Still obese and looking at ECV. HELP?
So I had another u/s today at 34w3d and my baby boy is still breech. So now I'm looking at a couple of possibilities - and external cephalic version (ECV) or a c-section.
I pretty much know what to expect during a c-section, but I've never had an ECV or known anyone that has. Any of you ladies have to have one while you were still obese? I'm currently around 240 pounds at 5'6" so I still have quite a bit of flab on me. I just want to know what to expect and if it was successful in turning your LO or not. Any help would be appreciated.
I did get good news today that baby is still growing right on track. Measuring within 3 days of his due date. :) They're estimating him to weigh 5lb2oz today. OH! And the u/s tech commented today that he has QUOTE "tons of hair!" :) I'm excited to finally hold my little boy!!!
Evc is when they manually try to turn the baby externally by pushing and manipulating your belly. I have heard that it is painful and can put you into labor. It doesn't always and actually I think that the success rate is fairly low. It's a good option I u really want to try and avoid a c section. Hope it all works out for you :)
So, have you had a c-section previously?
I researched VBACs extensively and found a lot of literature that said an ECV is very dangerous on a woman who has had a previous c-section. Your uterus is already compromised by the scar tissue (which can be very thin by this point in the pregnancy) so that much external pressure can do a lot of potential damage. It was a big risk for both mom and baby when done on someone who has had a c-section in the past. If this is the case, there are a lot of yoga-like moves you can try to get the baby to flip.
Good luck, keep us posted!
Working in Labor and Delivery our doctors have done quit a bit of them. I know they don't tend to do them till mom is considered full term due to the fact if it is successful then they tend to induce labor or if its not successful and water break or something then they can go ahead and do a c-section. They usually offer our patients an epidural since it is painful. As far as size of women I've only seem them offer it to our smaller women. I guess its all in the comfort level of the doctor if they will do it on larger women. At 34 weeks you still have time for him to turn. As we have had women come in and baby has turned. Good luck with your decision.
Thank you, everyone for your replies. :)
I did some more research on ECV yesterday and I'm not really fond of it. It does have the potential to start labor, cause fetal distress, rupture the amniotic sac, or even tear the placenta from the uterine wall. All of which could ultimately end up in an emergency c-section. It can also be very painful (though I'm sure to what degree is different for all women).
I have not had a previous c-section, but I am concerned as to whether or not the procedure could potentially harm me on the WLS side of things.
I am looking at the spinning babies website and checking out things they suggest to turn a breech baby.
Though I still have some discussing to do with my doctor, I'm really leaning toward NOT doing an ECV at this point and just going ahead and scheduling a c-section - double checking his position before they operate on me. That gives him more time to turn on his own and if he does then I can still have my vaginal delivery, but if he doesn't then plan b is already in place. I'd much rather have a planned cesarean than an emergency one!
My baby was breech up until this passed week. I think she turned over the weekend I was feeling lots of stretches and uncomfortable movement. I'm almost 35 weeks. hopefully your little boy will turn soon. my Dr told me that she would check again arpund 37-38 weeks if my baby didn't turn. also when we go into labor they check the position right away. good luck!
I'm in a similar position, but I'm now 38 weeks and the baby has been breech for several months. I have a few co-workers who had ECV's which did not work and resulted in c-sections anyway. Both have told me that they will never go through the process of having the baby turned again as it was extremely painful. My OB didn't offer me the option, possibly because I am already so far along. I have heard there were a few ways to help the baby turn, Webster Method with a Chiropractor, Acupuncture, reading with your shoulders on the floor and your hips on the couch, etc. I'm a planner, so finding out the c-section was scheduled has eliminated a lot of worry and stress regarding the upcoming labor and birth from my life. Good luck!