Breech - elcs or vbb?

[katiegd]

Hi all, I had a failed ECV earlier (unpleasant experience - feeling a bit sore now!) and we are now faced with the decision of whether to attempt a vaginal breech birth or go for an elective c-section.

Anyone have any experience of either of those options?

Having read up on it we are definitely edging towards ELCS, as it's safest for the baby and 30-40% of vbb attempts end in emcs anyway, but would be interested in hearing others' experiences.

Is it your first baby? I know with subsequent babies and experienced staff the a VBB is much more likely to be successful. I think with a 1st baby an ELCS is considered the safer option

My first was undiagnosed breech. They didn’t know she was breech until I walked into the ward with her bottom out.

It was straight forward delivery with no complications or tears. Just as easy as my head down deliveries.

But that could have been because of the type of breech position she was in.

Although the delivery was fine and It has made having future births easier if I have known she was breech I would have opted for a csection due to the risks.

My first was breech, we found out at a growth scan at around 38 weeks and were immediately booked for a c section 10 days later, but he was absolutely wedged, there was no way he’d have been born safely otherwise. I found it all very relaxed and recovered quickly and have absolutely no regrets. I also had an Elcs with my 2nd as she was overdue, a big baby and as I’d never laboured before they (and I!) didn’t know how I’d cope. We’re planning a 3rd baby and I’d be keen to have an elcs again - it’s been the right choice for me so far. Good luck lovely!

Both mine were full breech and I had sections both times. VBB was never offered, but I would have refused it.
The consultant did offer to try and turn DS1 but I explained I had done research and also could feel how wedged into my ribs he was so did not want to Try it. He accepted that straight away.
With DS2 I had to have lots of growths scans so knew he was breech throughout (I could tell he was by position anyway) and
They didn’t mention turning him or a VBB, I was just booked in for a section.
Both boys came early though so actually had what were classed as emergency sections.

Frank breech here with DC1, I opted for vaginal delivery ( mainly because hypnobirthing classes had brainwashed me into thinking that natural birth was a must). Consultants and midwives all very supportive and had good experience of delivering breech babies, but in the end it was an EMCS as DC got distressed most of the way out (you can’t use forceps on a bum, so she was shoved back up and came out through section). Despite the emergency the section was v. positive.

Breech births tend to go very quickly or not at all - mine was 6 hrs from first twinge to arrival, which was quick for a first baby - and there tends to be meconium as you’re squeezing the baby like a tube of toothpaste. If it’s anything other than a frank breech I wouldn’t even think about a vaginal delivery.

I had an undiagnosed breech with my third. We were both completely fine but it hurt more than my other labours and was more stressful because it was standing room only in there. They literally ran with me in a wheelchair through mau and the delivery suite shouting we've got a breech and everyone came to watch
If I'd known she was breech I'd have definitely opted for a c section.

I had a successful ECV (ouch) but pretty terrible birth, so if I had my time again I'd have gone straight for ELCS.

Just to add- I went into labour with both naturally and had contractions less then 30 seconds apart but didn’t make it beyond 1cm dilated either time. With DS2 I had contractions every 30 seconds for 3 hours, was in complete agony, and still was only 1cm dilated when we got to theatre.
I have read that with breech babies, their bottoms don’t have enough weight so your body goes into spasm/panicto try and get them down the birth canal. I probably haven’t explained that well but think that is what happened to me.
Both were wedged, my waters had gone and my body just went into panic mode. It was a scary experience with DS2, the theatres were busy so we had to wait and I was hallucinating from the pain, my body took over my mind and I just could ‘t Calm down. They drugged me in the end the drugs kicked in as they wheeled me to theatre.

Unsuccessful and horrific ECV which resulted in a planned section which was fab and stress free. I wouldn’t recommend a ECV to anyone

My 4th (and last!) was a breech. She was in the foetal position but not upside down but with one foot extended. I had a horrific ECV- another one who would never recommend it. I went with an elective c section as very strongly advised by my consultant. All went well with the section resulting in a healthy DD.

BuzzLightyear that sounds very similar to my experience with Dc1 - contractions pretty much constantly from the get go, extremely painful and also wanting to push all the time.

Im so glad you made this thread. Im currently 33+5 with baby #3 and shes breech, im hoping she turns as i had a pretty awful time after an emcs with my first and didnt want to have another section. Had successful vbac with baby no.2 and was hoping for another but after reading all these comments i think ill opt for a section if she doesnt turn by my next apt

Footling breech. I went into labour naturally, preterm, and wasn't given an option. I was told I needed a c-section as there was a risk of cord prolapse and it was unlikely labour would progress naturally due to his position (something about your cervix needing the weight of the baby - and not just his foot - in order to dilate properly). I was terrified beforehand but it was a positive experience.

My first was breech, had been since 30 weeks, my Dh and I read everything on having the ECV but decided against it as others I know who had it didn’t work and ended with an emergency c section, at 35 weeks I was sent for a scan to see if she has turned on her own which she hadn’t and we was then booked in for ELCS and we got to choose the date dd was born 4 days before her due date, the morning that your booked in, they carry out another scan to see if baby’s turned and the doctor did try to convince to try an ecv which I declined. Was anxious that morning but doctors and midwifes keep you calm. We was home the next day, nothing better than being in your own home xx

My DS was a transverse breech, and wedged under my ribs. Tried an ECV, didn’t work so had a CS. Best thing as I had a complication and lost over 4 pints of blood and ended HDU. Consultant said it could have been worse had I tried a natural delivery.