HELP- baby breech, what's the pro's and cons to external version, vb v's cs

[mum26plus]

Hi, I'm 34+3 with my 7th baby and I've never had a breech one before. The doctor mentioned external version but I've heard there can be complications with this, what are they?? and some serious pain. He also mentioned a caesarean but might also have been happy to allow a vb, which is best? Can someone give me some information and advice on all of this and when is it too late for the baby to turn. Getting a bit worried about all this.

There's a hospital breech birth story on the homebirth site here

You don't have to ask permission to have a breech birth in hospital, you just tell them that that's what you're going to have, and could they please supply some staff who are supportive of your choice. I did consider a hospital birth when my last baby was still breech at 40 weeks, as my biggest concern wasn't the birth as such but the increased possibility of resuscitation being necessary. I was assured by the mw that they'd be respectful of my wishes and I wouldn't have any doctors barging in demanding to do a c/s - how true that is I don't know as I never had to test it out!

I think you just have to be clear about what you want, and don't get into the 'legs in stirrups and lots of manoevring the baby' situation that is actually the most dangerous way to deliver a breech baby.

Anway it will probably have turned by the time it's due so don't worry too much about it all

(I had an ECV, too, but it didn't work. No side effects, it did hurt like mad, but nobody was harmed. I'm glad we tried to turn him, I really did want a vb, and left no stone unturned.)

Thanks again for your helpful comments, I guess as I want a vb and 90% seems to be a good success rate I'll try the ECV. I have to admit that the speed with which my last one came and living so far out delivering a breech baby naturally does cause me some worry. It would be so nice if they arrived when the drs say they will, save everyone a lot of trouble and worry. As for being bullied into anything by drs, there's not much chance of anyone getting me to do something I don't want to, hence why all the question on here Thanks again ladies, if there's any more information anyone can give me it's gratefully appreciated.

Sydneygirl, thanks for sharing your experience, it's always nice to hear how it went from people in the first person rather than the third and I do have to ask is that Sydney as in Oz?

you are up early ! you can use the search facility to search out old threads about ECV and vaginal breech birth hope all goes well for you x

WOW a 90% ECV rate - that's amazing. I had an unsuccessful ECV with DD and my surgeon had a 40% success rate which was considered pretty good (the national average was 38% at the time). As I said it was unsuccessful - she was stuck! and I ended up having a CS. Good luck

Hi lulumama, not really up early I'm in Oz. Thanks for your tip on searching for other threads on breech births, I'll do that and see what other people have had to say.

I guess with a 90% success rate I should probably go for the ECV, why does it sound too good to be true after all you suprised MNers said 40% was exceptional

Yes, mum26plus, although Melbourne not Sydney! We changed our minds at the last moment. How are you doing this morning, feeling less worried yet?

Oooh, just seen that you're in Oz too. Where are you?

Hi Sydneygirl, sorry it's taken me so long to reply I've been away on holidays for 10 days and only just got back. You know enjoying the last few weeks of being able to sleep in. I'm now in Tassie although originally from Melbourne and we just went to Adelaide and came back through Melbourne, my DP's brother lives there. It's nice to meet some other Aussies on here .

Yes thanks I do feel heaps better after bean decided to turn while sitting for 10 hours on the ferry, it was definitely the most uncomfortable 10 hours but well worth it as it's now facing the right direction and all seems to be going to plan.

Thanks everyone for your replies.