Transverse baby and c-section

[Minniethemoocher]

This may seem in silly question, but my baby is in a transverse postion, really high up under my ribs and if s/he doesn't turn, I will have to have a c-section.

Will it be harder/more complicated to delivery a transverse baby that is tucked up under my ribs? I am starting to worry about how they will get him/her out....

I had this with DD2,never had a C-Section before so can't compare but they seemed to be "doing alot of washing up",I felt "uncomfortable" as there was alot of pushing etc. but the nice Anaesthetist gave me some Gas and Air and I was fine.

Went to Theatre at 10.00am and DD2 was delivered at 10.35am,and that was with the time spent doing the Epidural.So it can't have been that difficult.

From my own experience (and I asked a question about it on MN) then I think the answer is yes you need a CS.

How far are you? The baby may have time to turn.

You probably don't want to hear this, but the hospital might want to admit you at 37 weeks (mine did, but LO moved head down and so I didn't have stay in until 39 weeks... then he moved back again). Also, if your waters break, get on all fours with your bum in the air (lovely!) and call an ambulance immediately. (I'm sure a midwife could fill you in on the details of this.)

FWIW I had a cs and there wasn't a problem with the position - DS and I were both fine.

how many weeks are you?

Chaotica - thanks for the tip re: bum in the air! I was told of the risk of cord prolapse, so bum in the air does make sense!

I do hope that they don't want me in at 37 weeks, as I already have DD, and disabled Mum to care for, the logistics of which are a nightmare!

Sawyer64 - gas and air sounds helpful, or maybe a valium? I am starting to get rather worried about it all....

I am 34 weeks, so hopeful that s/he could move yet...

Check out www.spinningbabies.com for tips on turning your baby.

The site is a bit unstable and has a few formatting issues but don't let it put you off. It is full of useful info.

There is a tip on the left for fixing the formatting too.

AFAIK if the baby stays transverse then i don't think you have the option of a natural birth. Have they offered you an ECV?

i had a section for a breech baby who turned out to be transverse when they opened me up. It was fine but just a bit more complicated than a simple cs. Apparently it does take longer to get the baby out as they have to manouvre them round inside. The advantage for you is that they will know what they are dealing with before they start unlike with me.

minnie pls keep us posted - i think i'm in a similar situation. i'm 35 weeks and think my baby is still transverse. i keep hearing that there is plenty of time for the baby to move, but he certainly seems to like laying across me!

i've been sitting on a pilates/exercise ball in the evenings and trying the on all fours too. no changes yet...

I think that I may try acupuncture, I have heard that it can help, but I am a little nervous about interfering at all in case it starts off my labour...

nulgirl - that makes sense, I suspect that there will be a bit more "fishing about inside" involved. No, my consultant isn't keen on ECV, I don't particularly like the idea either...

I had to have c-section when my leding twin was transverse, 2nd twin was breech, was allowed home until the day of the op at 38 weeks though, which dosen't really make sense as with previous baby i was admitted for a week as he was an unstable lie and they were concerned about prolapse...

different consultants i guess.

Good luck!

I had a c-section for a transverse. I did have more bruisibg than others seemed to as baby had to be turned inside me to get her out IYSWIM. But baby was fab with APGARS of 9 and 9.

Oh well, I had better stock up on the arnica for the bruising then!