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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Preparing for ECV for breech baby

14 replies

skibelle · 31/01/2010 12:41

After much research, lots of trying natural methods and huge amounts of deliberation we have decided to go for an ECV on Wed to try to turn our little breech pickle. I have all my bags packed and ready to go, as we will obviously have c-section there and then if baby is unhappy, but I was wondering what to wear for the actual procedure?

Anyone had an ECV recently? Did you just wear your normal clothes for it or do they get you in a gown etc? Any advice gratefully received!

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AngelaCarleen · 31/01/2010 12:49

I had an ECV last monday, the constultant did it in the middle of a clinic and I was just wearing the clothes I had worn for my scan. They just need access to your tummy. Good luck

Original poster

skibelle · 31/01/2010 13:00

Ooh, I just read your last post on the Feb thread and got excited! Many congratulations! I take it the ECV didn't work then?!

Thanks for the advice. They are doing it on delivery suite and have told me to have a light breakfast just in case they need to do a EMCS so I just wondered about what to wear because of that. It sounds like yours was a lot more laid back!

I hope everything continues to go well for you and Poppy.

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hairymelons · 31/01/2010 20:58

I had an ECV done at 38+4. DS is now 19mo so it was a while back.
It was fine, a little bit sore as the consultant was moving him (it's amazing, they just grab head and bum and turn them round!) but really not bad at all. And I was really nervous but DS didn't react!
I slept sitting up that night so he wouldn't turn back
Well worth it for a head-down baby.
Good luck :

flybynight · 01/02/2010 12:25

I've been reading a bit about this lately as my wee one is transverse, and I've read that a muscle relaxant should be administered. Does this actually happen? I've not heard of anyone getting a relaxant, just sleeves rolled up and their bump pushed.

AngelaCarleen · 01/02/2010 14:24

I didn't get a muscle relaxant, to be honest the consultant wasn't very optomistic that he'd be able to turn her (because of my tight tummy muscles, never thought that would be a problem !).

It didn't work Skibelle other than making her decide there was no way she was staying in there for anymore of that!

reikizen · 01/02/2010 14:31

We give nifedipine (an anti tocolytic) prior to an ECV and do it in the scan room so you can be scanned to confirm baby's position and scanned again to confirm baby has turned. Just wear normal loose comfy clothes. Believe me, they will get you into a gown pretty quick if they have to!
It can be quite uncomfortable, but you have to weigh up whether you would rather just grit your teeth then or have major abdominal surgery tbh. Good luck.

monkeytennismum · 01/02/2010 16:17

An ECV is slightly painful/very uncomfortable but nothing compared to childbirth! And in my opinion totally worth it if it works and you can avoid a c-section. I nearly broke my mum's hand from squeezing it so hard tho so take someone along!!

Tangle · 01/02/2010 16:26

Just as an aside, it is possible to have a vaginal breech birth and the risks are no higher than for a CS - as long as you can find a HCP with the right skills. After doing a LOT of reading DH and I decided to go down the vaginal birth route with IMs and declined an ECV - DD duly arrived foot first (we'd expected a bum, but there you go!) at 41+3, weighing 9lb 12 and with no chemical pain relief required...

At the end of the day its a very personal decision and what was right for us isn't necessarily right for other people, I just wanted to let people know that you don't have to have a CS if you can't get your baby out of a breech presentation

cece · 01/02/2010 16:28

I was all prepped for my ECV and went for final scan to check baby's position. The little blighter had turned! This was at 40 plus 4 days! So you never know it can happen! Was induced within hours in case he decided to turn again... and had natural birth the next day.

MrsJamin · 01/02/2010 17:53

Another experience - I had an ECV at 39+5 for my first DC. It was v painful (yes actually even more painful than labour) and they couldn't get past him being diagonal. My waters broke 8 hours later + I'm pretty sure it wasn't a coincidence - so be prepared for a birth soon even if they don't decide to do a c-section immediately. Good luck - let's hope the baby turns before Weds!

Original poster

skibelle · 01/02/2010 18:00

Thanks so much for all your replies.

Tangle-Thanks for your experience. It's definitely not an aside-v relevant! We have decided not to go for vaginal breech birth if he/she doesn't turn, but are v aware that this is an option so it's useful to hear others' experiences.

Baby is currently extended breech, with legs well up by my ribs, so seems unlikely to turn on its own, but never say never!

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hairymelons · 02/02/2010 17:23

flybynight, I was given a muscle relaxant before the procedure. DS (and I!) were also both monitored for an hour before and after to be sure he wasn't distressed.

Original poster

skibelle · 03/02/2010 14:39

Well, I had the ECV this morn and it was fine but unsuccessful. Have booked in for cs next Fri 12th.

I did have a relaxant injected beforehand and was monitored for about 15mins before and 30 mins afterwards. Baby seemed quite happy throughout, but it was pretty uncomfortable for me. At least I know the plan now! Thanks for all your advice.

OP posts:

MrsJamin · 03/02/2010 15:11

Ah well at least you gave it a good shot, that's what I felt.

Hope all goes well for Friday 12th - and be ready just in case you go into labour before that!

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