Would you do an external version?

Baby was breech at33w5d. I go back 35w1d to check if baby has turned. Obviously I have time but I am trying to make the most informed decision, if baby does not turn would you do external version? why ? thanks for your input

Message edited 8/6/2014 7:34:18 AM.

Would you do an external version?

I personally opted not to do it

1. There was a slim chance dd was going to flip
2. It doesn't guarantee that dc will stay flipped
3. I've heard it hurts like a *****
4. It could end up in an emergency section

Really, it is a personal choice. Having a schedule section made me feel in control of a situation I could not control.

Would you do an external version?

Yes I had one in June at 37 weeks and it worked. Baby stayed head down the rest of the time. I had a non complicated vaginal birth at 40 weeks. You can read my story if you search my past posts. I would do it again in a second

Re: Would you do an external version?

I would say no. But that's just based on a friends experience. She said it was the most painful thing ever and it didn't even work.

Re: Would you do an external version?

I had an external version. At the time, I did not regret it because I was willing to do everything i possibly could to avoid a c-section. It didn't work. But even if it did work, I doubt my opinion on the matter would have changed. Not to scare you but it was the worst part of my entire pregnancy, including my c-section. C-section was a piece of cake compared to the version. It hurt (and my doctor was mean but that's not important) Overall, it was just a painful experience physically and emotionally. I told myself I would never do it again and that I would discourage others from doing it.

Re: Would you do an external version?

I would say if it's important to you - try it. Though I think you could probably wait a little longer in case the baby turns on its own.

I've posted before that I did try for a version. I had complete trust in my doctor and he was very highly recommended for this procedure - all the other docs at my practice said if I wanted to try, he was the guy to do it - and he had an above average track record.

I won't lie - it was not a pleasant experience. It was a LOT of pressure and I had to lay flat which by that point was so uncomfortable for me - I felt a bit like I was being suffocated. But, it was only maybe 10-20 mins. The Dr. told me he would try 3 times and if it didn't work, I was SOL. I was also completely monitored the whole time by sonogram and the fetal monitor so if baby was in any distress, he would have stopped.

He turned the baby all the way around on the third try. And DS promptly turned himself back. So it was all for naught - but that being said, I do not regret in any way my attempt. I REALLY did not want a repeat CSection. I REALLY wanted a VBAC. But, baby had other ideas.
In the end DS was born perfectly healthy (and with a beautiful round head )

And, just to mention, DS#1 was also breech, so I am assuming that the way my insides are, that's how a baby fits best. I'd be willing to bet if I had another, it would be breech too.

Re: Would you do an external version?

Re: Would you do an external version?

I decided not to have one. Turns out my fluid was a little low towards the end so I would not have been a good candidate anyway. I went to a chiropractor twice a week from 32 weeks on for the Webster technique and DS did not turn. I had a planned c-section at 39 weeks. I wasn't happy because I was planning for a natural birth, but the recovery was relatively easy and it all worked out in the end.

Re: Would you do an external version?

For me, I would never do it. I've told this story so many times on this board, but...DS was breech and I was given the option of having a version. Something told me that if he didn't turn on his own, there was a reason, and just to let things be. I wound up going into labor before my scheduled c-section and we found out the cord was wrapped tightly 3 times around DS's neck. The version literally could have killed him. So no, it's not worth the risk to me.

Re: Would you do an external version?

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/what-is-the-evidence-for-using-an-external-cephalic-version-to-turn-a-breech-baby/

This is great website that analyzes all the current research on different birth topics. I'd take a look.

Also, please know that a baby being breech should NOT mean an immediate c-section. Google ACOG's opinion from 2006, Mode of term singleton breech delivery. There are certain guidelines that doctors have put forth that will allow women who are good candidates to do a "trial of labor". Take a look.
http://sogc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/gui226CPG0906.pdf

Message edited 8/6/2014 12:55:50 PM.

Would you do an external version?

I tried it and it didn't work but i don't regret trying bc I was very much hoping to avoid the csection. I was nervous about, but I trusted my doctor (and he had even performed an external version on his own wife) so I knew he felt confortable doing it and would know when to stop so he wouldn't hurt the baby. It was painful and I was sore the next day, but I don't feel like it was that bad. It was over in just a few minutes.

Would you do an external version?

Thanks girls. I don't want a section but better I suffer through surgery then I potentially harm my baby so I think I wont do it.

Would you do an external version?

I faced this a potential option. I did a lot of research on it and talked to a lot of people about it. Ultimately, I decided I would do it as a last resort. I decided to try all home remedies/yoga positions/tricks that I could, then my next thing would have been to try accupuncture, and version would have come after that. As I stated on your other thread, my girl turned on her own, so I didn't get to that point. Talk to your OB about any concerns you have. The way mine explained it was this: "Either it will be easy or it won't work. And I would know within minutes if it wasn't going to work, in which case I would not continue." I trust my doctor tremendously and this made a lot of sense to me and really made me feel more comfortable about the whole thing.

Re: Would you do an external version?

My child was breech, and I did not do it. Wouldn't consider it for my second pregnancy either.