If you had an ECV..

[LittlePositanoLemon]

Did it work? How did it feel?
I'm 34 weeks and my baby is breech and has been the whole way through. Everyone says there's still a chance of baby turning around, but I have a feeling this isn't going to happen. My baby moves a lot, but doesn't flip around iykwim, so I can't see them changing position in time. I'm worried about having to consider an ecv and if doing it is going to distress my baby. Please let me know your experiences! Just wanting to prepare myself. Thank you 🙂

I had an ECV and talked to two people who had one before I had mine. 1 person said it was quite a simple procedure and the baby turned successfully. The other person had a difficult and unsuccessful time. I still decided to go ahead. I personally found it very painful, quite unsettling and it was unsuccessful. I am not sure what the statistics are. If I was in the same position again I am 50 50 whether I would have one again.

A relative of mine had it done and found it really painful and then the baby just moved back anyway. I wouldn’t risk it personally.

I was booked in for an ECV. During the consultation I changed my mind. Personal decision but I decided I would rather opt for a c-section.

I had one - it wasn't worse than a bit uncomfortable but it didn't work. I'm glad I tried though - I hated having a c-section compared to my vaginal births.

I had one at 38 weeks. Stubborn daughter had been breech for the entire pregnancy. The doctor managed to move her in one flip!

It was uncomfortable but it was over in about ten seconds. She stayed head down and I had a simple vaginal birth as planned two weeks later. The doctor said it was the easiest ECV she's ever done.

I saw it as worth a shot to avoid a c-section which I really didn't want.

Daughter is still stubborn now nine months on 😂

I had one as my son was a transverse breach. Unfortunately it didn’t work and I’ll admit it was painful when they tried.

Hmm thank you, lots to think about!

I had one. It didn't work, it was painful and for me an awful and scary experience. I would never have one again. I also felt quite forced into it. I wish I stood my ground but I was quite young at the time.

I've seen lots of successful ones.

I think, as with many things, you're more likely to hear the less good than the good on here

Both my daughters were breech.

For the eldest I had an ECV and (for me) it was one of the most painful things I've gone through and it was unsuccessful.

However, I do know of others who've said for them it was relatively painless!!!

I didn't do one with my second. Didn't want to go through that again.

No idea why for some it is fine and others not!

DS in an almost breech position but not fully. He was very active and managed to turn himself at 38 weeks. It was very painful but only for a minute or 2.

DD was breech and showing no signs of turning. I had an ECV at 37 weeks. It was very painful and I had to have gas and air to cope. It did work and she did stay put until she was born at home at 41 weeks.

In fact, I had more gas and air with the ECV than the birth (which was incredibly smooth and quick).

Looking back now, I'm glad I did have the ECV but I happened to be in one of the leading hospitals for neo natal care in the country. The theatre was opposite my room and was on standby in case I needed an emergency c section.

It is not an easy decision to make. I think a big question has to be what will the team put in place in terms of care for you and baby if things do not go to plan and baby is in distress?

@CagneyNYPD1 yes, this is one of the questions that's been on my mind. I'll be preparing to ask the right people if it comes to it.

My baby was head down until they flipped at 36 weeks - booked in for the ECV (although was thinking of backing out and just booking the C) and tried the 'spinning babies' exercises, it worked! So could be worth a google, there's still some wiggle/turning room at 34 weeks :)

@hohoho24 thank you, I've looked at Spinning Babies, but can't do the head down/inversion ones without them making me dizzy. They seem to be the most successful ones too. 😕
I'm on my birthing ball a lot and lean over it like I'm on all fours, but nothing has worked as of yet.

I had a frank breech baby at 37 weeks & chose to have the ECV.
It took two consultants to turn baby as she was sat low down in my pelvis so I think it was unlikely she would have managed to turn herself. I definitely found it painful but it did work.
I went into labour naturally a week later at 38+1, not sure if that's related or not but all went very smoothly!