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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

What would you do if you were me?

31 replies

thatsnotmyname43 · 19/03/2022 07:16

Hi,
I'm 37 weeks pregnant with a breech baby and have been offered an ECV this week (manual turning of the baby). I had an emergency section with my last child 5 years ago and was hoping for a VBAC this time.
However the idea of trying to force the baby into position doesn't sit well with me and I've also heard it can be very painful and is rarely successful.
I'm torn because I really didn't want another section. I feel like the recovery would be much tougher after a second section, although a planned one would hopefully be a calmer experience.
But if I go ahead with the ECV and it doesn't work (or does work but there are complications later such as baby turning back which can happen) I may end up with an EMCS anyway.
At the moment I am leaning towards a planned section but not totally sure and would love to hear other peoples views and experience :-)

OP posts:
GeneLovesJezebel · 19/03/2022 07:19

I’d be going for the planned section, personally.

Katieandthekids · 19/03/2022 07:20

I tried VBAC with my girl 8 weeks ago and ended up having an emergency c section even though on paper all should have been ok. I'm not sure I would have changed it coz I was glad I went into labour as I knew she was ready.

If she had been breech I think I would have had an elec though but it's a very personal decision x

Katieandthekids · 19/03/2022 07:20

Recovery was so much easier second time xx

Original poster
thatsnotmyname43 · 19/03/2022 07:22

@Katieandthekids oh really? I have been worrying thinking it would be harder having previously had a section (scar tissue etc). Also have older child to look after as well as baby so don't want to be totally out of action for too long.

OP posts:
MrsDeaconClaybourne · 19/03/2022 07:26

I've had 3 CSs. One emergency and 2 planned. I was hoping for a home birth 1st time and VBAC the othe 2. I was really disappointed at the time but years later I'd say ELCS every time. Lovely calm experience. You know you need to plan around your recovery and it's much better after an EL as you don't go into tired from being in labour.

Fieldofflowers22 · 19/03/2022 07:28

Oh bless you. Tough decision. From experience, they tried to turn my baby too and it really was a horrendous pain. At one point i really thought i was going to pass out (so sorry i don't mean to scare you). Baby became too distressed so ended up with a ECS anyway. I was rushed in while i was completely freaking out. It was not worth it. Had i known what i know now i would have personally chosen the CS.

grey12 · 19/03/2022 07:33

I remember reading about it. Sonin your position I would choose trying to turn the baby

I saw videos of it and it didn't look painful. But if it is you can always stop the procedure. If you're already considering Csection even though you wanted VBAC what have you got to lose?

Hercisback · 19/03/2022 07:34

Planned section.

Would push for a late date around 41 weeks to give chance of a VBAC.

Original poster
thatsnotmyname43 · 19/03/2022 07:37

The last thing I want is a VBAC with a breech baby. If baby turned himself it would be the best option but I don't feel like that will happen now. Im quite scared of booking in the section then going into labour naturally. Im terrified of trying to give birth to a breech baby. I know people do it and have done it for hundreds of years but there are more risks and after having such a traumatic birth last time I just want things to go smoothly this time.

OP posts:
MikeWozniaksMohawk · 19/03/2022 07:40

I haven’t had an ECV but I have had both an EMCS and planned CS. The planned CS (for second DS) was a completely different experience to the EMCS - very calm and the recovery was no worse than with the first (in fact probably easier!)

Katieandthekids · 19/03/2022 07:52

[quote thatsnotmyname43]@Katieandthekids oh really? I have been worrying thinking it would be harder having previously had a section (scar tissue etc). Also have older child to look after as well as baby so don't want to be totally out of action for too long. [/quote]
Yeh I am not sure why but I barely needed any painkillers after and was home just over 24 hours later. I have twin 2 year olds so also had a lot to get back to. Not picking them up during recovery was hard but I gave up on that by day 5 and it was fine.

Both mine were emergency but People I know who have had elective c sections say they are lovely, calm and positive. For this baby they actually lowered the curtain so I could see my little girl being brought into the world which was pretty special. I would ask for this if you aren't squeamish

grey12 · 19/03/2022 17:14

You seem very anxious with this situation Sad I can relate, had bad experiences with the running to my lanours as well

My best advice is to try and take some control. Read! Read about all your options here in this thread and in the NHS website and other reliable pregnancy resources. Call your midwife to ask for extra resources and advice.

And then plan your itinerary. However you feel comfortable Wink

Personally I think I would try the turning procedure. So if it works: great, baby in good position, hopefully go for VBAC. If it doesn't work: consider elective CS. Or not doing procedure and asking if you can request emergency CS if goes into labour.

DramaAlpaca · 19/03/2022 17:24

I think in your shoes I'd go for the c-section, it's likely to be a much smoother experience.

I wouldn't fancy an ECV myself. I haven't had one, but (blaming the nesting instinct) I did unintentionally manage to get DC1 to turn by scrubbing the kitchen floor on my hands and knees at about 35 weeks, so later than you. He flipped round, it was the most disconcerting and uncomfortable experience and left me feeling queasy, but he ended up in a good position.

I echo a pp who said to take control by reading as much as you can, and talking to your midwife or doctor.

Dyra · 19/03/2022 17:50

I was in your shoes in regards to having a breech second baby just a little less than 2 weeks ago. I hadn't had a C-section with my first though.

