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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Got a scan at 36 weeks as baby is breech there going to try and turn it around sounds grim.....

14 replies

Scruffyhound · 05/03/2011 18:53

Im going for a scan next thursday to see if my baby is still breech. I went at week 34 to see my midwife on the tues she said the head was down. I went for a scan on the thurs and the bugger had moved around and was breech. Im going again next thursday for a scan to check the position. They told me if baby still is they will try to turn it around. Has anyone had this done? It seems a bit weird but I guess its better than a c section? My DS who is now 5 was no problem so did not have any of these problems. Im not looking forward to my appointment I must admit.... need some if only I could...

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RuthChan · 05/03/2011 19:07

My DS was born breech.
He too turned once at about 30 weeks, but turned back.
Apparently some babies turn back if there is a problem, eg with the cord, when they turn head down.

There was no attempt made to turn DS, although I did try to turn him myself by raising my pelvis on cushions for a few minutes each evening. (There's lots about it on line if you want to try too.) It didn't work for me!

Anyway, in the end DS was born naturally, breech and with no complications. I just want to reassure you that natural birth is possible with a breech baby if the turning fails. Talk to your midwife about it if you'd prefer to avoid a c-section.

Original poster

Scruffyhound · 05/03/2011 19:18

Thanks RuthChan I hope to give birth like I did with my DS. The consultant said that a c section would prob have to be done if the baby did not turn so Im not sure what she thinks or the reason why. I suppose I dont mind really. And to be honest a c section would be better as at least I would know when Im having it! And with having my DS whos 5yrs old already and problems getting a sitter for him as were we are and everything I guess a c section would be ok in that respect?! Thanks again for the info.

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CrapBag · 05/03/2011 19:49

My DD was head down until 34 weeks then went breech.

You don't have to have an ECV (where they manually try and turn the baby).

I did have it, it didn't work. Its only about 50% effective and there is a very small chance that the baby can become distressed and you will need an EMCS straight away (its about a 1% risk).

Word of warning, if you do have it, it is bloody uncomfortable. I just laid there with my eyes shut and gripped the sheet. Even the MW was cringing but DD was being very stubborn and just wouldn't move, some babies do turn straight away. They inject you with a muscle relaxant which can make you a bit shaky, coat your belly in olive oil then the consultant 'lifts' the baby from your pelvis and tries to move the baby's head down. You will be monitored for a short time before and about an hour after to check the baby is ok.

I had a CS 4 weeks ago, I was dreading it. Turned out to be an amazing birth and if I have anymore, I will have another one. DS was a forceps and 3rd degree tear but I still wanted to give birth naturally again . I'm glad DD didn't turn.

You can also have a breech birth but the risks are slightly higher to the baby than a CS and you would have to have someone who is happy to deliver a breech baby. The consultant did say I had a choice but after DS's bad birth, I didn't want to take the risk of a breech birth.

ValiumSingleton · 05/03/2011 19:53

My first was transverse and they got me in to do a 'version' I think it was called. It was so uncomfortable. NOt painful. But really revolting. Just didn't feel right at all. I had to ask them to stop after a while. BUT, the baby turned later that night and I ended up having a natural birth. Which was a shock, as I'd spent weeks and weeks thinking I'd have a cs.

If the baby is fully breech though, could a version turn it ALL the way round. I mean, from transverse, the baby didn't have as far to go.

I'd say, give it a go, and stick it out for as long as you can but if you can't tolerate it any more just say so.

CrapBag · 05/03/2011 19:57

ECV (external cephalic version) can turn a baby all the way around. My consultant got DDs head to the side but she just wouldn't shift her legs.

I would say go for it if you are comfortable with it. My cousins DP didn't want it as it could cause distress to the baby.

I was adamant I wanted DD to turn but now I am so in love with her (as oppose to when I was pregnant, couldn't walk with SPD, spent xmas day in hospital with an unknown pain, and extremely fed up and feeling resentful of her in my belly) I can't believe I took that chance to be perfectly honest. The risk is very small though but there is also always the chance they will turn back, or even just turn themselves anyway.

FluteyBoots · 05/03/2011 19:57

I had DS turned at 36 weeks. As Valium says, it felt disgusting, just eerrrrgh wrong. Not massively painful, just yuck. And it took about 45 mins, he had to be turned all the way round. It was a 2 man job, very physical, the strength that lady had in her hands was quite something.

But I was very glad we did it, as it was successful and saved us having a CS. Do pack your bag though on the chance that they need to deliver straight away.

