Has anyone had a Version Procedure?

Aarg · September 2014

Any others on the board ever had a doctor recommend or have had it done?

My doctor said that if baby is still breech at my next appointment, they can do this procedure to help baby flip.

I am going to do research for sure, but just wondering if anyone had any insite.

I want to hear from people who have had it done and people who have not had it done! I want input from anyone who may know anything about it

TIA!

MuffinMom14 · September 2014

I struggled with what to write about this, because it sounds like you only want people who had doctors recommend it or who had one.

All I will say is that my hospital does NOT recommend them. At all. But, my hospital is also not the best in the world.

My baby is not breech (or wasn't two weeks ago), so I also haven't had to really research it. I hope someone else comes along that can help you better than I can, but I wanted to throw out that not all doctors/hospitals recommend it.

Aarg · September 2014

@SPurp13‌ Thanks!! I'm going to edit my post. I want any and all insite!
I want to know what others have heard about it whether they have had it or not.

Eastie156 · September 2014

My sister in-law had one. It was pretty uncomfortable she said. Also, for her, it worked for a day or two and then my nephew turned back around.... I may end up having one, I'm not decided and I still have a few weeks (really like 3 maybe?) before I have to decide. LO is frank breech and has been for months. It's completely up to you though, if you have it.

Have you tried chiropractic or acupuncture to try to get baby to turn?

MuffinMom14 · September 2014

Now that a few others have posted--I'll say that that's the reason most doctors and the hospital in my area don't recommend them. They tend to be a waste of time--the babies flip back or never get flipped to begin with.

A conversation somewhere (I don't know if it was here or not) mentioned that sometimes, babies are breech for a reason (a cord issue). I never really thought about that, but now that someone said that, I wonder if it's really true...I don't know that I'd force flip a baby (chiro or the spinning babies website doesn't seem nearly as invasive--I'd start there, although there's not a ton of evidence that those techniques work either). But, then again, I'm not in your shoes, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I've also read that babies can flip IN LABOR. So, this all might work itself out in the end.

Eastie156 · September 2014

SPurp13 said:

Now that a few others have posted--I'll say that that's the reason most doctors and the hospital in my area don't recommend them. They tend to be a waste of time--the babies flip back or never get flipped to begin with.

A conversation somewhere (I don't know if it was here or not) mentioned that sometimes, babies are breech for a reason (a cord issue). I never really thought about that, but now that someone said that, I wonder if it's really true...I don't know that I'd force flip a baby (chiro or the spinning babies website doesn't seem nearly as invasive--I'd start there, although there's not a ton of evidence that those techniques work either). But, then again, I'm not in your shoes, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I've also read that babies can flip IN LABOR. So, this all might work itself out in the end.

Versions can work- I spoke to someone last week who'd had one done, hers worked. But yes, often they don't work. True that there's not a 100% chance that chiro or acupuncture work, but I'd say giving it a try is well worth it, considering the alternative is a c/s. Personally, I'd rather a vag birth than a c/s, but that's just me. My MW and OB both recommended acupuncture and chiropractic to try to help.

Maggie6424 · September 2014

DS2 is every position but head down. He's still turning a lot, but his favorite is breech. Kaiser will discuss options at 36 weeks if he's not head down. I also was wondering about the dangers and success rate, but haven't had time to research it yet. I'm trying not to worry about it until I know it's the case.

Aarg · September 2014

From what I have read so far success is 50/50. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It's just more successful in week 36-37
I figured if I don't get the procedure done and baby stays breech, I'm stuck getting a c/s. If I do get the procedure and baby flips back to breech, I'm stuck getting a c/s.
Baby could flip Naturally or baby could be moved and stay there.

I have no idea what to do.

I'm considering maybe just letting LO decide his own delivery.

atraveller · September 2014

My gynecologist told me its about a 50% success rate and they only recommend it if you've tried other things (positions, chiropractor, accupuncture, playing loud obnoxious music (yes they did recommend this) where the baby's head is sitting, etc...) and they didn't work. Basically a last resort before a possible C/S. I've been told it can be pretty uncomfortable too.

Maggie6424 · September 2014

I should also add that the only time he's head down is when I put on my belly buds and play baby einstein. I place them low and he flips head down. However, once they're off he doesn't stay in that position.

NavyFlyer · September 2014

My LO is head down, but my doc had mentioned it as an option long ago before he flipped. I was going to try it if it came to it as a last resort. Even if it didn't work, I figured it would be worth a shot. I would try anything before giving in to a C-section!

