Breeched Baby, Seeking Experience with Cephalic Version

I had this done back in 1999. From what I hear, not much has changed! :)

You have to be packed and ready to be admitted because there is a chance you could go into labor. Doesn't usually happend though so try not to worry! :)

They give you something to relax your uterus and involuntary muscles and it usually makes people feel very jittery. It is almost like taking too many sprays from an inhaler if you've ever experienced that. Maybe like too much caffeine? My heart started beating pretty hard and fast. It was no big deal. The doc does an ultrasound to see exactly where the baby is then has to press down and REALLY push to turn the baby. It made me want to hold my breath. My doctor tried a few times that day but my daughter was wedged too tightly into my pelvis. She was very comfortable! On the 3rd try, her heartbeat dropped too much (I guess it is from stress?) so he stopped immediately and said we'd talk about a c-section. The heartbeat went right back up when he let go of her.

While many have told me they thought it was terribly painful and they would never do it again, I don't feel that way. I will admit it was uncomfortable but it was worth the try since I knew healing from a c-section would be probably more uncomfortable than the version. Everything went fine and my healing was better than I expected. I had fewer problems and less pain than many of my friends who gave birth vaginally. I chose a c-section for my next daughter's birth too since everything went so well the 1st time.

Here is an article if you haven't had a chance to read much yet. It has some pictures that are helpful.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980901ap/980901b.html

Hang in there! I hope it works for you!!! If not, you'll be just fine.

hi,

i had one last year. it wasnt so bad. make sure you ask for the doctor with the best turning rate! take care
rach

L.,

I chose to NOT move my breech baby thinking mother nature knows best; the doctor wasn't insistent as he wasn't really for the forcing method either. We scheduled a C-section at 38 weeks and I had a beautiful 7.6 lbs, 20 inch boy.

After the surgery the doctors told me the ombilical cord was 14 inches too short which was why my son couldn't move. Had we forced him to move we could have done some pretty good damage to him and ME. The doctors told me a baby like this born in the jungles of Africa without a C-section would have ended up very, very badly for both mother and baby.

My advice:
1. Trust your baby, don't try to force him to do what he isn't doing on his own; he may have a good reason for it.

2. Don't worry about a C-section, it's a very easy way to give birth, especially if scheduled. True, your recovery time is a little longer, but you'll get over it.

Hope this helps.

HI L.,

As a doula, I've had many clients over the years who have had breech babies. Similar to the experiences that have been shared, most of my clients have had success with versions. Usually when the position is caught early the success is better because baby is smaller and has more room to turn, but I've had a couple of clients who's babies had turned near 20 weeks. There are a lot of variables... your ability to relax is real important along with the skill of the OB. There are a few OBs that are extremely skilled! Also, there are things, like the Webster technique, that you can do that are less forced. There are even some fun,gentle things that you can do that have good success in encouraging baby to turn. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more info.

Best to you and your baby,
H. W

I had a very sucessful external version at 38 weeks. It wasn't bad at all. I remember being a little jittery but I'm not sure if that was nerves or what. It wasn't painful at all for me just pressure. But boy did I feel like a brand new woman afterwards. No more tailbone pain. I was hiking at 41 weeks!
Good luck and keep us updated!

Hi L.,

I had to face the same decision as you just recently. My due date is this Friday and my little lady is foot breech and not interested in going anywhere. The doctor (who I have had some issues with) was really pressing me to do the version. I spoke with several friends, my doula, a midwife, a few friends of friends and ultimately decided against it. In my opinion, the risks far outweighed the potential benefits. Of everyone I spoke with who had the procedure done, only one person had anything positive to say about it. However, her baby didn't stay turned in the end anyway. I would really make sure that you do your research, know the risks involved, and make sure that you are mentally prepared for the worst case scenario. I just could not bring myself to put my baby into a potentially traumatic situation. Good Luck to you! I'll keep my fingers crossed that your baby turns. I'm riding this out myself until I go into labor. If baby turns by then - yay! If not, well, it's C-Section time.

22 years ago I had two doctors working up a sweat for an hour trying to turn my son. They finally got his head down and as soon as they let go "bloop" back he went to his original position! Turns out he had his foot lodged in my pelvis. It hurt like a son of a gun, and I got to use my breathing exercises, and he was then delivered two days earlier than our scheduled C because my water broke! So, I'd give it a try, but if it doesn't work it's not the end of the world. Although vaginal birth is an easier recovery, the most important thing is your healthy baby. Good luck!

I tried everything natural, and the version was the only thing that worked for me. For my first version, I experienced a great deal of pain, and my stubborn little girl remained in the breach position. A week later we tried again (38 weeks), and after about 30 seconds, barely time to feel the pain, she turned!! We had given up hope so it was quite exciting!

FYI: They will give you a relaxant medicine that will cause you to shake - don't get scared. I thought I was shaking from pain and would have been more relaxed had I known the cause. They will monitor the baby the entire time with ultrasound and do a stress test before and after, so it is a relatively safe procedure. The practice actually emerged out of the midwife tradition. Also, the more relaxed you are, the more likely you'll succeed. Practice your deep breathing now. And, talk to your baby! Ask her to turn, prep her for the procedure. It won't hurt, and it just might help!

Hi L.
congratulations on your pregnancy. I discovered our baby was breech at 35 weeks and up until that point had worked very hard to prepare my husband and I for a natural delivery. I researched the cephalic version and after much deliberation decided that mother nature knew what was best. I absolutely did NOT want a c section, but what matters most is the healthy delivery of your baby. Good luck with whatever you choose.
n

Hi Jennifer,

I wanted to throw this out there in case it's something that would interest you.
Recently on another post here in Mamasource, I learned of something called the Webster Method. It's done by a chiropractor and can be controversial, but has been used to turn breach babies.
You can learn more by Goggling it. Also, I know someone in Davis that is certified to do it. Here is her web address: http://www.gernerchiropractic.com/ . She has helped me by relieving some pelvic pain I’m currently experiencing with my pregnancy – she’s great!
Best wishes.

