ECV experiences

I had this procedure at 36 weeks (I was told they wouldn’t do it later because there wouldn’t be any room for baby to turn). They made 3 attempts and all failed. I underestimated how much it would hurt and I was only given gas and air. Also had to have another anti-D injection after. Ended up having to have an emergency c-section as they didn’t recommend a breech birth because of the risks, and it made my waters break 2 days after the procedure. Edit: I also had an anterior placenta which didn’t help

I had my son (scheduled c section at 39 weeks) and he was breech from the 20 week scan up till the end. We did research and found out there were a lot of risks of an ECV such as the placenta detaching etc so we chose not to. After our son was born the surgeon said it was a good thing we didn’t try to turn him because his umbilical cord was one of the shortest she had ever seen 😳 Our midwife said sometimes there’s a reason babies don’t turn into head down position and we find out later like in our case.

Just putting it out there that vaginal breech births aren’t performed or said to be “very” risky because by OBGYNs who don’t have the training. ECV at 39weeks is too late so I’m questioning any OBGYN wanted to do one so late. Have you looked into spinning babies? Thy have positions you can do that can give baby more room and encourage them to flip back head down. I would a also ask your OBGYN if they’re experienced with vaginal breech births, if they aren’t then they’ll do a cesarean

I had an ECV at 37 weeks but only allowed one attempt because I’d already spent a month trying spinning babies, moxibustion, acupuncture etc with no success. The ECV was not pleasant but over quickly (no pain relief offered). Baby was delivered by section at 39 weeks and was apparently very wedged in so more attempts wouldn’t have worked. There is a general stat for 50% success but note that it’s less successful for first pregnancies and less if you have anterior placenta, so might not actually be 50% in your circs.

I had an ECV with my first at 37 weeks, and honestly I regretted it so much. It was so painful, and I said I’d never put my body through that again. They tried, but he literally flipped back as soon as they let go. My waters then broke about 5 days after. I wish I never went for the ECV and just booked for the section. I’m shocked they’re offering at 39 weeks? I don’t think this is normal practice. My hospital only offer ECV’s up until 38 weeks.

@✨Wis 🇭🇹 I think that’s true but in some cases (mine) the baby is footling and has one or both feet down so it would be dangerous and risk cord prolapse to try to deliver naturally.

Had ecv at 37 weeks. It sent me into labor and because she was still breech I had an emergency c section.

I had this. I found it incredibly painful (but didn’t get any pain relief and baby was in a really difficult position) and quite traumatic. The pressure was intense and I felt like I couldn’t breathe as diaphragm and everything were being pushed on/around. It was nothing like the nhs guidance described for me. Baby did move, but flipped right back every time. They tried 3 times which was the max they were willing to try and that I could handle. Despite how difficult I found it I am glad we tried as I think I would have regretted not trying and would have always thought “what if?”. That being said I don’t think I would chose it again now knowing what it’s like.

To add some positive experience I had ECV at the end of 37weeks. I got spinal anesthesia, it didn’t hurt at all. She turned at I think 2nd try. I did t get any bruising etc and I had a successful vaginal delivery at 40+ weeks. She was born 8.7lbs so she wasn’t small either

I ended up choosing not to do one because I did a lot of research, spoke with the OB, verified baby’s position etc and I just did not feel good about. Stats of success are lower for first births and pregnancies, so it ends up being like 65/35 rather than 50/50. My daughter’s leg was also in a weird position so they said it would make it a little more challenging. I w as offered at 37 weeks. I’m glad I denied because I think she flipped breach last minute for a reason, ended up having some growth restriction and we scheduled a c section for 4 days later! Trust your mom instinct! While I hear much more negative experiences, I have one friend who had a successful ECV and vaginal birth.

My doctor said chiropractors can do a Webster technique. It opens up your pelvis to give the baby room to turn They don't do anything to the baby itself. She said it's about 50/50 if it works or not. It did not work for me but her butt was fully engaged where her head should be and I was not eligible for a EVC. If they think they can turn her for you, it might be worth a shot. The chiropractor said usually if it's going to work the baby's turn within 24 hours.

Thank you everyone for sharing your story's and experiences with me. I decided against having the ECV in the end. My intuition was telling me not to and felt this far along there was so space for him to move and didn't want to risk it. I have been booked for a c section on Thursday to deliver baby 👶 xxx