Breech after 36 weeks - experiences?

[Wintermummy18]

Hello 🙂
I’m 36+1 with my first baby. This baby has been breech for as long as I can remember now, since at least 28 weeks (last confirmed by growth scan at 32 weeks). Realistically, is a baby likely to turn itself after 36 weeks? Especially after being in that position for so long. I’d love to hear others experiences. I think I’d be sent for a scan again to confirm at 37 weeks, and I presume they’ll offer me an ECV. I’ve tried moxibustion, getting myself into all sorts of positions, using my ball.

I really know that having a c section isn’t the end of the world (I’m also a health care professional) and I respect that some people would prefer to have one. However I am really upset with the idea that this might be the only option, and it’s making me feel pretty rubbish.

My breech turned spontaneously at 35+6, confirmed by scan at 36+1 and was born 2 days later - suspected he ruptured the membranes with his new position.

Thanks for replying. Was it very obvious he turned at that point? I’d think it would be, but I have seen some people say they didn’t even realise!

My baby was breech all the way along, I knew she was but midwife kept saying she wasn't. Found out officially at 38 plus 5 during a growth scan. She didn't move at all and elected for c section. I refused ECV

My first was breech all the way along. She never turned. I was same as you and didn't want a section. It was the best experience of my life. I think when there's no option you need to embrace it. Plus you won't have other kids at home to look after. Just take all the help you can and be really kind to yourself after. I regret all the running around I did.

My first dd was breech and never turned ( I didn't want them to manually try to turn her as has some safety risks I am told) so opted for elective section. In comparison to my poor sisters natural birth which went on 36 hours and she felt so worn and drained by the end -mine was a breeze. I was home within 48 hours ( this was 17 years ago) and feeling really well within a week. Fast forward to 2021 with my second dd I opted for another section despite her not being breech as I understand you can rupture your stitches or something. Operation itself was more unpleasant partly due covid and having to wear a mask that made me anxious and they had some trouble putting epidural in so I'm not wanting to go through that again but recovery was
Amazing again. I don't think c sections are what they were 30 odd years ago and I felt it was a safer option for my 1st baby for sure but of course appreciate this is not everyone's view or indeed their experience. Good luck x

My second was breech from about 28 weeks until a presentation scan at 37+6. She has been breech the week before, so turned at some point that week. I didn't feel her turn (god knows how!). Think if it's a second baby and your first was head down there is more chance of them turning that a first baby.

Mine was also breech for every scan. At every midwife appointment I'd get some hope she'd turned as they'd be sure she was head down and engaged. But bedside scans showed she was still breech and just engaging the little butt in there. (Evidently had a but that felt exceptionally like a head).

She never budged and due to some bleeding they wouldn't try an ECV. Honestly I was gutted I couldn't do it how I always dreamed I would and booked in my planned section (which got brought forward but that's another story!). It took some time to get my head around it but the experience itself was incredible and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.
I really do understand that initial disappointment but I promise it gets better!

I'm now thinking whether I'd want to try a VBAC for my - currently theoretical - second and knowing that whatever happens I'd be happy as I got my beautiful girl at the end last time.

My second child was breach for most of my pregnancy. I was going to have a breach delivery as I had given birth before. Baby turned at 36 weeks to head down (by herself). Then at 38 weeks she went breach again! It wasn't that pleasant feeling. Then at 39 weeks she turned herself again so it was decided to have an induction quickly before anymore turning!

I would wait and see! They is still time baby could turn. Listen to the consultant. Good luck 🤞

Not myself, but my colleague's first baby was found to have turned cephalic on the day of her C-section. Something like 39+2. No idea that baby turned, let alone when.

I did have a breech baby that turned after 36 weeks. Except he was my second, and second+ babies are known to turn later. In the end he turned sometime the evening/night of 36+5. We only know this as a palpation check that afternoon said breech, but a scan in the morning of 36+6 showed cephalic. I sure as heck didn't feel it! I also suspect I had the same as a PP where his butt was mistaken for his head for most of my antenatal checks. Probably because most kicks I could feel were in my upper right. He was facing that way, and was frank breech. It was a 36 week scan that showed he was breech.

I was aware of him turning (it was a comical 'alien' moment!) but I daren't hope that's what it was until the midwife wheeled an old machine out of the cupboard to check!

My second was breech throughout. I did exercises, had accupuncture and works but nothing worked. Had an ECV at 37 weeks I think it was, didn't work.

Was strongly advised against a vaginally birth as he was measuring big. Got booked in for an elective at 40+1, but my waters broke at home and he was born at 38+5, 10lb 6, do very glad I didn't try a vaginally delivery!

I was super against a c section, but it was fine, honestly wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd imagined it would be

Thank you for all the replies! My midwife actually thought head down as well, it was only the growth scan that confirmed breech. It’s good to hear some babies do decide to turn very late! I suppose I still have a bit of time. Also trying to be realistic. Just need to get my head around the fact that I may not get the birth that I wanted.

DD turned at 37 weeks I think, there was an almighty scrabble one night as I was in bed. I got checked out to be safe.

However before that I was planning to refuse an ECV and go for the section.

DD was found to be breech at the 36 week growth scan. I read all the NHS advice and every breech thread I could find on here and concluded baby probably wouldn’t turn so late. I declined the ECV and booked a planned c section.

In the end my waters broke before the c section and DD had in fact turned herself really late in the game. I don’t know when because I didn’t notice a thing but she must've done it between 37+6 and 39+5.

I was actually quite disappointed when they cancelled my c section but if you’re looking to avoid one maybe there’s some hope.

Update for anyone who comes across this thread - I had a successful ECV today at 36+6! First baby who has been breech since at least 28 weeks so wasn’t that much hope. The ECV whilst uncomfortable, was not that bad and took all of about 30 seconds! ☺️ now just to hope baby stays that way.