Breech baby

llo85 · November 2012

Today I had a doctors appointment and my little lady was still breech. She must be very comfortable in this position because she has been in the same spot my entire pregnancy. The doctor said that if she does not turn by 36 weeks I will be scheduled for a c-section for the end of my 38th-39th week.

Is anyone else going through (or had gone through) the same thing? Words of advise? I was hoping a c-section would be a last resort.

(Also posted in December 2012 birth club).

Potatertot · November 2012

I was in a very similar situation. DD was apparently super comfy and super stubborn with her head lodged solidly near my ribs. Did your doc suggest trying to turn the baby or just go straight to c-section talk? If it didn't get brought up, it might be worth mentioning to see if that's an option. We decided for our personal situation that a version just wasn't a good option for us, so unfortunately I've got no advice about actually having one.

Also, at 32 weeks there is still plenty of time for her to flip! You never know, she might make a last minute decision that being right side up is overrated

A c-section wasn't what I had envisioned for this birth at all, especially for my first, and I was terrified to find out that a c-section was going to happen. I was upset for a few days, but ultimately came to realize that whatever way DD was gonna be born, there were going to be pros and cons. I tried to focus on the bright side, like I would know exactly when she was coming, would be able to plan for the hospital better, wouldn't have to get torn up down there, things like that.

I had my c-section scheduled at 39 weeks exactly, and it was a great experience. The surgery itself wasn't as bad as I thought, it was over quickly, and so far recovery as been fairly quick and easy for me. I know that's not the case for everyone, but that's been my experience so far!

I hope your little one flips for you! Good luck!

llo85 · November 2012

Thank you for the positive news! It really helps since I am still trying to process this possibility. You are absolutely right about the pros and cons. I am more scared then anything and it really sunk in when the doctor said we may have to schedule a c-section. I knew it was always a possibility just wasn't ready to hear it. This now gives me more time to process the whole thing.

The doctor said we will discuss more at the next appointment because there is still a possibility of her turning. My next apt. is next week and will bring up the possibly of turning her.

llo85 · November 2012

It helps to hear that your recovery is going smoothly and that you had a positive experience. Thank you!!

lil_jen051708 · November 2012

DS was breech most of my pregnancy. At my 36 or 37 w checkup, my OB noticed he was still breech so we scheduled an u/s to confirm. My OB did not recommend trying an external version. He said the risks usually outweigh the benefits.

I too was scared of a c/s but after a few days realized it was the best option for DS to arrive safely. I had a c/s scheduled for 39 w 3 days but my water broke a few days earlier (in the middle of the night) so we had an "emergency" c/s. My recovery was 1000x easier than expected... so much so that I am contemplating another c/s over a VBAC for my next delivery.

CanaryIsland629 · November 2012

DD was breech too and since I was a FTM my OB wouldn't turn her by that method called ECV.

I tried the spinning baby site and she never flipped. I was terrified. I mean terrified. I cried everyday up until they walked me into the OR. After it was said and done I said to myself that I could do it again. Here I am! About to do it again! And guess what? I'm scared again!

The whole process went smoothly and I know I can do it again and so can you.

Best of luck to you!

Potatertot · November 2012

llo85:
Thank you for the positive news! It really helps since I am still trying to process this possibility. You are absolutely right about the pros and cons. I am more scared then anything and it really sunk in when the doctor said we may have to schedule a c-section. I knew it was always a possibility just wasn't ready to hear it. This now gives me more time to process the whole thing.
The doctor said we will discuss more at the next appointment because there is still a possibility of her turning. My next apt. is next week and will bring up the possibly of turning her.

You are very welcome, I'm glad it helped a bit! I completely understand how it can be such a shock, and it does take some time to adjust to even the actual possibility, or at least it did for me.

It could be that your doc didn't think turning her would be a viable option, which is why they didn't bring it up. For me, my doc only gave it a 50% chance of working, and there was always the chance she could flip back. So with that info, I just decided to schedule the c-section and if she flipped, fantastic, if not, I knew when I could expect to meet my LO.

I have seen several positive experiences on the boards here with turning the babies, so it's worth checking out!

Feel free to message me or anything if you want to chat or just have more questions!

JSabs09 · November 2012

Hi -

I had the same scenario. DD was transverse at 28 weeks and by 31 weeks head up in a complete breech - she never moved and was very comfortable as well. You're still early though and it's a small percentage of us who actually have breech babies - though the doctors told me that all the way through and DD never flipped! Typically doctors don't like to schedule c sections earlier than 39 weeks. I went on DD's due date at 40 weeks exactly. If we have another child, I would schedule for 39 weeks.

