Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Flip

Original poster

ECV- worth it?

24 replies

0MammaBear0 · 03/08/2023 09:57

Hi, I'm currently 32+5 weeks pregnant and my baby is transverse, she's lying side ways. As far as I could feel her she's always been in that position, she's NEVER tried to spin. I'm currently trying spinning babies and other exercises to try to turn her but quite honestly they're being unsuccessful so far in my case, my baby is VERY stubborn and she's decided she likes it lying transverse. I know there's still some time and fingers crossed she'll turn, but if she didn't by 36 weeks my MD will offer me an ECV. I've heard ECVs are only successful half of the times for breech babies and less successful than that for transverse babies. I'm worried about the harmful effects that being injected with drugs could have in my baby, risks of my baby being injured, and of needing an emergency c-section. I've heard usually they do ECVs at 36-37 weeks and that babies born then often have breathing problems, and while I know the risk of going into labour after an ECV is rare it exists... I'm just having a bad gut feeling that this is not going to work for me and that I will end up making it worse for myself and the baby, and wondering if it wouldn't be better to have a planned c-section at 39 weeks (if my baby didn't turn by then by myself). But my judgment might be clouded. What were your experiences with ECV and/or a C-section? Thanks

OP posts:

Lwrenagain · 03/08/2023 17:46

Hi @0MammaBear0 I literally came on to post the same thing.

I want a c section, but head consultant is being overly pushy for me to have a vaginal delivery, even though right now baby isn't just breech, she's also looking to be about 12lb born.

The pressure on me to have a natural birth (hate that term btw I'm just sick of seeing myself write the word vagina 🤣) is awful.

This is baby 4, I have a prolapse bladder and I have given birth to 2 very large baby's, I just don't want to have months of needing to pee in the bath or shower because I'm so scratched and torn etc, I feel awfully pressured into this.

I hope someone has some advice or positive to say, but just in case you haven't yet, don't go wild googling breech babies, I swear there is alot of wild and upsetting theories out there that I can't even imagine are backed by any science, don't do it!

Original poster

0MammaBear0 · 03/08/2023 18:07

Hi @Lwrenagain , I've been talking to relatives who work in the medical industry and at the end I'm leaning over skipping the ECV and going directly for an ELCS, and specially in your case I'd do the same. What's important is your baby's and your health, not which way was your baby born. A breech baby is already tough, let alone a big baby who's breech, he could get stucked and get seriously hurt, and then ending up needing an emergency c-section, which isn't the same as a planned one as all the doctors and surgeon are going to be rushing and making mistakes under pressure. For more than they insist it's your decision and you have the right to choose to have an ELCS. I wish you all best luck xx

OP posts:

Lwrenagain · 03/08/2023 18:36

@0MammaBear0 thank you for that because I really have felt pressured.
I have had a bit of fear over giving birth this time and the midwives/other Dr's even suggested ECS, but this one consultant is really completely pushing against it.
She is very stern and has teacher vibes so I feel like I'm being silly asking for one, even my own GP is saying "I can't tell you what to do but I can tell you if I were you what I'd be doing".

I'm just going to have to say to this doctor I 100% want a c section at 39 weeks, please respect that as my wish.

She gave me lots of reasons as to why its not a good idea, went in on the risks to the extent of fear mongering and I'm now after months of asking MN or friends about experiences of elective csections which where all overwhelmingly positive, have a massive fear about it 🙈

She even went on about the mortality rates within my bmi category and whilst I'm no slim lass, I'm not quite starring in my 600lb life just yet!

Keep me updated on how you get on pal, best of luck xx

ForTheLoveOfGrace · 03/08/2023 19:13

Yep been there and done that and in short wish I hadn't. My DD was breech and was quite comfortable where she was (using the placenta as a pillow).

I tried everything including some smelly incense stuff that was quite frankly 🤢 to turn her. I also had a unsuccessful ECV (she would not be told) and knowing her personality now I understand it 😆.

We ended up with a very calm and lovely planned C-section and recovery was pretty good. I wish I'd just relaxed and enjoyed the last weeks of pregnancy to be honest but we live and learn. As you say it really doesn't matter how they come out as long as they are ok.

Go with your gut it's hardly ever wrong. Good luck x

ForTheLoveOfGrace · 03/08/2023 19:15

ooh and @Lwrenagain stick to your guns and don't let up with requesting a C Section whoever shouts the loudness and all that. Good luck too x

Lwrenagain · 03/08/2023 20:03

ForTheLoveOfGrace · 03/08/2023 19:15

ooh and @Lwrenagain stick to your guns and don't let up with requesting a C Section whoever shouts the loudness and all that. Good luck too x

I'm going to have to really stand my ground, I appreciate a section is major surgery but surely a planned one is best?

Also, this is my 4th DC but only DD, I ready can sense stubborn vibes 😂

Thanks for your reply! X

ForTheLoveOfGrace · 03/08/2023 21:00

Do just that. It's not easy I know but don't give in. Keep us posted x

WAC1 · 03/08/2023 21:09

I had 2 ECVs, they were fine. Baby didn't turn. C section was very painful, difficult and slow recovery. Everyone's different. Chance of head down baby at the end more likely, only 3-4% at term, 7% at 32 weeks.

ifellintoarabbithole · 03/08/2023 21:12

I personally wouldn't recommend an ECV... Incredibly painful, and (I felt) quite a barbaric procedure. It didn't work for me, and I understand it only has a 50% success rate anyway. The ECV was a hundred times more distressing than my subsequent planned C-section.

ifellintoarabbithole · 03/08/2023 21:14

Also, I hope OP and PP both get the births you want. Make sure you hold firm in voicing your wishes.

