Breech baby - help!!!

[littlestar]

I'm just coming up to 37 weeks and my baby is still breech - despite my best efforts of kneeling on all fours with my bum in the air to try and turn it.

The consultant has referred me for a scan next week which will show whether I can have an ECV. I'm also going to try acupuncture as I'm desperate to avoid a c-section if possible.

It would be really helpful to hear from anyone else who's been in the same situation... Does acupuncture work? What's the ECV like? And is there anything else I can try?

My DS was breech they were unable to turn him as I also had reduced lycal fluids. I had always wanted to avoid a c-section but was left with no choice. However, it was fine I managed to have a great time, within 24 hours you feel fine and I had no problems whatsoever. Good luck, I hope baby does turn but if not you will be fine, it is not as bad as you may think.

I had an ECV, uncomfortable, but not agony. Didn't work, footling/flex breech = c-section. All very calm and quiet. Some babies just won't turn.

There were two of us with breech babies in my antenatal class of ten. ECV didn't work for either of us, but there is less chance of it working if it is your first baby ( you're not as saggy as second pg). Turned out the my friend's cord was too short to allow her baby to turn.

Nothing to lose by trying acupuncture anyway.

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Hi Littlestar. Try the acupuncture. I run a company called The Having a Baby Company and we have an acupuncturist who has turned several babies who have been breech (about 80% have turned) not sure how it works and whether the babies would have turned anywya, but it has done so that's been good enough for the women that have been in that situation.... Saying that the longer you have been pregnant (ie your full term at 37 weeks)the less opportunity there will be for baby to turn (not much room) but give the AP a try anyway....I would get an appointment as soon as you can as baby is growing every day, meaning less room for baby to move. Good luck, hipe it all works out for you !

I was told that it was my choice, but with footling breech there is a risk of the cord coming down with your waters. I was also told that there was no weight/pressure on the cervix because ds was footling (he sat like the Buddha for eight weeks), so labour would probably not start naturally.

Frank breech (bum down, feet by ears) is much more straight forward.

Don't give up hope yet littlestar, my dd turned at 38 weeks.

...sorry about the spelling mistakes....not even been drinking

I had a section on my due date and hadn't even had BH contractions. I could barely breath in though as ds was so far into my ribcage.

ECV - fine - quick & worked for me. Unlike acupuncture which was a complete waste of time & money and was told it had only small chance of working. try it if it makes you feel better though, no harm in it.

i've had a couple of friends who have turned a breech baby at about 37-38 weeks by doing moxibustion through a chinese herbalist (burning herbs, sounds mad, but SOMETHING did the trick...). I imagine you have nothing to lose by trying.... good luck!

The herb thing described by orangina is called moxibustion I think - worth looking up anyway.

My DS was breech from 30 weeks. I went to have acupuncture at 37 wks but was rhesus negative which is a contraindication. I had ecv at 38 weeks and it was fab. DS turned in a matter of minutes and engaged straight away. Not painful at all, only very slightly uncomfortable if anyhting.

Best thing I did as I really wanted to avoid a c-section (toddler at home to look after) and they wouldn't let me deliver baby vaginally.

Only other things to try (which I am sure you are doing anyway) - spending lots of time on all fours, swimming (not breaststroke).

HTH. Let us know what happens, or if you have any more questions.

x

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful! I'm seeing the acupuncturist today. I'm also spending as much time on all fours as possible, sitting with a bag of frozen peas over the baby's head, and taking pulsatilla. (My husband thinks I've finally lost the plot, but at least I feel I'm being proactive)

Your replies just go to prove that anything could happen in the next few weeks so I guess I'll have to keep an open mind and hope for the best...

Hi
27 weeks pregnant and baby is breech,space inside a bit tight so have been advised to try and get baby turned sooner rather than later. Any tips?

I'd ask for ECV in hospital (think they do before/around 36 weeks) - it's okay, quick & effective, babe shouldn;t move again once turned.

Quick update...

I had a scan this morning and the little blighter is still breech. I'm going for an ECV this afternoon, fingers crossed it does the trick as I really don't want a c-section - despite everyone's reassurances that it's not so bad. (I'm 37 wks + 5 days, btw)

Good luck with the ECV - I had this with DD and it was fine - didn't hurt (although felt slightly uncomfortable) and she turned easily and stayed that way

west3 - try reflexology - this baby was breech at 32weeks and turned after a reflexoloy session. She has been head-down ever since - I'm now 39 weeks.

Hi. Am 33 weeks and baby is still breech. Also am so breathless as baby is so high up. Have also started being sick and feeling extremely nauseous so don't know if this is related. Does anyone have any advice as so tired and can't take much more!!

Hi

i had ds x2 who were both breech. Only knew the first was breech when turned up at hospital in labour and had to deliver! Second was lying transversely then breech for the latter part of pregnancy and ended up with c. section- it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I am imagined so don't worry!

I'm nearly 29 weeks and breech - what's an ECV please?

I googled it so now I know - sounds uncomfortable..

Did it work littlestar?