Big baby breech - csection being scheduled

MYLYNDA · November 2011

Hello Ladies!

I am currently at 36 weeks, will be 37 on sunday and at my appt today was told that I am being referred to an OB for a c-section. Baby has been breech since week 22 and was frank breech at 33 weeks. I was offered the option to deliver vaginally but have chosen not to risk that. I am also being offered to have baby turned externally and am curious if anyone else here has had this procedure? I have read up on this and the risks are looking to outweigh the pros. Baby is also big, measuring 5lbs at 33 weeks in the 80th percentile.

Alittle background, I am 34, this is my second child. My son was born 15 years ago vaginally after 15 hours of back labour.

Can anyone help me with information about the turning of baby? Has anyone endured this procedure and what was the sucess rate?

Thanks!

l_elizabeth · November 2011

I had a c-section with my first son because he was breech too. It was discovered at 37 weeks, and we decided not to try a version to turn him. My OB's opinion is that the success rate is much higher at 36 weeks or before, but once you hit 38 weeks, it's much harder to get babies to flip. I think the website everyone recommends is www.spinningbabies.com . Anything they recommend is worth a try, most of it is just at home and easy to do.

I personally wouldn't do a version, but many people do try it. They say the success rate is 50/50, so really it may work or may not. Acupuncture is also a popular way to get babies to turn, I'd look into it soon though, if you want to go that route.

Scheduled c-sections are honestly a LOT better than unexpected/emergency. If you end up having one, it will honestly be just fine-- I had a great experience with mine, and am having another in 2 weeks.

Ardmhs83 · November 2011

I had to have a c-section b/c my son was breech from about week 28 on. I asked about the version, but my OB doesn't recommend them b/c of the risks. Therefore, I got the c-section. I was totally bummed and still am at times. I am hoping next time around my kid will cooperate and I will be able to do a VBAC. I would talk to your doctor, if they don't recommend the version then stick to the c-section. Good luck!

Aloe0l · November 2011

Get a recommendation for an accupuncturist and ask for moxibustion treatment. It has about an 80% success rate, where as an ECV has about a 50-60% success rate. And, it's non-invasive.

I tried it when DD was breech, but I ended up going into labor that night (at 39 weeks, which is when I found out she was breech), so I didn't get all the treatments in. But the doctor said he's had some women have their babies turn right on his table before!

And ditto to spinningbabies.com.

girllennon · November 2011

First off, u/s measurements are not that accurate. My OB estimated my son to weight almost 7 lbs by 35 weeks and he was only 5.9 lbs. Anyway, he was also stubbornly frank breech then entire third tri and I was assessed for an external version, but turned it down. My OB said my amniotic fluid levels were borderline and I ran a 50/50 risk of having a c-section the day of the procedure.

Too risky for me and other methods would not turn him head down. Not enough fluid to me means not enough cushion to turn safely. I ended up with an emergency c-section at 36 weeks, 6 days due to my his lack of movement due to my amniotic fluid levels dropping oo low.

I know some people on these boards had successful versions, but other didn't and more often than not, the risks outweighs the benefits no matter how skilled the OB is. If your fluid levels are below a comfortable range, then it's not worth the risk (at least in my case).

Good luck with whichever path you choose. It can be unnerving to have a c-section. It is major surgery, but, I'd rather have it as a scheduled procedure vs an emergency c-section, so keep that in mind when weighing your decision and trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, then by all means turn down the option for the external version.

MYLYNDA · November 2011

Thanks ladies, I have been leaning heavily towards no turning the baby. It has been breech since my first ultrasound at 22 weeks. I couldnt help feeling like I was giving up on the vaginal birth and stressing about the surgery. lol I have never had surgery in my life! Im also abit of a wimp when it comes to the Dr pushing on my belly, so am terrified of the pain of turning the baby.

Now to just wait for the date and hope I dont go into labour before that

RoxBride · November 2011

Baby was breech from well before 20 weeks and through the entire pregnancy. Never once flipped. For that reason, we declined any attempt at turning her since it seemed like if that's the way she was, it was for a good reason.

My c/s was without complications and a very easy and plesant experience for me.

Good luck!

lwogsland · December 2011

I chose to decline the version...my baby was breech all along..so I figured he was breech for a reason..and that he was.

He was extremely stuck..so it's probably a good thing we just went with the c-section rather than go through any unnecessary, risky procedures.

(BTW, ultrasound predicted I'd have a big baby too...they thought 9 lbs...he was 7 lbs..)

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