I just wanted to share my ECV experience from this afternoon in case anyone has one coming up. I'll be completely honest about it!

My LO has been breech since at least 28 weeks and at 37+1 they attempted an ECV. This is a procedure to manually turn the baby from the outside.

We got to the labour ward and a trace was put on for about 30 mins (they were busy so I was left longer than the usual 15 mins). They did an ultrasound to check his position and we got to see his cute little face! Once they were sure that baby was happy they gave me meds to relax the uterine muscles. It was a simple jab in the arm. That took about 30 mins to work.

They checked again with the ultrasound and then started the procedure. I won't lie, it wasn't nice. The problem they had with me is that baby's bottom was firmly stuck in my pelvis so while his head didn't mind moving his bottom was having none of it. The whole point of the ECV is to encourage baby to move on his own and not force him. I found the manipulation painful at times so they stopped for a few mins and it was my choice to have a second try. He had no luck either and while at the time I felt a bit like I'd failed because I couldn't take any more they were clear that actually it's just LO who doesn't want to move.

Unfortunately this means an elective c-section for me but I'm still glad that we tried. I've had a think about it and I would try it again with a subsequent pregnancy because while it was no fun and I feel like I've been used for boxing practice if it had worked it would have been awesome. I don't regret trying.

I guess the point of this ramble is a realistic message that an ECV isn't a walk in the park but it doesn't take very long and even if it's not successful it's worth a shot.

gosh i feel for you i would hate that. my baby has been breech since 16weeks and at my last app at 28weeks he was breech (not sure position now though) i hope i dont have to have that done sounds horrendous x

Thank you for your honesty! My baby is currently transverse & my Dr has talked about EVC at 37 weeks if she doesnt move her little butt the right way so its great to hear about it from someone who has actually tried it!
Im still not sure if I want to give it a try but Ive a few weeks to hope & pray she will move anyway!

how many weeks is it they book you in to get it done if you want it done?

how can they tell if baby is breech? just by feeling?

I had an idea baby was breech by where i felt all the kicks and movement was really low. at 22weeks midwife told me by feeling at 28weeks was told by a scan

i feel exactly where he is ... had people telling me you cant tell at 23/24 weeks, but well every scan i knew where arm, foot head, knee was just from feeling

Great...her movements are really low. I'd ask at my next appt except this is the dr that couldn't tell the position of my at 35 weeks saying "its a bit too early"..

for thoses in the 28 week mark and still having breech babies, dont worry yet.. You still have lots of time.. My baby went head down between 28/33 weeks.

its not too early at 35weeks your 2 weeks off fullterm lol
i wouldnt worry your 26weeks and app they dont tend to go head down till 28weeks or after if they are not already.