Breech at 33 weeks - where do I stand?

[Alicia870]

I know this is really just a waiting game for the next few weeks. But just wondered if anyone has any success stories for me! Baby has been breech since 28 weeks and has their head stuck right up under my ribs (so sore 😭). Midwife said first baby, there’s less room in there, tight muscles etc, baby may not turn. If still breech by 36 weeks they will do a scan and offer ecv which i would decline. Just wondered what are the chances of shifting babs in next few weeks?

Impossible to say to be honest. Is the thing you've said you'll decline when they try and move the baby by manipulating your stomach (for want of a better phrase?!)

Sorry, I didn't have a breech baby but a friend did. She ended up having a c-section.

Yea that’s it! I really don’t want to do that especially with it being my first pregnancy and could cause distress to the baby. I’d rather just go planned section. Feeling very anxious about the whole situation!

I've currently got a breech baby at almost 37 weeks. I was 100% adamant I would refuse an ECV. Was easy for me to say when I'd never been faced with it! Actually when it came down to it, and armed with proper information (in relation to statistics, the risks of c section and the impact on future pregnancies) I went for it. Mine didn't work but I'm glad I did it. Baby was monitored for an hour afterwards, his heart rate never increased or dropped, his movements are the same as they ever were. I very much wanted a vaginal birth, but will now have a c section. Try not to worry until you're at 35/36 weeks as your baby may still move!

Thanks Louella! At what stage are they taking you in for section? Is it your first baby too?

Yes first baby. Don't have a date yet but will be at 39 weeks or very close to

Breech at 36 weeks - got the xray to prove it.

Consultant tried to get his lackeys to turn it. Ineffective and no result.

A week or so later, after a night of feeling gentle squirming, the consultant said it's breech and going to have to be a CS. I'll never forget the look on the MWife's faces when they knew the consultant was wrong.

My DD was breech from 20 weeks, never turned head down at all and I was scanned frequently for other reasons. I was offered ECV at around 37 weeks I think but declined - I didn't want to disturb an obviously very comfortable baby.

If I remember correctly, at the time I declined the ECV they booked me in for the section which had to be done at 39 weeks. I was first up on the day, before a lady with twins even, as I believe they see a breech baby as potentially risky. Not to worry you, they just like to get them out.

I was scanned immediately before the CS to check her exact position.

All very smooth and positive experience. Good luck.

Apparently the spinning babies website has some good tips to turn the baby naturally without intervention. Worth a look? (Never needed it personally)

My dd was breach til 34/35 weeks and then I felt her flip whilst I was swimming. I don't know if it's coincidence but I swear by swimming to get them to turn!

I had a stubborn breech baby too, she was always in the breech position, head under my ribs (awful heartburn!)

It was my first pregnancy too and obviously I had set my heart on a natural delivery.

I opted for the ECV, I am a HCP and read up about it - I would've rather tried it to go forward with a natural delivery than not. There are many scare stories about ECV, and many, many positive ones, but largely I felt it was the decision for me. it was uncomfortable at best but she wouldn't budge.
I was then offered a consultant led vaginal breech delivery (large London hospital) which I declined as I personally didn't know anyone that had had a vaginal breech delivery.

I had a planned section at 39+2 (despite me begging them to take her out sooner such the discomfort I was in)

Section is not an easy option, but it was pleasant if not a bit "reserved"
Recovery was good, personally I didn't feel up to driving until 5 weeks but was very mobile after 4 days - I knew when I'd overdone it though.
She did sustain a very superficial laceration from the section ( it can happen! )

I tried all the tricks on spinning babies web page, swimming, ball bouncing etc what will be will be.

Thanks everyone. I was due to start hypnobirthing next week and spoke to the midwife his morning. She gave me some exercises to try and definitely to check out spinning babies. She also recommended acupuncture. It’s reassuring to hear some positive experiences of c section also if it does come to that

DC1 was an unexpected bottom first breech vaginal delivery. To be honest, if DC2 turns out to be breech too, I'd be tempted to request vaginal delivery again, assuming all other factors are ok and I get to hospital in time as DC1 was born 45 mins after arrival!

My DD was breech at 34 weeks but had turned by herself at 36.

I'm almost 33 weeks and have NO idea what position my baby is in.... how have some of you know since week something? Am I supposed to know by know??

I've had two ECVs, there was no distress to either baby. They are so careful and you can stop at any time. Don't discount it until you've heard all the information 😊

I’m also wondering how you all know what position baby is in? I’ve not got a clue but would really like to know! Midwife hasn’t mentioned anything about it. I’m 30 weeks

My midwife noted it in my notes every time she measured my bump.

Midwife declared that my baby was breech at 38+6. I think they had been breech since at least 33 weeks and in fact a different trainee midwife at an earlier appointment had said the same but was dismissed by a senior midwife.

Due to the lateness of finding out I was offered an ECV but they couldn't do it until after my due date! (Lack of trained staff). In the end I went to an appointment with a consultant at 39 weeks who had a feel and reckoned it would be difficult to do the ECV due to how low baby was. I was booked in there and then for a c section 2 days later.

C section was fine, very relaxed. I had a vaginal birth with my first child and if I'm honest I preferred the c section. I felt better physically after the c section than the episiotomy I had in my vaginal birth.

Good luck. Whatever happens you and baby will be looked after. The staff were great when they knew baby was breech.

Mime turned at 38-39 weeks! Just before my ELCS though I ended up with EMCS anyway. I did have a small baby and am quite tall so I think he had a lot of room, not sure how common it is to turn that late. He was very tangled in his cord so think he'd been flipping about in there... he was transverse before breech too.
Current baby was transverse at 28 week growth scan so will see if he has moved at my 32 week scan next week!

I'm breech at 35 weeks, midwife did not seem optimistic that he would move as he's been breech throughout and this is my first pregnancy so I still have decent stomach muscles. I have psyched myself up for a C section and I actually think I will be quite disappointed if he turns now! I will be refusing the ECV I think - it seems unpleasant and has only limited prospects of success.