My baby boy is [currently] still breech, & I need to decide whether or not I want my OB to try an ECV to manually turn him by my next appointment. I've discussed the procedure & its risks with my OB, & I've watched a few videos of it being done on youtube (those were fun...eek!). My questions are...has anyone had this done, either for this pregnancy or any previous ones? If so, what was your experience like? Would you recommend it or consider doing it again? I'm feeling conflicted & overwhelmed with info at the moment. If anyone can offer any insight into this I'd be super grateful!
The main goal is for this little guy to get here safely, so if that means going ahead with a scheduled c-section then that's just what I'll do. Of course, though, my first choice would be to deliver him vaginally.
Thanks, mamas!
Re: ECV - worth the risks?
https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/
I talked to a few friends who had it done - including two who had it successful. Neither had epidurals and they both described it as extremely painful. One had the baby go into distress and almost had to be put under for an emergency Csection. Luckily, baby's heart beat came back up and she was able to go into labor naturally a few days later.
For this baby (who is still breech), I probably will not be offered an ECV (due to medical opinion that there is risk of uterine rupture). On the off chance I am offered it, I'm not sure if I'd do it again. It was very stressful and difficult when baby went into distress, adding a whole other level of anxiety/confusion/overwhelming feeling to the experience. On the other hand, I'd rather have a vaginal birth than another Csection. I'd probably choose not too.
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@VitaLuna want to share your story?
DST T4L
I am a FTM 36+5 today. I found out on Monday that my baby was frank breech and the doctor gave me the options of trying an ECV or scheduling a csection at 39 weeks. I struggled with the decision as well but ultimately decided that it was worth a try to avoid a csection.
The ECV was done at the hospital and I was given an IV just to be prepared in case of emergency. They did an ultrasound to check baby's position and monitored his heart rate, my heart rate, BP and contractions the whole time. My doctor also assured me that if I wanted to stop at any point for any reason they would absolutely stop.
I knew it would be painful but I could not have prepared myself for how painful it actually was. I'm not going to lie...it was pretty awful! But it was quick. The baby turned and there were no complications. It probably took less than 2 minutes for the doctors to turn the baby...but it was an intense 2 minutes. I don't know if I could have taken it much longer than that! I am extremely thankful baby cooperated quickly. They monitored baby and me for about an hour after the procedure and I got some fluids thru the IV because I was having mild contractions.
When all was said and done, I was glad I did it & I would consider doing it again if I had too. But like you said- the most important thing is getting baby here safely. All of these decisions are definitely overwhelming but try to stay calm and go with your gut. There really is no right or wrong decision. Good luck mama!
Personally, I think one very important thing to consider is vaginal vs c/s in terms of possible next pregnancies. A first (primary) c/s is safe (with the caveat that everything has risks - vaginal, version, c/s, etc), but more serious complications come in with subsequent pregnancies, and those risks increase with the number of c/sections. I've had one vaginal and one c/s. I'm really, really hoping for a VBAC this time, b/c I *might* have another and having two uterine scars starts to make me uncomfortable.
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Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
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@laurenm2123 yes, having an u/s every week as well as the morning of c-sec. dr said he *could* still flip but im just not too optimistic.
i am thinking of trying acupuncture and moxibutsion as my last effort to help him move. if that doesn't work then i will have no choice but to accept the fact that it will most likely be a c-section. i guess everything will work out the way it is meant to in the end
laurenm2123 said: