C section for breech baby

[strawberryplum993]

Hi all,

This is my first baby. We found out at the 36 week scan this week that baby is breech, I was offered an ECV but declined for various reasons. The consultants have therefore recommended an elective c section at 39 weeks. They did however say they would scan me again on the day of the section to see if baby has moved to head down.

The consultant said if baby has re positioned to head down they would either a) send me home and wait for labour to start naturally or b)
Induce me so that baby will come quicker and have less chance of turning again. The consultant said the options would depend on who was on shift at the time and their preferences as some doctors believe baby won’t turn again and would rather send you home. I asked if it was possible to continue with the c section even if baby had turned head down but was told that there wouldn’t really be a medical need and the ‘risks would be on me’. It basically sounded as though they wouldn’t want to do the section.

Has anyone had experience of having their baby turn when scanned just before their c section? What was the outcome?

I’m a very anxious person and I struggle with the idea of mentally preparing myself for the c section, only to be told the baby has turned and either going home (which would worry me
in case she turned again and I ended up with a vaginal breech birth) or being induced (which I’d like to avoid if possible).

Any stories or advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

First baby was an EMCS due to being discovered to be breech when I was 5cms dilated.

Second baby I said I wanted a section from the get go. Baby turned the night before section was scheduled. I still went ahead and had the section, even though she was head down. But that decision was in part due to not wanting a VBAC. But also because sections are lovely and calm and controlled

OP they did scan me quickly when I went in (my waters had broken) to confirm DD was still breech. I was pretty sure she was as could feel her head still wedged up in my ribs but did have a slight panic as they got the scanner out! I know how you feel though, I also like to feel in control and know what is going to happen (I had an elective c section with DD2 even though she wasn’t breech that time). Fingers crossed you get the birth you want and feel listened to x

'risks would be on me’.

Hmm. In a way yes. Risks are associated with vaginal births too. But the doctor sounds like he doesn't want the inconvenience (or expense?) of a section. Which obviously should not affect your decision.

@Susannahmoody that’s the way it felt! It was said in a way that all of the risks we had discussed around the section before I signed the consent form would then be ‘on me’ if I choose to have a c section when there was no longer a ‘medical need’ (if baby turns). I found it a bit strange because the risks are still there whether the baby is breech or not but I guess she was trying to say they wouldn’t medically advise it. It was followed by ‘I’m not trying to sound harsh but obviously a vaginal birth is always better to aim for’

Awch this topic is making my skin crawl.

DD1 was breech until 38 weeks but turned for labour. Constant uncertainty about csection/labour plans. Fast labour and ended up in surgery post labour with a 4th degree tear anyway. Do not recommend.

DD2 was breech- then turned the up the right way for the scan at 38 weeks- then turned back breech again but this went undiagnosed (despite insisting I thought she was head up again!) until established labour and I went into fast labour with a footling breech baby & meconium in waters. It was hideous and I still have nightmares about the consultant putting his arms up inside me to unhook her feet and twist her arms down. Very distressing- absolutely do not recommend.

DD3 was transverse- opted for ECV and induction, went catastrophically wrong and ended with ECS.

My recommendation would be to absolutely insist on an elective CS. The recovery can be difficult (but apparently it is better for planned CS than emergency anyway) but it completely eliminates the trauma of a breech labour.

Or an emergency CS*!

I work in maternity and had a discussion about maternal request c sections just a few days ago with heads of department.

If you want a caesarean even if your baby turns, you have the right to ask for one. Speak to your midwife and if they aren’t helpful contact the head of midwifery / director of midwifery at your trust. Perhaps mention the Ockenden report (which is 90% of our current discussions) and that you have a right to make an informed choice on “place of birth and mode of birth (eg. Maternal request caesareans)”

Caesarean is an option for an alternative to induction if you don’t want to be induced - they should be giving you all the information to make an informed choice.

It was followed by ‘I’m not trying to sound harsh but obviously a vaginal birth is always better to aim for’

That’s not the case if a caesarean is what you want. Also not necessarily the case if it’s a choice between caesarean and induction!

@TammySwansonTwo that’s really helpful, thank you!

I have my next midwife appointment at 38 weeks (2 weeks time) so will discuss the conversation I had with the consultant and my anxiety around it too and I see what her take is on it

My consultant said 'I would prefer you to have a VBAC'. I just smiled and nodded and took the leaflets. Then requested (and was granted) an ELCS. Your baby, your body, your body, your circumstances. Hold firm.

@Tempusfudgeit

My consultant said 'I would prefer you to have a VBAC'. I just smiled and nodded and took the leaflets. Then requested (and was granted) an ELCS. Your baby, your body, your body, your circumstances. Hold firm.

Wonder if he is targeted to have no more than a certain percentage of C-Sections?