ECV Experiences?

I had an unplanned ECV and c section. My baby was actually sideways so they thought they might be able to turn him. He wasn't growing at my 36 week appt so I went to L&D for a non stress test. Long story short they wanted to see if they can turn him into the correct position so they could induce me to deliver vaginally. I had an epidural placed beforehand, but it was still really uncomfortable. Felt like lots of pressure, like someone was pushing up on my stomach to the point it was gonna rip through. But my husband was allowed to be by my side. They attempted about 4 times because his heart rate didn't drop. They were unsuccessful so they went right into a c section. It was scary but there were lots of staff in the room, including a nicu team in case anything happened with baby. My babe was delivered successfully with no complications!

I don’t want to discourage you. I had one done at 37 weeks. Never again. Super painful and it was unsuccessful. During my c section they found out that she pooped in her bag a long time ago. My guess is that she did during the ECV. She had to be on breathing machine until her lungs cleared out. I was super scared of c section but honestly it wasn’t that bad. The anesthesia did not hurt more than a normal shot. The blood withdrawal hurt more. Healing wasn’t bad either if you try to walk within a few hours of surgery. One question you should ask the doctor performing the ECV is what is their success rate. I wish I did ask that. I’d probably not have done it. It is one of the things that I regret most.

Hello! I had an ECV done at 37 weeks, it was successful and baby stayed down and was able to deliver vaginally! I was super worried about emergency c section as well, but i wanted to at least try! So i did, i got an epidural and it was still pain full but i am so glad that i did it considering it was my first baby and i want more down the road. Lots of pros and cons but if youre considering it find a good confident doctor that will do it (my OB did not do it). I had a successful ECV, baby’s heart rate did drop for 40 seconds after but it picked back up and we stayed for observation.

I REALLY wanted to deliver vaginally and was very scared of a C-section.Our doctor tried ECV at 37 weeks. They gave a drug to relax the uterus and it makes you VERY jittery (they warned me to not have a panic attack). No pain meds- it was extremely painful, the doctor put her whole weight behind it. They tried one way, then the other. Baby's heart rate dropped where they couldn't find it. Kept us for observation for 30 minutes, then a few hours, then decided on overnight. I hadn't eaten since 4 am... They woke me up at just past midnight - baby had concerning decels and they wanted to perform a C-section right away. C-section was very smooth, but they found baby couldn't turn because his cord was wrapped around his neck "several times" which is why his heart rate would drop when he'd try to move. Baby is happy and healthy, and it's probably a good thing we went in at 37 weeks rather than the 39 they planned for breech babies. Just make sure your bag is packed and be prepared that you might meet baby that day.

It was scary, but they are professionals and made me feel very comfortable about the C-section. However, I hadn't really accepted the idea of one, and getting my head around it in like 30 minutes was tough. So I don't want to scare you - I hope it goes well and you can have your delivery as planned! A little more mental prep for me would have helped me with our surprise baby.

I had an ECV at 37 weeks and baby flipped and had vaginal delivery. It was painful in the starting but they all are professional there and did good job. Also you know your body and pain more than anyone. Don’t stress and go with the flow…. Best wishes!!

Hi! My daughter is 4 months old. I had a planned ECV at 38 weeks. Close to 39 weeks. The procedure was at Kaiser. They put you on an operating table. They do a spinal tap in case you end up needing a C-Section and also because it would be intense without one. Aka painful and I can not believe that doctors would not recommend an epidural prior. I would demand it honestly. Babies heart rate always drops and that part was scary but the ladies at Kaiser knew what they were doing. Procedure was quick. They will only try 3-4 times and if baby doesnt want to flip then they don’t force it. It was a lot of pressure but it wasn’t painful (for me). Mine was successful and I delivered with no issues 5 days before my due date. I would do it again and have no regrets. Natural delivery was important to me and I wanted that experience. I know it’s nerve racking! Good luck mama.

I have refused ECV I’d rather have a planned C Section than trying for something that can be unsuccessful!!