What can I expect at my external version procedure?

[chinaKat]

I hope it's okay to post this here. I asked for mama experiences in a few other pregnancy forums, but it would be great to hear from birth professionals as well.

I've tried everything else to move this frank breech baby (inversion, moxibustion, Webster technique, visualization). The external version is scheduled for this week. What to expect?

It isn't my first choice, but I'm running out of options.

What should I expect -- will it hurt? Is the pain in waves, like contractions, or just intense? Does it hurt afterwards or just during the procedure?

How long does it take?

What medical interventions are used? Looks like they want to use a fetal monitor and a drug to prevent contractions on me. Any thoughts?

Other side effects?

And, of course... WILL IT WORK!?!?!??!!?

Thanks!

[zofranland]

i have assisted wiht versions at my job. we give some brethine SubQ to relax the uterus and prevent contractions. then they use an U/S to montior the position of the baby and to watch the heart beat during the version. the MD then turns the baby. most of the women say it hurts... like everything some say it is awful and others say it isnt that bad. they then watch the moms on the monitor to see if she contract and make sure there are no problems after the version. i have seen some babies move back immediately and some babies stay put... everyone is different. right now my baby is breech (its early) and if he doesnt turn i will definately consider a version.. it is better than the alternative which in my case would be a C/S... no one in my area delivers breech babies.. GOOD LUCK!!

[CMcC]

Here are more home remedies just in case you haven't heard/ tried all of them: http://gentlebirth.org/archives/breech.html#Approaches

I believe not every pregnancy with a breech should try a version. There are major risk involved, so make sure this is really a good option for you and the baby.

Personally, I've had 2 pregnancies with breech babies. One I decided not to turn because I felt it was to dangerous to attempt a version with him. (I had had a prior cesarean birth, I'm 4' 11" and baby was 9 lb 14 oz, plus by the time he was born- he was post dates and the docs said there was really very little amniotic fluid. Second breech baby I chose to try a version. Even though I had had 2 previous cesareans, I trusted my body more this time and she was much smaller! (7 lb and 4 oz when born around 41 weeks.)

I, personally, would never let a doctor attempt a version. When a dr performs a version, they usually offer drugs for pain and muscle relaxers. Some doctors even notify the hospital to prep an OR "just in case".
A version should be very gentle nudging and never forced. That's why I chose to allow a midwife to attempt a version. I knew she would never force my baby and monitor like crazy. (Doctors and midwives both have to monitor the baby for safety reasons.)

The version should not be painful. I heard another mother describe her version as enough pain that caused bruising! This is a big sign in my book that it was too forceful. Yes, it will be uncomfortable as your insides are literally being turned. (Very weird feeling!!!) You should remain very relaxed throughout and have people around you that you trust. Whoever is doing the version should always check where all body parts are before beginning and always turn whichever way baby wants to go. They will monitor constantly because the first sign of things going very wrong is the babies heartbeat. It may actually take a few tries before they are successful. Then again, they may be unsuccessful in turning the baby.

Make sure you are well hydrated and with an empty bladder when attempting a version. Relaxation is the key during a version.

Now, I gotta tell ya that the version with my DD was successful. However, she became wrapped in the umbilical cord in such a way she was unable to drop during birth. So please consider all pros and cons of doing a version. Is a breech birth a possibility? The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer has a good list of pros and cons for versions and breech birth.

Good luck!

[andreac]

I'm gonna quote myself from an old thread on ECVs:

I had a successful external version at 39+ weeks with my dd. Before I made that decision I tried everything to get her to turn, I read the spinning babies site, and tried the ice packs, music, slant board, webster tecnique, accupuncture, accupressure, moxibustion, you name it I tried it! My options were down to the version, trying to get a doctor at a hospital almost 2 hours away who might agree to a breech delivery or drive to TN to the Farm (I'm in CT!). I really loved my midwife, but she was relatively young and had never done a breech delivery and was uncomfortable doing one at home, which I totally respected and knew going into things. The OB that did the version had a similar success rate as yours and didn't promise it would work, he said if the baby wasn't moving with gentle prodding, he wasn't going to force it. He also said that it was generally more successful with multips as we were more likely to be able to relax and our uterii(? uteruses?) were a little more relaxed. I was fully informed of all the risks.

All that said, it was a pretty easy procdure. I had a non-stress test and utrasound first and a shot of something (i'm blanking on the name now) to relax my uterus. The version itself took all of 20 seconds. He just put one hand on her head and another on her bum, gave firm, but pretty gentle pressure and she just flipped right over. Had another NST after, she was totally fine and we were out the door within 1/2 an hour to an hour.

She stayed head down and I went on to have an awesome, accidental UC at 41 weeks. She just flew right out!

I'm not suggesting the procedure is without risk, but with an experienced provider, the risks are pretty low and certainly lower than those of a c-section. After doing all the research that was what made up my mind. I was basically facing a c-section if she stayed breech and the risks were less with the version. Hope this helps