I also wanted to have a natural birth and until third tri was preparing myself for a vaginal birth without an epi until it started to become clear DD wasn't flipping. At that point, probably half way through third tri, I started to prepare myself for a c section. The surgery was fine. I would do a repeat if we have another child. The recovery wasn't as difficult as anticipated as well. It all went really well. There's a difference between an emergency c section and a planned c section from what I've seen and heard from friends who had an emergency c and myself who had a planned c section. Planned c sections are calmer, I never went into labor and I was able to mentally prepare.

If your LO doesn't flip, it will be ok - healthy baby, healthy mommy - so c section would be best for a breech. Good luck and maybe she'll move! You never know!

kerrigrooves · November 2012

I am totally with you on this...found out we were breech at 32-34 weeks, tried everything on spinningbabies, along with Webster technique, accupuncture (last night) and nothing has worked...

went in for ECV last Wed. and Dr tried 3x. no luck...she was able to move the head (frank breech) but not the bottom. It was kinda painful and super uncomfortable plus I had to fast from 4 am on and go to work in the am.

Now we're scheduled for a c-sec on 11/23 at 7:30 am the day after thanksgiving. My mom already changed her flight and is coming on T-day in in the morning so at least Ill have her and DH to help me out.

I was and still am bummed and but Dr said that is a small chance baby will turn....I need to wrap my head around the new plan as I had a doula and planned a drug free delievery. At the end of the day, we just want a healthy baby, right!?

llo85 · November 2012

Thank you! I will see what happens in the weeks to come. Just happy she is healthy.

NicoleWI · November 2012

I'm in the same position. My baby is still breech. My doctor strongly recommends at least trying a version, contrary to PP's doc's opinion. So, we are tentatively planning to try the version if baby doesn't flip this week. I don't think she/he is going to turn on his/her own.

DLo13 · November 2012

My daughter was breech most of my pregnancy (frank breech) and I kept assuming (hoping...) she was going to turn. When it became apparent that most likely wasn't going to happen I realized I would be having a c-section. I was PETRIFIED of it - moreso the spinal/epidural......but nonetheless I was beside myself. I tried to convince myself of all the positives.....I would be able to plan better, I would know when she was coming, I wouldn't have the pain of labor, etc.,etc. So we scheduled the c-section for 39 weeks and then I went into labor at 37 weeks!! It never got to be so bad b/c they really rushed things along b/c they didn't want labor progressing too much when the baby is breech. So all the things I used to convince myself how great it was went out the window. But I didn't have time to really think about it anymore or freak out. It was time! And I have to say it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought and wasn't worth the stress I put myself through worrying about it. My sister and others told me this but I could not and would not believe them. I got a spinal and while it wasn't pleasant was not what I anticipated. I never really go nauseous, threw up, etc. and my fear of being able to feel something or being too aware of what was going on really didn't happen. I was so excited and in awe that i would meet this baby finally!!

My doctor would not consider a version and told me not to do anything to try and change her position (spinning babies, chiropractor....NOTHING!). He said there is a reason for everything. And thank god I listened to him.....the cord was around her neck 3 times!!!

Good luck!

kpearse99 · November 2012

DS was breech around 32/33 weeks as well, and then at 36 weeks we had an ultrasound and he had flipped on his own. I wouldn't get set on a c/s just yet

sapphire1751 · November 2012

My daughter was breech from about week 34 on. They checked me at week 37 and she was still breech. While the doctor was willing to give ECV a try, she did say it's a 50/50 chance of turning the baby and that the baby could flip back into the breech position and we'd still end up with a c-section. My husband and I discussed our options, and opted not to try ECV due to my LO's size (measured 7+ lbs. at 37 weeks), risks, and how "comfortable" she seemed to be. That was our choice. I fully encourage you to explore your options and make the decision that is best for you! We ended up with a scheduled c-section for 39.5 weeks. And I am very happy with that decision. Turns out DD was wedged up underneath my ribs (and ECV never would have worked) and she was 10 lbs. 4oz. I never would have been able to deliver her even if she had been the right direction. The team in my OR was great, and my recovery was fairly smooth. I fully encourage a discussion of your options with your doctor. I encourage lots of questions - I grilled mine for 30 minutes on everything a c-section entailed, both now and implications for the future. I wish you the best of luck as you explore your options. Remember, the most important thing is a safe and healthy delivery for you both.

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