Jesusmaryjosephandtheweedon · 03/08/2023 21:21

I've had an emergency section, vaginal birth and planned section due to breech baby. Planned section was very calm and peaceful. Would have no issues having one again. Yes it is a few days of discomfort and manageable pain and I already had 2 young children at home so no rest really. But I was in good head space for it. Knowing exactly what was happening and when.

I couldn't have ecv due to previous emergency section and risk of rupture.

Leovaldie · 03/08/2023 21:28

I wouldn't have an ecv. There is a heartbreaking thread on here from someone who's baby died post one. For me personally I would try a vaginal birth for a breach baby but for transverse would go straight to c-section.

LadyNellCardross · 03/08/2023 22:07

Another one who had an ECV and wouldn't recommend it. Mine was painful and left me feeling very sick for a couple of days. It didn't work anyway and it was only later I learned of the risks involved. There seemed to be a push to avoid a section. Strange because I found it so much better than my traumatic first natural birth. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Bxb88 · 04/08/2023 03:52

I had a breech baby and opted for an ELCS. I was an FTM and the baby had never been head down. Consultant recommended against ECV as well below a 50% success rate, given those factors. During the ELCS they found baby had wrapped the cord around his neck and that’s why he’d never turned. In the words of the consultant, an ECV attempt could well have led to a cat 1 emergency CS, and an attempted vaginal breech birth would have been ‘catastrophic’. I’m bloody glad I had the ELCS!

Totalwasteofpaper · 04/08/2023 05:11

Personally I would 100% go for elcs and i would not move on it.

Xcv · 04/08/2023 05:18

@Lwrenagain The idea that a consultant can tell you/force you into pushing a massive baby out and potentially causing you all sorts of damage just because that’s what they want is madness, when you’ve clearly said what you want. Get them told! If the answer is an outright no ask to be moved to another consultant. If they sense any doubt they’ll keep trying with you so stick to your guns!

Xcv · 04/08/2023 05:20

A friend had this done this week and it did work, I don’t know much about the actual procedure itself. She said most of it was very very painful though. Not sure what kind of pain relief she had but I have heard of some people having it done on the operating table before a potential section and if it fails they obviously don’t do it. I’m guessing it would be under an epidural then if it works you could continue on with a vaginal birth but I have no idea.

A section is a great option too, have really loved mine and they were drama free. It’s whatever you would prefer out of the options

stripey1 · 04/08/2023 05:42

I had a "successful" ECV for breech baby and then a horrible vaginal birth at term where big contractions went on for over 2 days and then I ended up being rushed to theatre for forceps + episiotomy, the dr said something about needing to turn her with forceps, they got her out ok on second attempt and we're fine now but if I were in the same position again I would personally choose elective caesarean rather than ECV next time. All best wishes.

stripey1 · 04/08/2023 05:46

PS the "smelly incense" is called moxibustion and offered by acupuncturists though doesn't involve needles. Research suggests it's statistically worth a try, though it didn't work for me and nor did spinning babies.

Original poster

0MammaBear0 · 04/08/2023 06:17

Thank you everyone for all your replies! Last night I was lying in bed and I felt my baby riggling, kicking very hard and trying to turn diagonally. It really, really hurt, but just after a few minutes she gave up and went back sideways. I'm pretty sure now she's stuck for whatever reason and I'm having the gut feeling in my case at least an ECV would be a bad idea. I'm just going to request at my next appointment (34 weeks) to be booked for an elective c-section. My aunt had a horrible, very traumatic emergency c-section and a planned one and she told me to avoid at all costs the risk of needing an emergency one 😅

OP posts:

Anyday · 04/08/2023 08:26

My baby was transverse and also on course for being 10lb plus, I was quite clear I wanted a planned c section (my first birth was induced and then went on to forceps in theatre and verrrry nearly an emergency c section)

He's 10 weeks now and the planned c section birth was an absolute dream! Loved it!

And recovery was painful for a few days and sore for a couple of weeks but very manageable - the main thing for me was psychologically and tiredness wise I was sooooo much happier after the planned section than the first birth where I had stitches and felt washed out and bleuhh for weeks.

100 per cent demand planned section if that's your decision, you have two very valid reasons!

Best of luck with it all!

gogomoto · 04/08/2023 08:33

At 32 weeks you need to give it a bit more time, many babies turn later than that naturally. My friend was told to try and position on hands a knees as much as possible as it helps with space to turn, her dc did at 36 weeks without intervention

gogomoto · 04/08/2023 08:35

And yes a planned cs is better than an emergency but no need to plan until a few days out

Original poster

0MammaBear0 · 05/08/2023 09:44

Hopefully she will turn, that would be such a relief. These last few days I've been feeling her pushing hard with her legs, trying to turn her head diagonally, riggling and kicking a lot (it hurts quite a lot!), but for whatever reason it seems she can't do it, she gives up, goes back transversal and falls asleep. I'm worried that if she can't do it now she won't be able later either, specially as she'll get bigger and the womb will get tighter... I've read that only 7% of babies are in malposition at 32-34 weeks and that 3% of babies stay in malposition after 37 weeks. So it looks like she has 50/50 chances of either turning or not

OP posts:

Flip