What do they actually DO in an ECV?

[lucysnowe]

Hi all

Sorry, another ECV question... mine is on Tues and I'm getting a bit obsessed...

Anyway I know that during the ECV they palpate the womb to get the baby to turn. But do they actually grab hold of the baby or do they press on the abdomen next to it to push it in a certain direction?

Just want to be prepared.

Thanks!

it's all done by pressing on your tummy & watching on the ultrasound monitor- they push the bottom up out of your pelvis then gradually turn the baby by pushing on your abdo to prevent it slipping back. Apparently it can be a bit uncomfy but not terrible. It can take a while for baby's head to engage in pelvis afterwards. Also they check the baby's heart beat etc to check all ok once done. Very satisfying once done!
have seen it but not experienced it....

Thanks SaT! Does it look a bit freaky to have the hands delving in the tum? When I've been checked by the GP and the m/w they generally have quite a poke but I suppose they have to be a bit more hefty!

hiya yeah i suppose it's a bit odd - it's not so much "delving in" rather than firmly holding and pushing round opposite sides of the baby until it gradually does its somersault. Quite cool when it works. Good luck for that!

They give you an injection to relax the muscles of your womb and then they push the head and the bottom around. For some (apparently) it is painless, just feels a bit wierd for others it can be very uncomfortable - mine was very sore and unsuccessful but DD was well and truly stuck!!!!

Good luck, I hope you are more successful