ECV again - better to have it earlier or later?

[Annie75]

Gah - baby still breech and 37 weeks on Thurs Was given the option of having the ECV this week (at just 37 weeks) or the following Thurs. Chose the latter as I wanted to give the baby a longer window to turn and just in case it sends me into labour, but now worrying that maybe it'll be less successful if I leave it another week. Any advice?

Also told the consultant doesn't use muscle relaxant. Does that mean it'll hurt more?

Also, have any of you actually gone into labour following an ECV or had to have an emergency c-section immediately following it?

All experiences welcome

I had the muscle relaxant, it was standard protocol at my hospital (major london teaching hospital). They told me at the time (3 years ago now) that they did an average of 2 ECVs a week, and the last time they'd had to do an emergency caesarian as a result was 4 or 5 years ago. Seemed like good oddds to me.

I'd ask what the stats are for your unit, and why they don't use the muscle relaxant.

Thanks, Frogs. Was it successful and/or painful?

My ECV was successful. But it was my 3rd child, and success rates are higher with 2nd and subsequent children than with first pgs. It was uncomfortable, but not agony. I'd def. do it again in the same situation, but I had a very experienced team. If you search the MN archives for ECVs, there are some less enthusiastic stories out there. But ignore any opinions you may get from people who haven't had one -- there are a lot of ignorant horror stories as well.

I'd ask them a lot of questions -- how many ECVs they do, how long they've been doing them for, what their protocol is (in particular why they don't use the muscle relaxants and how long they'll try for if the baby is reluctant to turn), what their success rate is, what their complication rate is, what the consultant would recommend if it was his wife in your situation.

I had an ECV a couple of weeks ago - it was unsuccessful but then it's my first baby and it's measuring big. To give myself better odds of it being successful I asked the consultant to try it at 37 weeks (my baby's been breech throughout so I had a gut feeling no matter how long I left it it wouldn't be moving!). He didn't use muscle relaxant to start with but after a bit when the nurse offered to go get some for me he said not to bother because my uterus wasn't the problem, the big stubborn baby was!

The risk of premature labour is tiny - my consultant (he's been qualified nearly 20 years) said he's never yet had to section someone as a result of distressing the baby. They also spent time monitoring baby before and afterwards and used ultrasound to check the baby's positioning throughout. Weighing the pros and cons I'd definitely have a go, for me it was like my 'last chance' to avoid a section. It really, really wasn't all that bad (surely not as bad as childbirth, you'd think it was murder when some folk talk about it but it honestly was no big deal and I could have said 'stop' at any time) and it only takes a minute or two if it's going to work.

As it is I've got my section date booked for a week tomorrow - eek! I think deciding whether to try at 37 vs 38 weeks is something you can only decide - for me I had a definite gut feeling that sooner was better. It also depends a lot on your feelings about c-sections - I was desperate to avoid one so wanted to give baby as good a chance as poss to turn. HTH.

Thanks both - good to know it isn't awful. Scotsburd - do you mind me asking how come you've decided on a c-section rather than waiting and seeing how it goes during labour? Have you been given advice along those lines? Good luck for next week - how exciting!!

I had an ECV with this pg at 38 weeks. Despite it being my 5th and the consultant being quite optimistic, it didn't work. She said that there had been no emergency c sections as a result of ECV in the number of years she'd been there. They monitor the baby throughout and don't let you go until they are sure you are both OK.

(I went in prepared for it to hurt but was totally unprepared by how much it hurt, despite the G&A )

Hi Annie - the baby's big and as it's my first my pelvis is 'untested'. It also spends most of its time in the footling position which will be bad news if I go into labour (increased risk of cord prolapse etc) - advice to call 999 and get on my hands and knees etc if my waters break before the section! The risks to baby in this situation are greater with vaginal delivery than with C-section. This is why I have gone down the section route.

Believe me, if I wasn't considering baby's interests I would have a damn good try at vaginal delivery - I'm dreading the section so much I can barely think beyond it to the baby. I also know the section carries greater risks to me than a normal breech delivery but feel I've got more chance of withstanding any problems than the wee one does.

Soon be over ... for both of us! Hope your ECV is successful

Thanks! I'd say I'll keep you posted but by the time I have it next Thurs, your little one will be here Ah, okay, footling breech - I was told that they'd advise c-section if mine was too. I dread c-sections too - but I have read lots of good accounts of them by mums that have had them and you'll be well looked after. Also, nice side effect I heard of this delivery is that your baby's face will be perfect - not squashed by travelling down the birth canal, so get your camera out!