2020 22:34

My youngest was footling breech at 36 weeks then transverse at 38 weeks until birth.

I refused an ECV at first mention for personal reasons and was advised to have a section as is had an emergency section with my eldest.

DownWhichOfLate · 02/01/2020 22:35

Have you read up about ecv? It isn’t always the best option.

DonPablo · 02/01/2020 22:36

This is difficult, because I don't want to scare you, but there was a thread on here where an ECV went wrong. I remember reading it and thinking I'd never have an ECV. I don't even think they have a great success rate in terms of turning the baby. And I think it hurts you quite a bit.

I'd talk again to the consultant tomorrow, discuss options if you don't have the procedure and maybe ask her about success rates, how many she's done, whether she'd have one.

elcs is much better than an emergency one. Get some rest, maybe do some research?

I've really deliberated about posting this, I hope I did the right thing.

ShirazSavedMySanity · 02/01/2020 22:40

We discovered at 36+2 that DD was breech.
Offered an ECV but I refused, I wasn’t happy with the risks or possibility of an emergency section.
Instead I opted for an elective section which, although it was not what I would have wanted, it all went smoothly.

You can still deliver naturally with a breech baby, my mum delivered me breech.
The problem tends to be that it is so rare, there are few professionals familiar with it, so a section is deemed safer and easier.

Tamalama · 02/01/2020 22:41

I found out at 39 weeks my DD was frank breech. They suggested trying to turn her or having an elective c section. I went for the c section, I was worried about the potential risks at such a late stage, but this was at 39 weeks. I hope tomorrow goes ok for you 😊

CilantroChili · 02/01/2020 22:41

38 week check-up I was sent straight off to the hospital. Baby was upside-down/Wrong way round every which way apparently..,

Had my baby at 2pm the next day in the middle of a mad summer storm 7lbs 2oz.

Elective CS, an absolute breeze compared to Dc1 rather more traumatic entry to the world.

Best of luck with your baby OP 😊

Teensruletheroost · 02/01/2020 22:43

My second baby turned breach at 38 weeks then turned back naturally by the next scan at 39 weeks. Birth weight at 42 weeks was 10lbs and I didn’t feel either the turning breach or the turning back Confused

I did have acupuncture in between the scans but who knows whether it had an effect or not 🤷‍♀️

Good Luck!

Parttimewasteoftime · 02/01/2020 22:45

My DS was breech they tried to turn him did not work. They give you meds to relax you which made me shake very scared but no pain. Was gutted but had an amazing elective section was beautiful. Rest up and discuss with Dr you are in the best place 💐

PixieDustt · 02/01/2020 22:51

They probably did it to be cautious.
My DS wasn't breech but I went in for induction at 38 weeks but somehow DS decided to turn back to back in labour and a doctor managed to turn him.
I know it's not the same but I hope baby either moves on it's own or baby can be turned around for you.
I spent a night in a different ward on maternity when my first round of induction failed. It was so eerily quiet and I felt so out of place as I was with women who were poorly in pregnancy and women who's labour they were trying to stop.
Are you okay OP and baby?
It gets quite lonely in there I found!

BuntyCollocks · 02/01/2020 22:54

You’d be advised against labouring with a footling breech as there is a risk of cord prolapse, but you can’t be refused whatever choice you make. Personally, with a footling breech I’d hold off until 39 weeks and see what happens, and if still in the same position, I’d have an ELCS, with the understanding that if I laboured before a further scan confirming position, I’d go straight into hospital. I wouldn’t have an ECV. Again, have heard some awful things.

mumxthr33 · 02/01/2020 22:57

DD2 was discovered to be breech when I went in to be induced for RFM. She was head down at 37 week scan but obviously moved. I wasn't admitted, I thought it was just transverse lie they did that for. As per pp check whether ECV is for you. I had an anterior placenta and they still pushed for me to have one, glad I did my own research.

Strategicchoring · 02/01/2020 23:02

Sorry you are in hospital op. I hope you are comfortable.

I refused the ecv option for two reasons. Baby had been in a very difficult position (head buried downwards) for 20 week scan and scan doctor had been so overly persistent and heavy handed, I had to tell her quite forcefully to stop, as I almost felt violated by the examination, like she was "attacking" my child (I know that sounds a bit over the top but they were digging in so much it really hurt). That having been the case, I knew that I wasn't likely to feel any better about an ecv. Also, a friend had just undergone an ecv which had failed owing to the cord being around the baby's neck and she was quite distressed about the experience.

Judging from your op, a C-section is not something you want, so I am sorry you are facing that possibility, but speaking personally, I was relieved to have one given my dd's position, and it was a fantastic and very reassuring experience. Wishing you good luck whatever the outcome Flowers

Spanneroo · 02/01/2020 23:23

I delivered my twins breech just 3weeks ago, despite being strongly advised to have a c-section as twins just don't get delivered breech first. However, with 2 other children, I wanted to avoid a c-section. My hospital is a breech specialist unit, so I felt in safe hands. I had a birth choices consultation with the head midwife and a breech birth was signed off. It was incredibly straight forward and was actually my easiest recovery, despite very easy previous singleton deliveries.

