Breech Baby Q's

slv0606 · January 2012

Hi ladies I was hoping someone on here would be able to tell me about their experience with an external version and what the pros and cons are? My LO is breech now and Dr. is giving baby until next week to turn and then suggestion an external version...I would just like to hear the opinions of women who have experienced this...go through with it or not?

Thanks in advance for you thoughts and opinions...

JG362009 · January 2012

It's obviously between you and your doctor, but I would definitely recommend having the version because you're more likely to experience complications from a c-section than a version. Both are very safe, but in my opinion c-sections suck! I had a successful version at 38 weeks but ended up needing a c-section due to a failed induction. I've never heard anyone regretting at least trying to flip the baby. If it works you potentially avoid surgery and if it doesn't at least you tried.

honkytonk_kid · January 2012

JG362009:
It's obviously between you and your doctor, but I would definitely recommend having the version because you're more likely to experience complications from a c-section than a version. Both are very safe, but in my opinion c-sections suck! I had a successful version at 38 weeks but ended up needing a c-section due to a failed induction. I've never heard anyone regretting at least trying to flip the baby. If it works you potentially avoid surgery and if it doesn't at least you tried.

100% agree. I had an unsuccessful version at 36.5 weeks, but I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

Look into some research on versions- they have a high success rate with a very low incidence of complications. Good luck! I hope LO turns for you before then, but if not definitely try the version!

MrsSarahL · January 2012

I had two friends with breach babies. One had a version that went well, there was some discomfort, but overall she had a good experience. I also had a friend that had complications. I won't go into detail, I don't want to scare you.

I had a c/s after a failed induction. I had no complications and a pretty easy recovery. I would go with your gut. Do what you feel most comfortable with. But I will say having a c/s isn't the end of the world.

lorist202 · January 2012

Definately do as much research as you can and speak to your dr. about the risks of both. DS was transverse breech and I opted against aversion. I was personally not comfortable with the risks, as the baby may separate from the placenta during the procedure and could go into distress.

I was more comfortable with a planned, (hopefully) calculable c/s, and it was.

I did try every (silly) thing I could to move the baby myself, like laying upside down, music on my belly, etc. Ah well...

GL!

JG362009 · January 2012

Just wanted to give you an article my doctor shared with me about ECV before my procedure. Sure, it's from 1998, but what really struck me is that in 18 years (at the time), there had only been 2 reported fetal deaths from ECV and those were done in Zimbabwe without any fetal monitoring or ultrasound on preterm infants. That would never happen in the US -- you're on monitoring/ultrasound the entire time and I've never heard of them done pre-term. Another selling point for me (as far as safety goes) is that my doctor said that when it's going to work it will work easily, but you won't know until you try.

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0901/p731.html

harmonicbabe26 · January 2012

I am facing that possibility now too. LO is breech and happy as a clam that way. If she does not flip and the version does not work we're going in for a scheduled c/s in 3 weeks.

I've tried to read as much as I could about it and it sounds like it is worth trying. My doc said and research confirmed that success rate is 60% which is better than 50/50. It will probably feel weird but I don't think it will be painful.

I asked about it at my last pre-natal class and the midwife said that the doctor doe not do anything forcefully so that's why complications are very rare. They will attempt and if it feels like the baby is moving they will continue. If it feels like the baby is wedged in there and does not want to move or if after a few pushes the heart rate reacts funny, they will stop.

I was super shocked at the news that I might need a c/s - I feel better about it now after researching it and thinking about this option for about a week, IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD and honestly of all the times in history, now is not a bad time to have one, since our medicine is so advanced etc. The version at least gives you a chance that things might work out and baby will come out naturally.

To all those people ripping on moms who get c/s's - keep in mind that even if you start naturally you may end up wth an emergency c/s which may be more traumatic and complicated than a scheduled one... There is nothing certain about birthing other than that the baby is coming out one way or another when the time is up...

Good luck and let us know how your version works out. I will keep you girls posted on mine too. I feel like we need more info about this on the message board.

xoxxo

BabyBLove · January 2012

My baby was breech and we opted out of a version. It was discussed with my doctor. He actually did not recommend the version. He said they have a low success rate and that sometimes it can cause complications with mom or baby (resulting in an emergency c-sec). Everything I've heard or read also says they're very painful. But, it really is something you should discuss with YOUR doctor. Sometimes breech baby's are in that position for a reason (wrapped cord, too big, etc) so I felt as though I didn't want to cause any trauma to my baby, or myself, by doing a version. We opted for a c-section instead!

Ardmhs83 · January 2012

I wasn't a canidate for a version. I asked my doctor b/c I really wanted to avoid the c-section and he said that since my son was completly upside down...both feet coming out first that it wasn't safe. So I just prayed that he would turn around, but the booger didn't. I ended up with a c/s....HATED IT! Hope I never have to go through it again. Some women love them, but I hope I'm able to VBAC next time around. If I were you and my doctor said it was okay to try a version, I think I would go for it.

cynth1 · January 2012

My LO was breech and after looking into versions I decided against it. And I was very against C-sections but a friend of mine tried the version and they got the baby to flip but the next day he want right back to being breech. And she said the version was very painful. Also I read that many babies are breech for a reason and should just be left that way. I just felt more comfortable not doing it but everyone is going to feel diferently.

Ruggerkitty · January 2012

I had a version last week. Unfortunately it was not successful but I would absolutely do it again. It was intense but worth the effort so I didn't view it as painful. I also feel that it prepped me mentally for my c section, because my doctor was very sympathetic and caring and I feel that she is now really invested in my c section experience going well. Also, the two nurses were great and requested to be my nurses for my surgery next week. I feel better about the whole surgery experience knowing I have people who care about me there. The version kind of helped us bond and get to know each other if that makes sense? I've tried every other method to turn this baby and none of it is working so I've decided to let go and trust the people who are experienced to handle this. It's been a really difficult process for me. Anyway, I say try everything you can and hopefully something will work for you. Best of luck!!

nygirl07 · January 2012

I went back and forth with this decision. At one point I scheduled the version but it didn't sit well me with and at the last minute I backed out. I'm so glad I did b/c there would of most likely been complications and I would of ended up with an emergency c-section b/c my daughter had the cord wrapped twice.

The way I looked at it as maybe there was a reason she was breech and if she didn't turn on her own I wasn't going to force her. Yeah a c-section wasn't my first option but I would much rather a planned c-section that being rushed in for an emergency one.

I asked everyone and anyone for their opinions but all I can say it go with what feels right to you. I joked that this would be the first decsion I let my daughter make

My c-section was a breeze and it was worth it...in the end I got my daughter here the safest way possible. I don't like the idea of a Dr forcing a baby to flip when there very very well might be a reason why the baby hasn't flipped

jocymama · January 2012

I had a version with my LO. Mine was not successful and I thought it was incredibly painful. I tried it because I wanted to know that I tried everything I could to turn my LO (didn't want to have the what ifs).

Having said that I would try again if the next one is breech only because I want a VBAC. But I will say my c-section experience was great. I did not have a lot of pain and my recovery was relatively short and easy.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

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