MrMrsandBaby · September 2014

The only thing I know about them is that they can be uncomfortable to the point of painful and that they are not always successful. So I don't have much to add other than asking your doctor what the likelihood of baby flipping back around is after the version.

I have heard some women have good luck with Spinning Babies, I've been seeing a chiro since like 8 weeks and would recommend it even without the breech (disclaimer - my LO is not breech). I never thought of acupuncture!

roundabout2 · September 2014

Hi, Yes, I had one with my first baby. She did it at 38 weeks and it went pretty well for me. Just as it was starting to hurt, baby turned. The worst part for me was whatever drug they gave me to relax my uterus. Made me super jittery!

Raesofsunshine1 · September 2014

I personally dont know anything about it, but after lurking on some of the previous months boards (mainly August and September) I believe I have seen it come up there where some have had it done successfully. Im pretty sure I saw one on August BMB. you could ask there-Im sure they wouldnt mind.

court1703 · September 2014

I had one with my first DD. Ya it's painful but to me it was worth the try. Wasn't successful. My only tip would be to plan on taking it easy the rest of the day if you have one. I was pretty sore afterwards.

MuffinMom14 · September 2014

theresat858 said:

I've heard they can be painful, but they are also the only evidence-based method for getting a baby to turn. Acupuncture and Chiro have success rates similar to doing absolutely nothing.

If this baby is still breech at my 36w u/s, I will be talking to my OB to schedule one for 37-38 weeks. There is a small risk of the procedure triggering labor (and baby can flip back) so you don't want to do it too early.

And @Spurp13, isn't yours the hospital that also doesn't give C-section babies immediate skin to skin (even in the absence of any health issues) and wont' do delayed cord clamping? I'm not sure they are the best reference point for evidence-based practices...

Yup--that's why I threw in there that my hospital isn't the best example to follow.

They will DO them. But they were quick to say that the chance that they work is very small, and not all doctors will even bother. And again--they could be wrong about that statistic entirely, because they are basically operating like it's 1972.

I haven't had to really look into it since this baby is flipped. If I had to, I would definitely be doing my own research and not just accepting what MY hospital is saying, though.

MuffinMom14 · September 2014

Eastie156 said:

SPurp13 said:

Now that a few others have posted--I'll say that that's the reason most doctors and the hospital in my area don't recommend them. They tend to be a waste of time--the babies flip back or never get flipped to begin with.

A conversation somewhere (I don't know if it was here or not) mentioned that sometimes, babies are breech for a reason (a cord issue). I never really thought about that, but now that someone said that, I wonder if it's really true...I don't know that I'd force flip a baby (chiro or the spinning babies website doesn't seem nearly as invasive--I'd start there, although there's not a ton of evidence that those techniques work either). But, then again, I'm not in your shoes, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I've also read that babies can flip IN LABOR. So, this all might work itself out in the end.

Versions can work- I spoke to someone last week who'd had one done, hers worked. But yes, often they don't work. True that there's not a 100% chance that chiro or acupuncture work, but I'd say giving it a try is well worth it, considering the alternative is a c/s. Personally, I'd rather a vag birth than a c/s, but that's just me. My MW and OB both recommended acupuncture and chiropractic to try to help.

Yeah, I would START with the chiro/acupuncturist. If that doesn't work, then try the version. I just feel like, it can't hurt to try these things, but go into it all knowing it might not work.

If you're extremely upset about the idea of a c-section, then even having a 1% chance at having any of these techniques work would be worth it, right? (I made up the 1% thing, by the way, I have no idea what the percentage is of versions that work)

Aarg · September 2014

@SPurp13‌
I've never had any sort of surgery before so I'm a little nervous about a c/s. I'm not extremely upset at the idea of having one, just gives me a lot of anxiety...

After reading the posts, everything seems pretty 50/50. So I'll probably take the chance.

Thanks ladies

MuffinMom14 · September 2014

I've had surgery, and it wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't major surgery, and I think most people hope to NOT have a c-section! So I understand wanting to give everything a try first. If your doctor is open to it, and you know going in some of the things mentioned in this thread, then it sounds like it's a good option for you.

jyaquinto13 · September 2014

I had one with my first who was breech at 39wks. I was scheduled for not only the version but the c/s if unsuccessful. I got them to give me a shot for the pain to do the version but stubborn baby wouldn't move. I went right into the c/s with no complications or anything. Easy recovery as well. I am glad I tried because I wanted to make sure I exhausted all options before c/s. I do feel like if they caught the position maybe at 37wks he would have flipped but either way I was glad I tried!

