What would you do if you were me?

[thatsnotmyname43]

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 :-)

@thatsnotmyname43 in my case it was week 39

@thatsnotmyname43

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?

Week 39 for both of mine. I had to call unit straight away if I went into labour beforehand

I was in your situation with dc2 (similar age gap as well). After dc1 I was traumatised and berated myself for my failure to give birth 'properly'. Really really wanted vbac and to 'get it right'. Had a very very sympathetic midwife who really helped me deal with the trauma I'd not been able to let go of.
Went for the planned section option. Dc2 was delivered at 39+2. It was a really lovely experience and recovery was so much quicker than with the emergency section.

My breech baby turned at 36 weeks on his own when I was lying in bed it woke me up I felt his head pushing into my side then it kind of slid down the inside of my belly all the way to the bottom. I was so relieved because I’m terrified of needing a section so I was going to have him turned and try to avoid that section at all costs. After he had turned I went into labour at 38 weeks and he arrived safely that afternoon. Personally I’d try and avoid a section, but Iv never had one and unsure of the recovery but the thought terrifies me. But I have heard recovery is much better with a planned section than an emergency section

My friend recently had a ELCS at 39+3, for a breech baby that couldn’t be turned. The hospital told her to contact them immediately if she went into labour.

I'd go for the c section in this scenario I think.