**** Mod - re: breech babies ****

LucyPevensie

Basically - by 30 weeks, 90 percent of babies are head down.  By 36 weeks - 95 percent are head down.  No one will really take a breech baby seriously - until 36 weeks.  That's the magic week where ob's/midwives  are like "still breech? oh..."  So that's where we are.  It's not impossible for him to turn at this point - but it's unlikely.  The bigger they get - the less room they have to maneuver.  He's not estimated to be huge - but they're putting him at a nice healthy 6 and a half pounds right now so he's not tiny.  And he just seems really comfy right where he is.  He's been sitting here since 29 weeks (possibly longer.)

An external version IS an option - but it's really hit or miss - only about a 50/50 chance of working.  AND - they have to do it at 37 weeks for first time moms because baby descends early when it's your first time.  They have to have an OR ready in case your baby goes into distress from the version and you need an emergency C-section right then and there.  There is a small but real risk of placental tear and/or a cord accident.  Also - sometimes you need an epidural just for the version - it can be quite painful. They also sometimes give you terbutaline to relax your uterus to try and make the version work. 

My pregnancy is already high risk - the version just sounded really unappealing and scary.  I don't want to risk an emergency C at 37 weeks - or worse.  Now, not to be all doom and gloom - for vast majority of people - version may or may not work but it won't cause a problem.  But we decided to skip it.  So C is scheduled - meantime we'll still hope he turns.  I have acupuncture again tomorrow... Oh - and they will check me one last time with u/s morning of the C - and if he's turned - they'll send me home.  THAT would be rather anti-climactic! 

Miss.Modular

whoaa thanks for the info. I had no clue about 90% being down by 30 weeks, or the risks of a version. ack!!  I hope the accupuncture works, or try the waving the smoke by your feet again! lolz

HarrietNJMommy

*butting in*

I've had 2 breech babies so far and 2 c-sections. I was offered an ECV with DD#1, but was ONLY given a 35% success rate due to the fact that I was carrying small (I only gained 24lbs total).......I chose to go with the c-section.

GL!?

mommajewels87

Wonderful information you gave here.

My midwife agree's it is very unlikely for a baby to turn after 36 weeks. Possible, yes. Likely, no. Because they are running out of room and are usually engaging by now.

My midwife also will NOT do an EVC unless the patient absolutely insists. She does not think it is successful enough to risk the discomfort for mom or risk to baby. Yes, it is risky. Along with placental tear and cord accidents, it can also cause displaysia and bone injuries to the baby.

roshybride

Also the position of the baby matters as to the odds of success in turning it. If the baby is frank breech or footling breech (head up by ribs), then the rate of success is about 50%. If the baby is transverse (lying sideways) the rate of success goes up to 90%. My baby is transverse breech and if it doesn't turn by next week, we'll be trying the ECV. My doc says that in my situation there is a good chance of turning the baby successfully. But it is an individual decision between the patient and doctor and should be based on the individual circumstances.