Measuring small and breech at 37 weeks - what should I do??

[Joycey29]

Well I'm 37 weeks and still breech. Midwife measured me today and am measuring as for 32 weeks.(Not surprised as had low fluid with dd and ds.)

Awaiting a further scan (when they can fit me in!!) but am just interested as to what you guys think about trying to turn baby - doesn't it mess with the cord????? Stress baby??
Am confused as midwife seems to think if baby stays breech with low fluid I will need c-section. Having had two normal births was keen to avoid this if possible.
Anyone else been in this situation???

my ds2 was breech right up until almost 38weeks and cs was discussed - but he turned himself and I had a very straightforward delivery. Don't panic, there's still time!

They should scan before attempting and ECV (where they try to turn the baby) to check there are no obvious reasons why it hasn't turned already - the placenta and cord are two things that should be considered to try and make sure they're not about to do something daft (like force a baby with a very short cord or badly corded to turn). There is a small risk that an attempted ECV can distress the baby to the point that a CS needs to be performed before you go home - but those risks should be discussed with you before you give your consent to the procedure. (Its also worth asking for the stats of the consultant who would undertake the procedure - national average is 50% success, but some have a much MUCH higher success rate than that).

DD was my first and stayed breech right up till the end. I declined an ECV and a CS, and she was born as a breech baby at home with IMs. I can't comment on any additional risks low fluid volume could introduce, but you certainly don't have to have a CS just because your baby is breech. That said, we were only comfortable going with that decision because we were using IMs who had substantial breech experience - if we couldn't have guaranteed that we would have HCPs who were confident and capable in breech birth we would have felt the risks of a vaginal breech under those circumstances were too high.

Thanks Tangle that's really helpful info!

My dd was breech, measuring small and I had v low fluid at 36 weeks was scanned at 36 then baby was monitored every day on machine in hospital ( I just had to go for an hour each day) then rescanned at 37 weeks and was told section was really only option as although baby had grown fluid had depleted more and it became dangerous for baby and she was never going to turn. I really didn't want a section. First baby so don't have anything to compare with but section was actually very positive experience for me and dh. Baby born at 37+1 weight of 5/14 and she is now 5 months on 75th centile and a delight. Best of luck hope everything works out ok.

I had a very similar situation. DS was resolute breech and measuring small. I was monitored very closey from 34 weeks onwards. At 36 weeks - they ruled out ECV as they simply didnt want to distress DS.
I had an added complication that I kept getting episodes of reduced movement.

Due to reduced movements, breech presentation and how small DS measured, I was told that elec cs was the best route for me and they booked me in for cs at 37 weeks. Due to all the factors - they thought DS was better out than in.

As it was, my waters broke the night before the elec cs and I ended up having cs. Was as calm as an elec cs but technically classified as emergency cs. And it was a wonderful experience. After all the worrying, I was happy to have DS in my arms!

HTH and good luck.

I can't comment on breech but my baby was measuring small on due date. I had regulat serial growth scans, which were all fine but in the last 2 weeks, her grwoth slowed and I lost placental fuid volume and so they induced me straight away.

I would just say make sure you are not leaking fluids (I didn't notice any leakage). Also, perhaps insist on more scans before the birth.

Saw consultant and scan ok so ecv booked for Tues.
A little nervous but fingers crossed all will go well!
Thanks for advice guys!!

How did you get on with the ECV?

I'm 36 weeks + 5 and am going for a scan tomorrow. Midwife thinks baby is probably breech and I think she is right...

I have found this site/topic really helpful so thanks to all those mums who've already been through it!
I have a very similar problem my baby is also measuring small at 35 weeks (but fortunately for me he's not breech) (he's approx 2.5 wks behind what he shold be growth wise)... have to have another scan week 37 & then they will take it from there to see if baby has put any weight on. If they think he's better off out than in then they'll induce me with CS, i've been really worried about it all but its reassuring to hear from those who've been through it.. thanks!