trisharenee0316 · September 2014

I'm 33w tomorrow and this one is still breech. I've been going to a chiropractor since about 14 weeks and, well, although I'm comfortable and baby is low, it hasn't gotten the baby head down yet. I had another appointment this morning, so we'll see if that helped get the kiddo to turn. But between the chiro, Spinning Babies, the other techniques (light in the lower belly and heating pad towards lower belly/ice pack at the top near the head, music down low, etc), and moxibustion (my chiro gave me the sticks this morning and I'll be trying them out), if none of those work, I'll be asking my doctor about an ECV. He says they're not really worried about baby's position yet, but I'm not sure that I believe him since he's not entirely VBAC supportive and I get the idea he'd rather I just get a c/s again.

elsie2014 · September 2014

I am 36 weeks 3 days, and had an appt with my midwife today. Baby is still breech, so I'm scheduled for one next Monday when I'll be 37 weeks 3 days. Hoping for good results, I'll be following this thread to hear if it has been successful for anyone else!

eacaldw · September 2014

We have a version scheduled for Sunday. I'll be 37 weeks 1 day then. We have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to discuss all of the details. I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty nervous about it. Still hoping beyond hope that my little guy decides to turn in the next few days so we can avoid the whole thing!

ariel06 · September 2014

I had one with my first. It was extremely painful and unsuccessful. I honestly would much rather have another c/s than attempt anther verison if DS3 is still breech as of next week. (That said, I had an easy recovery from my c/s and a difficult VBAC and recovery with my 2nd, which may be swaying my views some.)

Success rates for moms who have not had a prior vaginal delivery were closer to 40%, I believe.

MuffinMom14 · September 2014

ariel06 said:

I had one with my first. It was extremely painful and unsuccessful. I honestly would much rather have another c/s than attempt anther verison if DS3 is still breech as of next week. (That said, I had an easy recovery from my c/s and a difficult VBAC and recovery with my 2nd, which may be swaying my views some.)
Success rates for moms who have not had a prior vaginal delivery were closer to 40%, I believe.

Well that just shows you how far behind my hospital is. The person doing our baby class made it out to seem like the success rate was 5% or something. She squeezed her fingers together and said "there's a TIIIIIINY chance it might work." So. Not surprising to me.

elsie2014 · September 2014

theresat858 said:

Cochrane reviews on the subject, for those interested in research:

- flipping too early doesn't help: https://summaries.cochrane.org/CD000084/PREG_external-cephalic-version-for-breech-presentation-before-term

- flipping after 36 weeks does help: https://summaries.cochrane.org/CD000083/PREG_external-cephalic-version-for-breech-presentation-at-term

-spinning babies doesn't work: https://summaries.cochrane.org/CD000051/PREG_cephalic-version-by-postural-management-for-breech-presentation

-moxibustion may work if used in conjunction with other methods: https://summaries.cochrane.org/CD003928/PREG_cephalic-version-by-moxibustion-for-breech-presentation

Oooh great links, thank you!

kgrisham18 · September 2014

I'm almost 37 weeks with a breech baby. I decided against the version, both doctors referred to it as "barbaric". So I just went to a chiro for webster technique today and go back again tomorrow. I'm hoping this works. I've also been trying other things- putting an ice pack by baby's head, swimming/pool handstands, propping my pelvis up with pillows, I'm willing to try alot. Best of luck to you.

miss.brittany · September 2014

I had a version done with my first baby. I was 38 weeks 2 days. It was SUCCESSFUL! It was also very uncomfortable. I wouldn't call it painful if I compare it to med-free labor, but it was very very uncomfortable. My doctor recommended that I not take any pain medication for the procedure. He said that it was important for me to be able to monitor my pain level to help indicate if something was going awry that could be harmful to the baby. There are risks: preterm labor, dislodging the placenta, etc. But there are also risks with an epidural, and risks with c-sections, and risks with natural labor. Everything does have some sort of risk. This is why we waited as long as possible to have the procedure, in case baby flipped on her own, and to ensure that I was sufficiently far enough along in case the procedure led to immediate birth. I had tried all of the spinning baby techniques, the music trick, the ice trick, I even borrowed a friends inversion table and would hang upside down. None of it worked. I was nervous about doing the version, but ultimately I'm really glad I did. My daughter did not react negatively to the procedure, she stayed head down, and even came 6 days past her due date! And I'm very grateful that I was able to have a vaginal delivery. If I had to do it again, I would.

If anyone decides to have one I would recommend that you be mentally prepared for pain/discomfort, and that during the procedure you close your eyes and try to stay as relaxed and calm as possible. Try to keep your body and muscles loose. And singing a song over and over again in my head helped keep me distracted. Good luck ladies! I hope those babies turn.

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