ECV...... Any advise, experience or positive stories out there?!?

[mememoo]

I'm 36 wks , second child and today have been booked in for an ECV next Friday due to my little pickle being in the breech position. I went along for a 34 wk scan where her position was picked up. I'm undecided about how I feel relating to the procedure! I had decided I wouldn't have it done a few weeks back but after speaking to my consultant I've decided to go along with it...... for now! I can cancel or stop the procedure at any point.

Just wondered what your views are on ECV, have any of you experienced it, going through the same situation?!? Would be lovely to hear from you.

 

[FeistyMom]

While I have heard many positive stories about ECV, my own family had a very bad experience with it. Because of the negative experience, I personally would not be able to have the ECV procedure, and would opt for a c-section if it was not possible to attempt a vaginal birth (i.e. transverse position, etc).

Feel free to PM me for more details if you are interested.

 

[ellie27]

My first baby was breech throughout the whole pregnancy and we opted for an ECV at 38+5.

I was supposedly perfect candidate, small bump, small baby....baby wouldnt budge at all.

One doctor held babies head and another doctor held babies bum and they tried to rotate - it was very, very painful and they didnt even manage to move her!!!

I am glad I gave it a shot and would recommend you do, as it could avoid major surgery.

Myself and my best friend have both had an ECV now, hers failed too. Success rate is around 40-50% but we are both glad we gave it a go.

I would say you have made the right decision to give it a go, and as you say, if you need to stop you simply say so whenever you want.

 

[seoj]

I've heard so many good and bad stories when it comes to this procedure... but overall, it just sounds stressful to you and baby. Personally, If I was in a situation where this was an option- I would opt out. But that is just my take on it... I would try a more natural way to help "encourage" baby to move on their own... and if that didn't I would work, I'd probably opt for the c-section. BUT- I have to have a c-section due to placent previa, so no choice there... which may be why I see it that way?

Just gotta do what feels right for YOU hun... listen to your gut!!!! Best of luck whatever decision you make

 

[tryn42mel]

If my baby doesn't turn head down within the next week I will be having one. I would do just about anything to not have a C-Section (I shared a recovery room with a lady that had one with my last pg and I was up walking and doing everything on my own while she was bed ridden). She just made it sound so painful that I'm more scared of the pain after C-Section than the relatively short procedure. I have a friend who had an ECV and they were successful at 36 weeks. If I have to do it I will do it that week. If it doesn't work at least I know I tried all I could to avoid major surgery (my sil had a section and not all the fluid got squeezed out of babies lungs and he had some breathing issues). As far as risks of an ECV..you can request the fullest monitoring of both you and baby.

 

[mememoo]

Thanks everyone for your response. Today at 37 wks I had a successful ECV. The procedure itself took around 50 seconds and it was only really painful for a few of those seconds. I was monitored for 30 minutes before the procedure where LO was found to have a perfect trace. I then had a scan which showed LO had her back down the centre of my tummy with limbs either side. This meant the procedure couldnt go ahead initially as they need their limbs on one side or the other. Went for a 15 minute walk which showed on a scan on my arrival that she had moved her back to one side and limbs to another giving the procedure the go ahead.

I was then injected under the skin of my tummy with a muscle relaxant to allow my cervix and tummy to soften. This avoids any tensing that would compromise the procedure. It was a small needle which felt like a little scratch ( my flu jab on Thursday hurt more!)

I then laid on my back with my legs and bottom at the wrong end of the bed using the pillow rest to put me in a position so that my pelvis was up allowing LO bottom to move out of my pelvis slightly. The Doctor then applied pressure using both hands and gently moved LO around. I used gas and air throughout. I felt it wasnt needed for the majority of the procedure but at one point for only a few seconds it took away the only pain I had during the whole procedure. I believe this was when her head popped into my pelvis. The procedure took less that a minute. I was then scanned to see if she was head down and in a good position before being put back on the monitor for 20 minutes. Trace was perfect so she's happy in her new position. Booked in for a scan on Wednesday to check shes still in the head down position. I'm so pleased to of had the procedure, very nearly didnt due to the bad press! It goes to show it can be successful and no where near as painful as described by some! Hope this post helps someone xx

 

[ellie27]

Thats fantastic news!!!!

It is good to hear success stories!!!

Hope LO stays in its new position now!

Well done!

 

[wishing4baby3]

Thankyou for your positive feed Bk,I know this was posted a while ago but it's just what I need as I'm booked in for Monday to have the ecv as my little lady is extended breech so feet over her head,I'm also lucky that not only is she my 3rd so have more of a chance it works but I'm also going to be induced straight after so I can have a natural birth and she can't go Bk breech,I'm so excited but scared at the same time lol