At 37 weeks 2 days I went for an External Cephalic Version (ECV) to try to flip my breech baby. Throughout the previous week I had tried Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Moxibustion as well as several home techniques. I was really hoping that when I arrived at the hospital for the procedure that the ultrasound would show that she had flipped on her own. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
After the ultrasound an electronic fetal monitor was placed on my belly for about 20 minutes and my vitals were taken as well. This is to ensure that both baby and mama are not stressed. I was then hooked up to an IV with saline.
The perinatologist came in and spoke about the procedure. He cautioned that he would only do as much as baby and I could tolerate. The baby’s heart rate and position would be monitored throughout the procedure by using ultrasound. If the baby’s heart rate were to get too low then we would have to stop immediately. He said that he had about a 65% success rate with the procedure, meaning that not only did the baby flip head down but remained head down for delivery. The procedure could be very painful. He has had patients throw him out of the room and yelling profanities at him. And with all the pushing, there is likely to be a lot of tenderness and possibly bruising afterwards. Serious risks of the procedure, that he said have never happened to him, include causing the amniotic sac to break, placental abruption, or fetal distress; all of which would necessitate an emergency cesarean section.
As he was listing all of these things, I wondered why the heck I was putting myself and my baby through this. Was I making the wrong decision? I really wanted the chance to have the natural birth my husband and I had been preparing for. I felt with the doctor’s pretty good track record that I would proceed.
After signing the consent forms I was given a shot of terbutaline which is a tocolytic medication that causes the uterus to relax and prevent contractions. A side effect of the shot is heart palpitations. I did experience that and was feeling even more anxious though it may have helped to up my adrenaline levels to get me focused on what was about to happen. But, I felt really jittery and was even shaking a bit.
We went in to the ultrasound room. I was so thankful that one of the midwives from our birth center was able to be there with me for the procedure. She could tell I was nervous but assured me that since I had taken birth classes and prepared myself for natural birth that I could use those same techniques to get through this. Between having her and my husband by my side I felt ready. Also in the room was the perinatologist, ultrasound tech and a medical assistant.
I started focusing on breathing in and out and blocking out everyone else in the room so I shut my eye. The ultrasound was placed on my belly so the doctor could see exactly what position the baby was in. I could feel his fingers dig deep in to my belly and start pushing and sliding. It was definitely painful and the midwife was great at coaching and reminding me to focus on my breathing and telling me that I could handle what was happening. I blocked out any conversation happening. The ultrasound was placed again where the doctor pointed to see if she had moved and to check in on her heart rate to make sure she wasn’t stressed. After all was clear, he put his hands on my belly and went again. This time he used more pressure and I started making noise while I was breathing, which actually helped. But I felt a sliding motion and she had moved a bit from her head being by my right ribs over to underneath my left ribs. The doctor took another break and checked in. I was getting excited because it was happening! He went back in to keep trying to spin her but now she wouldn’t budge. We took another break and he tried again. Harder this time. I started feeling like I was in a cold sweat and having trouble breathing but I really wanted this baby to turn so I let him keep going. She wouldn’t move. He checked in on her and all was well so he tried again. He pushed the hardest yet and really tried to get her going but she stayed put. He said “I know it’s time to stop when I can’t feel my fingers anymore”. And he decided to stop.
The baby was doing fine. I had turned pale. I laid there for a bit still just trying to breathe and kept my eyes closed. I was so disappointed that she didn’t make the full turn. He started talking about how the method of baby’s arrival is not as important as the baby itself. I know he is right about that, I just need to fully accept it after having planned for so long to have a natural birth.
I sat up and felt lightheaded. We waited until I felt a little better before getting up to go back to be hooked up to the fetal monitor. Then the baby was monitored for about an hour to make sure that she was still reactive after the procedure.
My belly is very tender the following day and depending on where I feel her movement it hurts a little bit sometimes too. But, I have no visible bruising. I have my next checkup at the birth center in a few days so we will form a plan from there. One thing I do know, is I will have to schedule a cesarean section at the hospital.
Overall, I don’t regret having the External Cephalic Version performed. It was worth a shot and while it was painful I know I would have really regretted not knowing if it would have worked if I decided not to try it. I hope that this will give those of you faced with having an ECV a better idea of what the procedure may be like.
