Does breech = C-section?

[minitoot]

I'm 34 weeks and my baby is breech at the moment. I'm not overly worried, but I'm just wondering how likely it is that I will end up having a section if the baby doesn't turn. Does the NHS routinely do sections for breech babies? I mean, will that be their default approach, rather than a trial of labour?
The other thing I am wondering about is ECV. Is that done once you go into labour, or might it start labour off, or does it have nothing to do with labour at all?
I have a midwife appt on Friday so I will ask her, but I just wondered what your experiences were.

The default NHS position since the 1990's has been C-section for breech. The research this decision was based on is questionable however. Does not mean you have to agree to a c-section, but because it has been the default for a long time it can be tricky to find midwives who are experienced in breech vaginal birth. Some people who want a vaginal breech birth opt for an independent midwife and a home birth.

ECV is offered before labour from 36 weeks. There is a risk that it can break the waters.

Do you know about natural ways to try and turn a breech?

DS1 was breech, I had an ecv at 37 weeks. Not the most pleasant experience, but it worked and he was born vaginally at 41 weeks.

There is a small risk of it bringing on labour, or distress, so you are monitored very closely throughout and for a little while afterwards. I would do it again if in the same situation. It's not always successful, and some babies get turned and then turn back. But hopefully it does save you a c section. Afaik if baby is still breech, CS is recommended and I think they have firmly concluded that a section is the safest way to deliver a breech baby.

not necessarily, although it does seem to depend where you are in the country!

i know a couple of people who've had breech vaginal births with no issue at all, and who were given the choice of how to deliver

google mary cronk and "hands off the breech" for more info on vaginal breech deliveries and read up on it to see if it's something you would want to try.

if you do then it's up to YOU even if the hospital would prefer you not to.
there are some kinds of breech that would require a c-section though, it depends where the legs are I believe!

That's interesting wizard. It may now be safer to have a CS only because the midwives are not practiced enough in vaginal breech deliveries.

I spent a lot of time on all fours and did the spinning babies stuff. I was going to try moxibustion but the ecv worked so I didn't get that far

it can turn.

they usually make you go to hospital and be consultant led, and yes, usually c-section these days.

and they can't force you to have a section...
(although there are types of breech you'd be insane to try vaginal)

some info here

Spagbo that's exactly correct.

Thanks, that's useful to know. Yes, I have done some antenatal yoga and know something about various exercises to try and encourage the baby to turn. Reflexology & acupuncture were also suggested by a midwife at the hospital so that may be an option.
The last check-up I had was ont he 16th, so I guess he could have turned, but my strong suspicion is that he's still feet-down. He moves a lot and I can frequently feel a very head-like (hard, round) object at the top of my torso, and lots of kicking/ squirming down below, sometimes as if he's stretching out with his feet on my bladder!

i thought that with mine - she turned, though and i was reassured that what i thought was head was actually bum.

Crossed with people. Thanks!

Oh, ok, nickel, that's interesting! Maybe it'll be the same.

hope so :)