ECV - anyone had it? Transverse/breech baby at 33 weeks.

[Hatepickinganame]

As the title says really, im nearly 33 weeks and my awkward little bundle is currently lying with her head in my left ribs, body diagonally across me and legs hanging down. Ive been looking at spinning babies etc for ways to get her to move, but i also have polyhydramnios which apparently makes it harder for her to a) get head down and b)stay there. So I'm preparing myself for needing the ECV procedure, or for an elective csection, which i really dont want. Just wondered if anyone had any experience of the ECV, and if it was painful, did it work, did you go straight into labour? Ive been doing my research to be prepared but was just after some real life experiences. Thanks!!

I had one at 36 weeks since my stubborn little girl is breech, it wasn’t as bad as everyone makes out. It hurt but as soon as they stopped the pain went away. It was pretty chilled, monitoring and just laying about until the procedure.

Hopefully it will work for you if you opt for it but mine didn't want to move, I could literally feel her resisting and the consultant kept laughing at her.

I’m booked in for a c section tomorrow!

@Geekydeaky thank you for the response, can i ask how many weeks you are now? I know every trust is different but wondering when im likely to have the section if thats what happens. I was dead set against the ECV when we found out she was transverse at the last scan, and convinced she would move but its looking less likely she will do it on her own and since i really didnt want a section, i think im going to take the ECV if its offered. And also were you allowed your partner in for it?

If you do go for ECV ask your hospital for their exact success rates, including the success rates of the surgeon. These are usually low enough not to warrant the risk involved

I was 39 weeks on Tuesday, I didn’t want a section either but now it’s close it’s quite nice to know when she’s coming and be prepared. A few people said they have known babies to move at 39 weeks but mine isn’t going anywhere.

My partner was allowed in from the start which was brilliant as I was nervous about going through it alone, we didn’t actually ask if he could, we just turned up together and no one questioned it!

Good luck with whatever you decide ☺️

I had one. The pain was unbearable And I'd had 3 natural births before with just gas and air. And she didn't turn.
I was very anti the C section but as it became the only option, when I had to have it, it was so relaxed and my recovery was quick. I was pain free within 10 days. It also was easier to bear pain,not boing in your very sensitive vulva area.

Boing???? Being.

Yes I had one about 10 years ago for a breech baby. I found it quite barbaric and aggressive. They used quite a lot of force and pressure which was alarming and from memory there were quite a few people in the room. I also went to my acupuncturist and had weird stinky stuff burnt between my toes which did make my baby turn, but then he turned back again!
I ended up having an Elective Caesarian (which very chilled and lovely compared to my first child's birth- although recovery took longer- but was fine).

Where is your placenta as that could mean an ECV isn’t possible? Don’t forget that there is no guarantee they won’t move back again.

ELCS are usually booked for 39 weeks unless specific reason otherwise. You are also likely to be scanned the morning of the appointment to make sure your baby hasn’t moved.

Good luck whichever you decide.

@1940s

If you do go for ECV ask your hospital for their exact success rates, including the success rates of the surgeon. These are usually low enough not to warrant the risk involved

This. There are risks attached to ECV, make sure they explain these to you so you can make an informed decision. I would personally decline.

Book in some acupuncture. Moxybustion worked for me. I had it with my first and it worked and then I didn't do it with my second for some reason I've forgotten and went for the ECV but the baby turned in between having the muscle relaxant and the procedure starting. The registrar had to attend to somebody else in the meantime and I wonder if she had long enough to turn. Anyway I presume the moxybustion (which is weird but not unpleasant and not at all invasive) did whatever the muscle relaxant did.

I had one 16 years ago for a transverse lie. It was uncomfortable rather than painful, was successful and ended up going to 40+12 before going into labour.

BUT I wasn't told of any of the risks at all. Drove myself to the appointment, wasn't monitored for more than about 20mins and then drove myself home. If I had known all hte risks I don't think I would have gone ahead.

As it was my lo was born with the cord around her neck, and it also had a knot in it. Luckily I had a brilliant midwife who recognised the signs and was able to deliver her safely, but it could have been very different. Of course I cannot be certain, but knowing what I know now, I am fairly sure that the ECV caused this.

@SunbathingDragon im sure they said my placenta was at the top. I have too much fluid now too which i know can mean she wont turn. I really didnt want a section so hoping she moves on her own 🙄

I had an ECV but unfortunately unsuccessful and ended up with a c-section. The ECV was uncomfortable but not ridiculously so. The doctors (multiple tried!) used a surprising amount of force, it made me wonder why I had been so cautious about little bumps to my belly etc while pregnant!

I had two, one unsuccessful at 37 weeks and one successful at 38 weeks.

The first attempt was painless but the clinician didn't put much effort into it (baby's head was partly engaged so they decided it wasn't going to work and gave up almost straight away).

In the intervening week I followed advice from spinning babies obsessively!

The second attempt was painful and unpleasant, but only while it lasted. We had no ill effects afterwards. Although it was a bit stressful, I was really glad I'd had it because it allowed me to have the birth I wanted, safely.

All the best to you!

Thank you all for the replies, feels like a long wait until my next scan to find out whats going on but want to be prepared for the decisions i may have to make when we get there.