I came across this post looking for info on ECV experiences, I'm in the EXACT same boat right now. Baby is due 2/22. My husband & I have no idea what to do. We've been given conflicting opinions & suggestions from our midwife & our perinatologist, so we don't know who to listen to. Overall I just feel really defeated & lost. I have heart problems so I'm concerned
Sydney, I'm sorry you are going through this as well! I completely understand your feelings of defeat. You deserve to be upset about it and feel whatever you are feeling. I'm sure it is especially difficult getting conflicting opinions from your healthcare providers as well, but ultimately you make your health decisions so as long as you feel as though you are making the right decision,
Thanks for posting! I know this is an old post but came across it while looking for others experiences. I am going to be having a version next week and it helps to hear success stories regardless of result. Helps me get my expectations in the right place.
Best of luck Bethany! Fingers crossed your little on flips!
My daughter was breech as well. I have never heard of this procedure, but definitely sounds scary! Unfortunately, I ended up having a planned with her and my son later in because of this as well. I’m about to have my third and will be having yet another cesarean. I guess some mom’s just aren’t meant to give birth the natural way. I am disappointed and saddened by this every day.
Whew, brave momma! I’ve heard of this procedure before but didn’t know much about it.
hi Laura, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Im 37 weeks and just had my ECV done today. it was so painful and my baby didn’t flip. I was sad and disappointed but after reading your story it helps me calm down. like you said the important is we tried what we can and no regret
I’m so sorry to hear that your baby didn’t flip! It is certainly a disappointing feeling. Have you tried any of the more natural methods? I have an entire post on them in the Pregnancy & Birth tab on the top menu bar. If you are still wanting to actively try to flip baby then it wouldn’t hurt to give some of them a try! And if you have any questions about them or just need a supportive ear don’t hesitate to contact me. I wish you the best of luck and most importantly a safe and healthy delivery, no matter the method, for you and baby.
Thanks SO MUCH for sharing your story. I am 36+2 with my second girl and have a version scheduled for when I’m 38+4. But I am really sad because I tried moxibustion and Webster and I really hoped she would be vertex by now! I never really thought I’d have to have a c-section, especially after going drug-free with my first. I know I will get over it, and we still have hope, but I am sad and nervous about the version and then possibly a c-section. This helped me.
Janel, I am wishing you the best and hope your baby turns for you! There are many other things you can try to get baby to turn and I have another post devoted to those. Also try doing some quiet meditation and let baby know how important it is for him/her to turn so you can have a safe and happy birth experience. Good luck!
I am so happy to read your story. I am currently 35+6 and frank breech. I know that is the best type of breech you can hope for but I am a FTM who is a little freaked out. This child has been breech since just about 20 weeks I think. I was making a joke of it until I realized that I honestly think this baby is not going to turn. The ECV scares me for many reasons. I am 37 yrs old, this is my first child and I am afraid that something may go wrong and I could lose it all. I am going to try all the natural things I have read this weekend as I don’t see my dr till Tuesday but reading your story does make me feel a little better. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Kerri,
Thanks so much for your comment! I really hope some of these more natural approaches work for you! At 35+6 baby is still small enough to turn so don’t lose hope. I also read countless stories of women whose baby’s turned during labor. Don’t be afraid to ask other moms local to you who may know of a provider who is educated in frank breech delivery (there are some out there and in my research I’ve concluded it to be safe with a knowledgeable provider if you are lucky to have one near you) or a provider who has a high ECV success rate since it really is a skill. You may have success contacting your local ICAN group (International Cesarean Awareness Network) as there may be some women in there with some resources for you. The group is not just for women who have had a cesarean but also for those wishing to learn more about the procedure/ways to avoid it. Best of luck!!!
I had one at 39 weeks. I prepared for a week in advance using natural methods. See spinningbabies.com. It was very intense but I was just able to get through it with very focused breath work and self hypnosis. It worked. I was glad the nurses didn’t tell me this before but they said it was the first time they’d seen one work. I really think the extensive home preparation made the difference. We did every possible thing you can find on the Internet.
I’m so glad that your baby flipped for you in time!
I’ve done it twice once with each kid. Neither worked The first time I told my husband to never let me do that again. He was pretty upset when I went ahead and scheduled it at the doctor appointment without talking to him. I had bruises on my stomach and my OB brought about 5 nurses in at my appointment this week to see the bruises so that they know what to tell women iwhen they ask if it hurts.
I’m so sorry that it wasn’t successful for you either time. It is most definitely a painful procedure!