Personally, I wanted to at least attempt the ECV, just so I knew I had done everything I could to try and have a vaginal birth like I did with my first. Baby turned on their own (no idea when, didn't feel it), so it didn't matter in the end. But at the time, it was important to me to try rather than have an elective.

Pinkflamingofly · 19/03/2022 17:57

@thatsnotmyname43 I had an ECV with my second baby who was also breech. In fact, we attempted the ECV twice ( on separate
days) and baby would not move. Looking back, I wouldn't do it again..I think there's a reason why they dont turn. But that's just my opinion. I still went on to have a successful vbac with my 3rd

SaraKitty · 19/03/2022 20:44

Personally I wouldn’t do the ECV but I would book in for moxibustion/ acupuncture. If that didn’t work I would get a section . I had a planned section with my last , planning a VBAC this time - baby is head down . But the planned section was very positive so if I had to do it again I wouldn’t have any worries x

HettiSpagetti · 19/03/2022 20:59

First baby was footling breach. The consultant mentioned ECV almost in passing before booking me straight in for a section. I had read up before the appointment and was going to refuse it, but we both got the distinct impression she was not advising I try.

Waters broke at 38 weeks (quite common with footling breech but didn’t know this at the time) and contractions started. A quick scan to make sure of position and then the choice of trying to deliver or EMCS. I chose the section, and I’m glad I did as it turned out the cord was wrapped 3x around the babies neck.

I would go for the section every time In your position.

tarheelbaby · 19/03/2022 20:59

With all the hugs in the world, please don't waste any time on VBAC. Organise the C-section pronto.
With DD1, I had an 'emergency' C-section after nearly 24 hrs labour. It was a great success because my bits were not shredded and she is 100% healthy.
With DD2, I was encouraged heavily towards VBAC. I agreed as a good sport. I don't recommend it. My labour was only about 4 hrs but at least an hr of this was v. slow at the end and I was worried that DD2 would be Ox deprived. Plus I had placental adhesion due to my previous C-section and nearly bled out due to my midwife's ineptitude. I went from VBAC to theatre when my useless midwife finally hit the panic button. I kid you not. My husband was (silently) freaking out! Thankfully, I survived and DD2 is totally ok but she stretched my undercarriage beyond recovery. So I spent several weeks with a catheter unable to walk more than around the house, much less drive! And had months of confusion and discomfort afterwards. Instead of conveniently recuperating from a C section during mat leave, I returned to work after 10mos and then still had to take sick leave for reconstructive surgery!
Don't believe the hype about 'natural' childbirth. It's overrated. That's why doctors have alternatives. Have a comfortable, planned C section and enjoy your life.

RedPinkRose · 19/03/2022 21:12

I had emm cs and hoped for VBAC with dc2 but had a planned (at the very last minute due to baby’s distress and no contractions) cs. I found the planned section a very calm experience and recovered fast.

Only you can decide. My mum felt very strongly that I should’ve opted for a planned cs from the start but I followed the midwives advise to let labour start naturally and give VBAC a go. It didn’t work out that way but I couldn’t have cared less because dc birth was a good, calm experience.

DaddysGirl36 · 19/03/2022 21:22

When my first baby was breech I was offered this & it wasn't something that sounded good at all so I went for the elective C-section. Fantastic experience.

I was given the choice of VBAC or another section with my second & I opted for ECS without thinking about it. It gave me time to plan child care for DS too which was great. Although I couldn't lift him for a few weeks, it was fine & I recovered well. I hear EMCS can be much harder to recover from.

Oh & they usually assess before your ECS to check if baby is still breech & give you option of VBAC at that stage

Good luck with your decision

ramen7 · 19/03/2022 21:23

I had 2 ECV's with my first. Ended up going for a last minute section at 37.5. Lovely and calm in the end after a stressful last couple of weeks of pregnancy.

VBAC with my 2nd which was dreadful and everything went wrong. Thankfully she's ok but CS any day! Good luck! X

crochetcrazy1978 · 19/03/2022 21:29

Planned c section if it was me. I had a traumatic first birth (4 day induction with pre eclampsia ending in emergency c section due to me showing signs of multi organ failure). Second baby was breech until 37 weeks, then turned himself. I had planned section at 39 weeks. Recovery was so much easier with the second planned section and it was very calm

Pinklittle · 19/03/2022 21:29

I was in your position at 37 weeks with a transverse baby, they gave me the same options, to be decided at 38 weeks. Luckily my baby turned it's not unheard of this happening although I was convinced it wouldn't, so had made my decision to have a section and not turn the baby the thought of it made me feel sick tbh and the risk felt too great. Good luck with whatever you decide

Original poster
thatsnotmyname43 · 19/03/2022 21:49

Thank you all, you have confirmed what I already knew to be the safest option deep down. If everything stays the same and baby doesn't turn on their own then I will be opting for the planned section. I don't want the ECV, it sounds awful. And I certainly wouldn't be attempting VBAC with a breech baby, I'm already at a higher risk from my last birth.

Does anyone know what week a planned section for breech baby is usually scheduled for?

OP posts:
Isonthecase · 19/03/2022 22:08

Have you tried spinning babies? I did it with a back to back baby and it wasn't easy but they recommend a few moves you can do to try to help them in the the right position. Have another adult handy.

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