Breech Baby

[AbD82]

Hi, I'm 36 weeks and last two scans have identified that our baby is extended breech. I have an appointment with my consultant this week and know the options will be ECV or C Section. I feel like it's really hard to know what to do for the best as I know that whilst they are small...there are still risks with ECV. Just wondering if anyone's had an experience of ECV?

Im not adverse to C Section and thought before 36 scan I wouldn't want to attempt ECV and just go for C Section. But now we're faced with that choice just don't know what to do for the best. I feel like I've lost my decision making ability completely. Would be keen to hear others experiences?

Mine was breech, I refused EVC and planned a c sec for 39 weeks. Very glad I did as was a good experience, no drama and a smooth recovery.

I did get annoyed by people saying ‘oh he’ll turn!’ for those last three weeks though! He did not and was born with his feet around his ears he had a hip scan at six weeks and no lasting problems at all.

Do what’s right for you but in my gut I knew I didn’t want to piss about and would much rather have the surety of the c section.

I had EXACTLY the same experience as @WheelieBinPrincess

Accept your c section fate. Research slow sections so you have some control over it all. As in, requesting no talking, music, skin to skin etc. Mine was breech from 6 months. Didn't turn. Still a stubborn arse at three and a half.

I chose my own music. And talking was absolutely fine- I like to be informed.

My friend had ecv twice, he just turned round again so it was a section.
She said the ecv was very unpleasant.

I went in for an ECV today, 37+1 with my first. They attempted twice, baby just wouldn't budge even a centimetre. They warned it would be uncomfortable, but I was not prepared for how much it actually hurt. My insides felt like they were on fire- and I'vegot a pretty high pain tolerance. They offered me another try at an ECV next week, but I can't do that again. Booking the C-section.
Of course the experience is different for everyone and some women barely feel it, but this is my experience.

I had an ecv to try and turn my ds, for me it wasn’t painful at all, just pressure. Sadly my ds was determined not to move his bum out my pelvis, so I had a c section, but if I had another breech baby I would def try a ecv again.

I had a failed ecv. It was not something I would ever do again. The drugs they give to help relax the muscles gave me the shakes, it was an awful feeling. The actual procedure was so painful and for me pointless as it didn't bloody work! Go for an elective c-section I really enjoyed mine, so calm and relaxed and it was a lovely experience.

Out of interest (mine has been kicking in my pelvis for a few weeks so preparing myself for breech) has no one been offered the option of vaginal birth for breech? There's loads of videos online of breech births and the hands off technique for midwives with breech so I don't understand why that hasn't been given as an option.

My son (my second baby) was Franklin breech and, after trying every alternative therapy available - homeopathy, moxibustion etc, I opted for an ECV as I wanted a natural water birth and am terrified of operations.
I had it at 38 weeks, it wasn't painful at all and I watched it on the scanning monitor. It was fascinating. He turned quickly on the first attempt and I was booked in for a sweep the following week to bring on labour so as to give him less time to turn back. I did have a natural water birth, 6hours and no tearing. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it but everyone has different experiences. I'm so glad I opted for the ECV - I was cooking dinner 6hours after he was born! Good luck with whatever option you choose

@zibidee
I asked about trying a natural delivery with my son and spoke to an expert in delivering breech babies midwife. However, they were very
Hesitant to let me try as they estimated that my son would be at least 2lb bigger than my daughter, which he was, plus he was Franklin breech, and they were obviously concerned so I went for the EVC and had the perfect outcome.

I had an ECV with my 2nd baby. He had been breech from early on & never shifted. The ECV wasn't unpleasant but it didn't work, I didn't really expect it to - he was in such a fixed position.

I was scheduled for a section, actually went into labour early myself.

@EarringsandLipstick did you give birth vaginally in the end?

OP my sister's baby was breech and she had an EVC which worked. She said it was uncomfortable but not painful and she would do it again if it meant avoiding surgery.

[quote Zibidee]@EarringsandLipstick did you give birth vaginally in the end?

OP my sister's baby was breech and she had an EVC which worked. She said it was uncomfortable but not painful and she would do it again if it meant avoiding surgery.[/quote]
Sorry, no. They did the section when I was at 10cm (my labour progressed v quickly).

I was raging! I was almost fully clothed as they had to move fast, they barely got me in the door of the theatre before they operated.

But all was well 🙂

@Zibidee
How far along are you? Has your midwife been feeling for baby's position?
I was convinced my baby was breech as I was feeling kicks in my pelvis too - was scanned and baby has been head down the whole time but is basically folded in half so feet are by it's head which is why I was feeling kicks so low.

@jolota I'm only 28weeks so lots of time to turn but the low down kicks are very persistent! Maybe he's doubled over like yours.
Midwife thought he was diagonal at last check 3weeks ago but as I have high BMI I'm not convinced she could feel that much.

@Zibidee hopefully your baby has plenty of time to turn if they are breech!
My midwife was convinced my baby was head down but I didn't believe her, hence the scan, felt a little embarrassed after but the reassurance was worth it!

My first baby was breech and they did a successful ECV on him. He stayed head down and was born vaginally.

I'm 39 weeks atm with my second baby and in the hospital because of transverse position.

I had an ECV done on Friday, which was successful. However, now the baby has turned back again and is in transverse position again.

I am not sure what will happen, need to speak to the doctors when they come after lunch.

I would recommend an ECV because it worked with my first. It's definitely painful, but my hospital gave me gas and air.

Thanks everyone for your comments. We saw the consultant on Friday. She said they wouldn't recommend a breech vaginal birth and that the ECV might not work as babies bum is engaged so would be hard to turn her. We've opted for planned C Section...and hope that she turns within the next 2 weeks!