Anyone had a successful ECV in first pg with frank breech and anterior placenta?

[HJBeans]

Just that, really. Growth scan at 34 weeks showed my LO still has his head and feet at my ribcage. Advice from consultant and midwife is to rescan at 36 weeks and, if still breech, try ECV at 37 weeks. If ECV is unsuccessful, they'd recommend a scheduled section at 39 weeks. Doing all the positional stuff that's recommended to encourage him to shift - though he's been in just the same position for 6 weeks so must like it!

Mainly concerned about the ECV if it does come to that as I've read that they're less likely to work for first time mothers with frank breech presentations and anterior placentas. Also, I understand serious complications can be more likely with the anterior placenta. Don't want a c-section, but wonder if it's worth risking the ECV for a fairly low chance of avoiding one?

You have to make your own decision on this, but I would not consent to ECV. To me, potential risk just isn't worth it.

Hate to say it, but only you can decide whether you want to try the ECV. I would advise that you gather as much info on the procedure as possible, asking your hospital / consultant what their success rates are, and for different types of breech - it varies a lot! Read a lot and then make an informed decision.

i had anterior placenta with my first DC - he was breech until 36 weeks and turned of his own accord so there is still time for you. second DC was footling breech - tried all the positioning, accupuncture stuff and eventually ECV but there was no turning that girl (she's still a stubborn determined little thing) and so had ELCS at 38 wks. pg again, this baby has anterior placenta and also breech but this time i have declined ECV for a few reasons: it was excruciating, i've had a CS so risk of rupture, and there is an increased risk because of the anterior placenta.

FWIW i didnt want a CS, hence trying everything i possibly could to avoid one. i dont particularly want another one. but i have to say i found recovery from the CS far more straightforward than from my VB. and my baby got here safely, in one piece and was healthy.

hope your baby is more cooperative and turns for you soon!

Personally I'd rather go for a breech vaginal birth if the presentation is favourable rather than risk an ECV, although you have plenty of time and I expect your baby will probably turn by then. Good Luck!

I had an ecv done at 38 +8 for a frank breech. It didn't work as it was too late, he was stuck and not enough fluid. I then had a section the following week which was fine. But for me now I wouldn't of gone for the ecv knowing that it can go wrong and cause the baby distress. but I didn't have any positives that was going to help me. Good luck in what ever you decide

I foolishly had 3 attempts at ECV, all unsuccessful. And very painful. The midwives on the ward filed in to watch each time as they were desperate to see a successful one. None had ever seen one. I had a calm, planned CS instead.

Thanks, all. It's really useful to read your experiences.

From what I can tell, there's no experience within the maternity team where I am with delivering breech babies vaginally, and it's my first child and he's measuring very big on the scans - so don't think that's an option for me.

Have read the abstracts of various studies done and from what I can see, ther are greater risks of bad outcomes with the c-section than the ECVbut risks for either are fairly low. Issue for me is that the ECV risks are mainly to the baby and the c-section risks seem to be mainly for the mum. Think I'd have a very hard time doing something I felt to be risky for him to avoid larger risks for myself.

Think I'll follow your very sound advice, shelly, and ask the consultant who would be doing the procedure and what their stats are for success and complications for various presentations. It makes sense that this should factor in, as it's obviously a very skilled procedure.

Thanks again, everyone.

Re c-section risks, depending on which studies you looked at, remember the risks of the section are often including other risks which are not from the section! So may include emergency sections where labour has already gone very wrong, and where there is a high risk, but also for things like planned sections where there are problems like breach, the planned section will be no more risky than any other section, but labour would be more risky than a normal presentation, especially where as you say, there is no experience within the delivery team.

What I'm trying to say is, the risks (to you as well as the baby) should be lower for a planned section for the known complication (breech), than for a natural delivery of breech, with an inexperience team, but the section risk data isn't taking that into account iykwim.

I had an unsuccessful ECV at 39+2 after DD1 was discovered to be breech the day before. While it didn't hurt, I don't think the doctor attempting the manoeuvre put much effort into it due to my anterior placenta and the fact that being past the 39 week mark meant there was very little room to play with. It was almost as though she was resigned to the fact that it wouldn't work before she began.

Had an elcs the following day and I have to say it was an amazing experience. Very calm, almost serene... And my recovery was very quick too

i had an unsuccessful ecv at 36 weeks and it was really take your breath away uncomfortable. had to have c section as breech births weren't offered as an option. i wouldn't have one again (ecv that is, c section was a pretty positive experience)

ECV not even offered where I live due to risk to the baby, don't chance it it's not worth the risk.

My Aunt had an ECV at 35+6, she lost the baby 3 days later due to a ruptured placenta which had been missed afterwards.

This was 17 years ago but when I was offered one in February I declined and opted for an ELCS, I'd had an EMCS with my first and it was such a different experience and don't regret it at all.

From what I have gathered, the risks of an ECV far outweigh risks of an elcs (as opposed to emcs). There are quite a few stories on here of those who have lost babies, likely due to a rupture of the placenta caused by ECV. I personally wouldn't.

I refused ECV after asking consultant who was doing it (himself) and what were his success stats (20% I kid you not).

He didn't bat an eyelid at my refusing.

Beans - I know two people who have had ECVs - one successful and one not. I haven't a clue about their placental position though and the one with the successful ECV went on to have a small baby.

I think whether I'd have an ECV would very much depend on the experience of the consultant and how much faith I had in them. I must admit having an anterior placenta would put me off.

With regards to the possibility of having a section - please don't worry about that too much. I had an emergency section with my daughter and recovered very quickly. In fact I've decided to have another one this time round as I enjoyed the experience so much! I should be finding out my date this Friday.

Thanks again, all, these are all really helpful. My wee one's still stubbornly wrong way up, with another week and a half to go before the next scan. If he doesn't budge I'll be asking for a lot more detail on the ECV stats of the person who'd be doing it as well as airing my concerns about anterior placenta, etc.

At this stage, I'm leaning strongly towards declining the procedure - regardless of whether placental damage actually happened, I think I'd spend the next two weeks mad with worry and I don't think that's worth it for what seems a very low chance of avoiding a c-section. Am open to being convinced otherwise but they'd need to tell me a lot more before I felt comfortable trying it.

Really, really helpful to read lots of descriptions of calm elective c-sections - makes this likely outcome seem a lot less scary. Thanks again.

I am currently 34 weeks and 5 days. My baby girl is frank breach anterior placenta with intrauterine growth restriction. Just under the 10th percentile in measurements. At week 36 if she is still breach they are going to do an ECV. How successful is this procedure for someone with these issues. To top it off I myself have ehlers danlos syndrome stage 3 and a seizure disorder called functional neurological disorder. If the procedure is successful we will do a vaginal birth. It it is not successful they will do a csection which I 100% do not want. This is my first baby and last. They have told me it's to dangerous for me to have babies due to this entire pregnancy having been one serious issue after another. I am also developing preeclampsia. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.