ECV advice or experience?

[Something20]

Hi :) I'm 33 weeks and baby is very much breech still (head in ribs is painful!)
I'm completely aware there is still plenty of time for her to move but I just want to find out my options just incase she doesn't as I'd like to have done my research before being asked to make a decision if I had to.

I've read I would probably be offered an ECV but I've read a couple of threads on here where people have said they would 100% decline an ECV and I was just wondering why and if anyone could offer anymore information?

The NHS website isn't too helpful about ECVs. It just says there are small risks and it works about 50% of the time!

Thanks in advance

I had an ECV at 39 weeks with my little girl (head in ribs!) ultimately it didn't work and I had a c section (which was amazing!) I didn't find the ECV painful it was uncomfortable and I had quite a bit of bruising.

Any questions just ask

@mrsh497 thank you for that :) I'm not at all opposed to the c-section just whatever is the safest method of getting her here. Trying not to worry just get. Midwife said if she's still head up next week she'll get me to try a few things and then if still head up at 36 I get referred to the breach clinic so plenty of time yet for things to change!
50% isn't an amazing statistic for an ECV working really haha so I'll try not to think about that too much. I'm just not sure if I'm missing something as to why I've read a few people saying they would refuse it

I can't advise on the ECV but would recommend you to check spinning babies website if you haven't done it yet. Wishing you all the best for the last few weeks!

spinningbabies.com

Do you know where your placenta is op? Mine was anterior which makes the ECV less likely to work. I declined as I didn't feel it was safe. Not going to lie my ELCS wasn't great but ultimately DD was born safely which is the most important thing.

I had a ECV at 40 weeks.

I had sloppy midwives in the community who ignored a 33 week scan which showed by baby was breech.

We tried a ECV at 40 weeks the pain was horrendous. I was in agony screaming the place down. Doctors tried and tried baby wouldn't move.

They booked me in for ELCS at 40 +5 and told me to "keep my legs crossed"

Went into a very very fast labour at 40 + 3 where I was rushed to hospital and had a traumatic EMCS.

I had PTSD and PND.

I won't have more children.

I won't give you any advice. That's just what happened to me.

Hi @Something20 I have just had the ECV and originally I was dead against having it done but the medical professionals completely reassured me. It was quite painful (although gas and air helped) and in my case it didn’t work but I am pleased I gave it a go and at least now I know a c section is the best option for me. The doctors were really good and made sure that I felt in control and could ask to stop at any point. They monitored myself and baby for 30/40 mins before and after. Have been booked in for a section at 39 weeks. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I had a successful ECV at 37 weeks. The risks of the procedure to the baby are actually quite low, and I was confident in the abilities of the medical team to act quickly if anything did happen to go wrong.

In my case, the procedure was quick and surprisingly painless. It took maybe five minutes for the doctor to turn him, and it just felt like a rather rough massage. I was given a drug to relax my uterus, and honestly, the only negative part of the procedure was the jitteriness I felt afterwards as a result of that medication. I felt a lot better without his head jammed up against my ribs!

I suspect that unsuccessful versions are far more painful -- I was just lucky that my baby was breech only because he was a bit lazy and not because he was truly stuck in that position.

I would advise you to consider your pain tolerance, the risks of the procedure, and the pros and cons of an ELCV compared to vaginal delivery. I don't really think there's not a right answer in this scenario to be honest.

In the meantime, I hope your baby turns naturally so you don't have to worry about any of this!

I don't really think there's a right answer*

I declined an ECV even though felt I was being strongly encouraged --pushed into it by the consultant we saw. DS had been breech and in same position for a long time. I felt maybe there was a reason for that and best not to interfere with what nature/he intended! I also weighed up what my reasons for an ECV were. I ideally wanted a natural birth but took the view that baby didn't mind how he came out and his safety was the most important thing so opted for a c section instead.

I absolutely wouldn’t have an ECV personally, given the risks, and that the risks of ELCS are so low these days (comparable to an uncomplicated VB, and better than instrumental birth or EMCS).

If you’re keen for a VB I agree with pp, check our Spinning Babies. Also, you could try hypnotherapy, as this has a good success rate for turning babies. Make sure you choose a therapist who lists this as something they offer.

Spinning babies, and there is actually an evidence base for moxibustion, although people tend to find it too woo - I think that’s what turned my baby, and at worst felt very relaxing. My midwife recommended it.

I had an ECV at 38 weeks, it literally took 2 minutes and I didnt hardly feel a thing. Just the doctor pushing but it wasnt 1 bit painful. I had a great fast natural birth as a result. I know it isnt this easy for all mothers but thought I would share my positive and successful experience with you.

Have one booked in for Monday (36+2). Will let you know how it goes :)

Hi OP, just checking in :) had an attempted ECV today, team were amazing and tried really hard however baby's bum is wedged very firmly in my pelvis so the procedure wasn't successful. The consultant was honest with us before hand, because of baby's position they had to be lifted out of the pelvis first and then turned so the chances of success were less than babies that just needed to be turned. The procedure was uncomfortable, at a few points it was getting towards painful however as I said before, we were a particularly stubborn breach. I don't regret trying at all, I'm glad we did so we know we tried everything we could. So much care was taken of us and it was taken extremely seriously, (consultant, doctor and midwife present, all completed under sonograph) baby was monitored for 30 mins both sides of the procedure. Wishing you all the best OP, please feel free to ask any questions! It's very fresh in my mind atm :) xxx