ecv or scheduled c-section??

[Marlee1980]

Hi Ladies - I am currently 36 weeks and 2 days pregnant with my first. Baby is estimated at 6 lbs as of Tuesday. I found out on Tuesday that the baby is in the Frank Breech position (bum down, feet stretch out by head). I had a doctors appointment today where my doctor gave me two options, a ecv next week at the hospital to try and flip my LO to the correct position or a planned c-section at about 38 weeks. I am terrified. I have very little help (my OH left when I was 6 weeks pregnant and the only family I have here is my mother who has severe arthritis and has a hard time walking and holding things). My doctor said the ECV is very painful and has a risk of requiring an emergency c-section right then and there (but a 50% success rate) however, the idea of planning a c-section scares me. Like I said, I have very little help and will be alone with the baby for the whole day while trying to recover. I don't know which option is better. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[ruby09]

That's a really tough call. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer to this one, but I can tell you what I would probably do. I think I would go for the ecv, bc personally the idea of a c-section scares the hell out of me. 6 pounds is small, but if the baby were born that size would probably have minimal problems, if any at all. It's a good size should something go wrong and you need a c-section that day. Best of luck with your decision. I'm sure it will all be fine in the end.

 

[mummy2be1987]

If you have an ECV there is also the risk of baby flipping back.
He/She must be comfy as well for them not to have turned already.

My friend was given the option of both and she opted for the C-Section.

Could the hospital not keep you in a little longer to help you? x

 

[Marlee1980]

In Canada for a c section I believe they keep you up to 3 days. I'll have to ask

 

[weerach]

i had this with ds2, i chose the section as they told me with trying to turn baby can flip straight back to breech, its painful and they offer gas and air while they do it,the cord can wrap round neck,they can break your waters ending in emcs...these things are probably unlikely but didnt seem worth the risk to me. its personal preference. the midwives will do the first feeds and changes and even watch baby while you have a shower after section..at least they do here. x

 

[SarahSausage]

It's not too late for baby to turn. There are things you can do to help encourage it. Moxibustion is carried out by accupuncturists and is meant to be something like 70% successful. They show you what to do & you do it at home twice a day. Chiropractors can carry out Webster's technique. You can go on all fours with your bum higher than your head, scrub floors, etc. Have a look at the Spinning babies website for tips and things to do to turn a breech baby. Fingers crossed you mightn't have to make the decision of ecv v c-section.

 

[Marlee1980]

I started seeing the chiropractor on Wednesday and he wants to see me every day. He has given me a few different exercises to do. I'm definitely going to try and encourage her to turn before we have to do the ecv or c-section. My fingers are still crossed that she is just stubborn but will turn on her own eventually.

 

[nov_mum]

My baby is a footling breech and although there is plenty of time for her to turn, I am thinking htere must be good reason for her to be the wrong way up. I have been reading up on it and would try positions such a spinning babies etc recommend and moxibustion but I am not keen on the ECV. I hate the idea of a section too and quite frankly with what will be four under four and no help what so ever I am bricking it a bit if she doesn't turn. From what I have read, often babies either turn themselves or they are breech for a reason (cord entanglement etc). If it gets to that stage for us and she is still foot first, I think I won't risk a ECV.

 

[AmesLouise]

If I was in your position- i would choose the csection. I believe babies are in a certain position for a reason. I wouldn't want to take the chances of baby being forced into a flip where the umbiilcal cord gets caught in an unfavorable positions (ie- his head). I have had 2 csections and will be having a 3rd in a week. It really isn't that bad. Recovery is hard after a csection or even after an episiotomy.
The pushes they have to do on your belly hurt really bad. I had it done when my baby was 33 weeks. I had a bleed and went into the hospital, they couldn't find his heartbeat so they started shifting him around. I had bruises all over my belly the next day.