Original poster

Scruffyhound · 05/03/2011 22:11

Thanks for all the advice. Im pooing my self! I dont fancy someone messing with my tummy. I hate people touching my belly button and I dont really touch it unless I have to it makes me feel sick! So I hope they dont have to mess around that area too much!! I thought it was a thin gthat had to be done not an option?! Im getting mixed feelings about a CS now Im not sure?! I had my DS normally I dont plan on having anymore as this baby was not planned. (I say baby as we dont know the sex we have tried to see but even after 6 scans the baby will not let us see causing trouble in more ways than one!!) It sounds a bit horrible to be honest! I just want to see which way the monkey is. I take it I should have someone there if and when they do this procsdure like DP or someone does it make you feel weird after or maybe sick prob not wise to drive my self there and back? I will look forward to seeing the midwife on tues to see what she says..... thanks again for everyones advice

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CrapBag · 06/03/2011 11:12

Oh you have the belly button thing too! I do. I CANNOT stand anyone going near mine. Every appointment when I was pregnant would start with me saying "Do not touch my belly button" cue odd looks and me explaining that it doesn't hurt, I just am extremely squeamish about it.

The ECV does involve hands ALL over your belly. Unfortunately the dreaded 'area' cannot be avoided but it was odd as when the olive oil went on, I couldn't really feel the consultants hands on my (cringes) belly button. DH said he was very surprised I went through with it as when they done the scan, I was flinching like mad when the scanner went too close and the consultant did tell me that if I didn't relax, they wouldn't be able to do it.

Now the actual procedure, it sounds awful and it is uncomfortable, but it is bearable. I thought it was going to be far worse than it was after reading and hearing from others who had had it. It really wasn't as bad as I built it up to be. My stomach muscles did hurt for a few days after. I would recommend you take someone, just because of the effect that the muscle relaxant can have on you.

You do not have to have it, I'm surprised they haven't given you the choice really. I had a consultant go through what I wanted to do before they booked me in for it.

Good luck.

And you won't be able to find out the sex on this scan, they can't see it due to the size of the baby. I wanted them to confirm what we had been told at the 20 week scan but they couldn't.

diyqueen · 06/03/2011 12:47

Every sympathy - my baby's breech too, and I just wasn't expecting to be stressing about which way up it was or preparing myself for a c-section at this stage. I had an ECV last week, which unfortunately failed, but I feel glad that I gave it a try as I know I've done what I can to turn the baby. It was painful but bearable and over in about ten minutes (it was obvious that the baby wasn't budging). The hardest thing was trying to keep my tummy relaxed and not resist the pressure from the doctor's hands. The consultant that did it did say that it works best on women who have had a baby before, so you would probably stand a better chance of it working than me (it's my first). Whatever you decide, I hope it all goes well for you.

Original poster

Scruffyhound · 06/03/2011 14:38

Thanks ladies! I dont know where the belly button thing has come from?! Its weird I just hate people going near it or even my self. My DP says have you ever washed it? Im like yeh very quick with the sponge and a little jet wash with the shower head once in a while! I dont tend to have a horrible belly button its just not nice to touch. When I wnet for a scan they kept going over it I was like Im gonna be sick! I did not say anything as felt stupid it just felt horrible.
I hope the baby has turned now if it has not and the ECV does not work I think I might go for a c section. I dont want any more risks to the baby really Im also on thyroxine and feel a bit weird at times so that put me off doing it natural if its breech just something else to worry about really. Im sorry to hear it has not worked for most people. But hey at least you all gave it a try and I feel its the least I can do for little un! As for the sex I think I have given up now it will be a suprise Im kind of excited about not knowing now and got used to the idea should hope so at 36 weeks!!!

OP posts:

CrapBag · 07/03/2011 19:48

Good luck then.

And don't feel weird about not telling people about the belly button thing, I just put up with the odd looks, they aren't bloody going near it!

buttonmoon78 · 07/03/2011 20:17

Bizarre - my consultant turned ds at 37 wks and could see what 'it' was clearly enough to have to turn the screen away!

I had ECV at 37wks as I was desperate to avoid a section. It worked but only with morphine - it was horribly painful BUT I did have terrible SPD and back pain anyway.

Although ds was then back to back I would have it done again if this baby is also tricky.

BTW, at my hospital you are not allowed to drive yourself home after.

tinfoilhat · 07/03/2011 23:03

My ds was breech at 37 weeks and we wanted to avoid an ECV so asked the consultant to give us another week or so to try and get him to turn naturally. We found lots of advice searching the net - we tried moxibustion ( sp?) a Chinese method which involves burning some charcoal sticks near your little toes (!!!) and also spending as much time as I could stand on all fours with my bum in the air to encourage him to turn! One method, or both, worked because a week later he had turned and stayed put.
I think they're often too quick to carry out 'procedures' and like to panic you when you're at your most vulnerable. I'm glad I stood my ground and tried natural methods first. The ECV sounded horrible to me, far too rough and intrusive.
Good luck!

CrapBag · 08/03/2011 09:24

Personally I think if a baby is going to turn, it will, regardless of all the 'methods' you try (not referring to ECV). I do think it is a coincidence as many babies will turn to get ready for birth anyway as it is the natural thing for them to do so it happens in the last few weeks when mothers are trying different methods, then it looks like it works. And I say this as someone who spend time laying upside down trying to get DD to turn.

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