Has anyone had an ECV?

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And if so, what was it like?

my baby is breach at 34 weeks and has been in the same position for my last 3 scans so they think it’s less likely they will turn on their own. I have another scan at 36 weeks and if the baby is still in breach then, an ECV may be recommended.

Just wondering if anyone has had one and what it was like if so? I’ve heard it can be very painful and has some risks to the baby, so I’m keen to hear first hand experiences!

I had one at 38 weeks. I wouldn't describe it as very painful, but it was definitely uncomfortable and rather unpleasant. I think you can ask for gas & air, but it wasn't offered to me. It ended up being unsuccessful - this can be the case with first pregnancies because your muscles are still quite firm - and I had a C-section which was absolutely fine. It turned out she had the umbilical cord quite tightly wrapped round her, which may be why the ECV didn't work, and a natural delivery might have been very dangerous.

I had one 20 years ago. I wasn't told of any of the risks - don't know if they were known at the time!
DD was transverse so didn't need the full turn. It worked. It was very uncomfortable, but I wouldn't say painful.
She was safely delivered, although had the cord wrapped round her neck, and it had a knot in it. I have often wondered whether that was because of the ecv. Luckily the midwife was alert to the problem, and all was well.
If I'd known about the risks, I'm not sure I would have gone ahead with it.
If she had been my first, I probably wouldn't have done, but I didn't really want a cs with a toddler to look after as well.

I didnt have one - i opted for ELCS instead as i didnt want to risk early c section with a toddler at home, but i came on to say that DD2 had been breech from 28w and turned at 39+2! I was scanned at 39+1 when she was still breech, I went into labour at 39+3 and when they scanned me in triage, she was head down. I had a lovely vaginal delivery instead. Everyone told me it was really unlikely for her to turn after 36w but she did. So please don't lose hope and get on Spinning Babies!

When she was born, her umbilical cord was unusually long and the midwife said she thought she had probably been positioned in a way that it had been preventing her from turning sooner.

I had an unsuccessful ECV in June, not painful but uncomfortable, although I had stupidly listened to horror stories before I went and was terrified. Tried everything in my power to get him to turn, but he just didn’t want to. Instead had a beautiful c-section experience (when I was originally dead agains a CS), hope it works out ok for you

Pretty much the same for me. I had two which weren't successful but absolutely no regrets. Had a c section which was ok but hard recovery

Second time baby was breech until the end, turned at 37 weeks and I had a vaginal birth which was much easier to recover from. That's just my experience

Thanks so much everyone! Reassuring responses.

My first son was born by emergency c-section. I would prefer a VBAC this time if possible because I’d rather not go through c-section recovery with two children to look after, but if it has to happen then it is what it is! I’m glad to know it’s more on the uncomfortable side than the painful side.

The baby has a couple more weeks to sort itself out so I’m thinking head down thoughts!!