She was scanned as a complete breech (bottom first, legs crossed in front of her) but ended up coming feet first. Breeches can do this no matter what the type of breech during the presentation scan.

The reason you'll be being kept in is that cord prolapse is slightly more likely with a footling than a frank or complete breech because the baby's bottom won't form a 'seal' at the cervix to stop the cord falling through. However, because of that, a cord prolapse is less dangerous than when it occurs with a head down baby (pressure on the cord is reduced).

I would request a conversation with the consultant and also a birth choices meeting with the head midwife to see how you feel about your options and the relative risks.

Original poster
CloudyVanilla · 02/01/2020 23:34

Thank you all so much for the replies and advice/reassurance Flowers

@DonPablo nono thank you for sharing; as I have had 2 (long and painful but still) straightforward deliveries previously, my immediate reaction to a c section was admittedly negative - I felt really panicky and worried about both the procedure and the recovery.

But I am now starting to feel much better about the whole idea! I will definitely be looking into ECV more and I think I will discuss it. I also have a pretty low pain threshold so if I feel like I am not finding the procedure acceptable I will ask them to stop.

I hope he just turns naturally, I really wasn’t expecting this to be the reason behind my perceived reduction in kicks and I never thought I would be potentially needing a C section (I think they are incredible and have nothing against them in principal, I just have a huge fear of anaesthesia and I am really scared that they will for some unforseen reason need to put me under :(

OP posts:
raspberryk · 02/01/2020 23:34

I had 2 mobile after 37 weeks babies. I had acupuncture with my 2nd and she turned during the appointment. 1st turned around due date in a swimming pool at aqua natal.
Failing them sorting themselves out I'd have opted for natural breech delivery which I researched.

Girlwhowearsglasses · 02/01/2020 23:42

It’s worth the ask for any midwives at your hospital with breech experience.

My second twin was born breech- but as my midwife had a lot of breech experience this went well. It is perfectly possible if you have experienced midwives. If you want to read about it google Mary Cronk ‘hands off the breech’ (she was an amazing midwife who advised and taught many other midwives about breech birth)

Original poster
CloudyVanilla · 02/01/2020 23:42

Were any of you scanned prior to your c section to see if the baby turned? If so did they cancel the c section?

I have an extra complication in that prior to finding the baby was breech, they also want me to be induced by around 39 weeks due to the reduced movements Confused

OP posts:
NatureGal · 02/01/2020 23:49

My fourth baby was head down throughout except at 38+1, when he was footling breech. Booked for C-section at 39+5 as precaution and persuaded consultant to do ecv. They were reluctant as I had GD and raised bmi. I am a regular swimmer and she mentioned doing lots of turns and swimming to the pool bottom, turning and back up. I gave it a go as didn't want a C-section, driving home I had to pull over as baby turned it was very uncomfortable. Scan revealed back to head down, I was advised against delivering vaginally, but was told the ecv would have a good chance as baby was small, and it was my 4th, however there was a good chance baby might turn back too. I felt strongly against a C-section as 3 previous vaginal deliveries and was hoping for a 4th, also had limited support and 3 under 4 at home, so needed to be uncomplicated.

mumxthr33 · 02/01/2020 23:49

Yes they will scan before section, they schedule them for 39 weeks anyway so won't affect their plan for RFM. As pp have mentioned ask about breech delivery, unfortunately my hospital wouldn't but I know some are confident.

ScatteredMama82 · 02/01/2020 23:51

DS2 was breech at 36 weeks, went back to clinic at 37 weeks, he was still breech so they booked me for an ECV a few days later. I was really apprehensive, and I spoke to a friend of a friend who is a Obs & Gyn Consultant. She said it very much depends on the expertise of the person doing it, but that she would recommend trying it as, if it works, then you avoid the CS. Mine did work, and I have to be honest it was more uncomfortable than painful. It was also very quick, over in a few minutes. The worst bit was when she pushed the baby up out of my pelvis to allow him to turn, but when she did that he just kind of 'flopped' round. It was the strangest sensation. You then stay in to be monitored for a few hours as it can bring on labour. I had some contractions for a bit, but they stopped and I went home after a few hours. Went into labour naturally at 40+3.

As for why they have kept you in, perhaps it is a combination of the reduced movement and the position of the baby. Good luck OP! Sounds like you are being well looked after, that's the main thing.

hiphiphoorayback · 02/01/2020 23:57

I have had 2 sections due to breech and footling. I was relieved to have a csection offered for both tbh.

managedmis · 02/01/2020 23:58

Were any of you scanned prior to your c section to see if the baby turned? If so did they cancel the c section?

^^

I was scheduled for a section as DD was breech. Found out the morning of the section that she'd turned! (she was breech up until then...)

I still went ahead with the section, it went fine. She was a ELCS, DS had been an EMCS (due to being breech) and it had gone so well I wanted another section.