My second child was breech, and they tried cephalic version. BUT, we didn't know she was breech until I went into labor, and by that time, she was really big - 8 lbs, 5 oz. They tried to do it, and it was very uncomfortable. Then they gave me an epidural (for the labor, they don't give epidurals for the version!) to see if it would help me relax. They could turn her about half way, but then they couldn't turn her past my hips, she was just too big. As soon as they let go, she would turn back around. I ended up having a c-section. They put you on a table, and then tip you kind of upside down, so that your head is below your belly. Then about 4-5 doctors and nurses will try and maneuver the baby around to the right position. Not fun! However, I think if you do it earlier in the pregnancy, it wouldn't be nearly as uncomfortable, and will probably have better results! Good luck!

Dear L.,

Before you try to do the cephalic version, you may try to use homeopathy. Pulsatilla 200c three times a day may actually do the trick of turning around a breech baby. I have seen it a few times.

Best wishes,
M..

M. Rosen, CHom
Certified Homeopath
http://www.masharosen.com
###-###-####
840 Hinckley Road, Suite 110
Burlingame, CA 94010

Hi,
My first baby was breech. Her head was under my rib cage which was pretty sore. At around my 37th week visit, my doctor felt that my baby was breech. She said she would need to do a version. I had been taking hypno birthing classes and I used my music/calm words on their tape to relax. I knew my muscles needed to be relaxed to try to get her to move. There were two doctors but my regular OB/GYN was the one to try to move her. She used her hands to try to get her to budge. It wasn't too painful. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. My baby wouldn't move and so she just said, "Ok, let's schedule your appointment for a C-section." I was in shock to say the least. We set the date and my daughter was one of my three c-sections.

Good luck and blessings to you and your family!

Working in OB/GYN for years, I do not have a lot of confidence in this procedure. I have heard of patients going to a chiropractor for an adjustment for this purpose and women having success, with no pain. I'd search out alternatives, but as you can read, some women here have had success.

I've had regular deliveries as well as a c-section, overall, the c-section, though longer recovery time was the best experience for me.

Congratulations on your baby!

D.

L.,
My grandson was breech and the doctors wanted to do the same procedure. My son and his wife said no and opted for a C-section instead. Good decision - my grandson had the cord wrapped around his neck and one arm. He possibly could have died or had major brain damage from trying to do the turning and/or a vaginal delivery. As it was, he needed months of physical therapy because his muscles in the arm that was pinned by the cord developed differently. He is fine now but his parents are sure they made the correct decision to do the C-section. The problem with the cord around his neck and arm never showed up on any of the ultrasounds that were done.
Good luck. - J.

Hi L., I had it done almost two years ago with my daughter. I was expecting to be excrutiating pain but thankfully for me it was only a lot of pressure and yes the jittery part was quiet uncomfortable. After the version the doctor wrapped around my belly a pregnancy support belt a bit tight to keep her down. She didn't move after that, I delivered about 4 weeks later naturally.

For me it was totally worth it because I wanted to try everything before scheduling a c-section (which was the first thing that came out of each doctor I saw)

Good luck on your decision, I know it can be very overwhelming because of weighting the risks and the pros. Do your research, ask as many questions as you can to your doctor, do what feels most right for you in your heart.

I had a cephalic version at 36 weeks, 2 months ago. You do run the risk of going into labor, so when you go to the hospital they will probably put a saline lock on you. (I thought this part was more uncomfortable than the procedure itself.) After they attach the saline lock, they put a monitor on to get a baseline reading of my daughter's HR. They then gave me a drug to relax my uterus (forgot what it's called) and started version. Its not as painful as they told me it would be, but I would advise not to drink too much fluid before and make sure your bladder is empty as the doctor puts a good deal of pressure on your abdomen to rotate the baby. Just breathe through the turning, and you'll be fine. The actual rotation itself lasted about 5-10 minutes (every baby is different), but I ended up being in the hospital for nearly 2 hours because they have to monitor you after they rotate your baby.

Good luck!

L., Congrats. I also had a 2 year old when facing the same decision. My second child was still breech and the doctor really pushed me to do the version. I was apprehensive to begin with though I had not heard any personal stories that were bad. I ended up having the baby that day because the doctor caused a placental abruption (I think that is what it was called) during the procedure. BAsically, I had a big gush of blood come out and had to have the c-section less than 10 minutes later. I am sorry if this makes you more nervous. I only bring it up because I wish someone would have prepared me better. The doctor kept saying how unlikely any complications are, etc., etc. I really didn't expect to have a baby that day and was not ready for it. Not only did I want a natural birth, but I hadn't organized anyone to keep my 2 year old overnight. Also, not planning mentally for a c-section, I didn't think to get my 2 year old prepared yet...things like making sure he can get in his car seat and highchair by himself since you can't pick up anything more than 10 pounds for several weeks following a c-section, set up a changing station he can get to (like the floor), figure out how you are going to get your 2-year old in and out of bed if he is in a crib, etc. I am telling you this not to make you change your mind, because I would never pretend to know what is best for you. I just wish someone had sat me down beforehand and said, "there is a very real possibility that by doing the version, you could have a baby today," instead of what the doctor did say..."less than 3% of versions end in complications"..."great success rate, you need to do this or you might as well schedule your C-section right now." Also, I don't know where you are delivering, but I did at UCDavis Med Center in Sacramento. The way they scheduled it was that the version could only be done in the afternoon. Of course you can't eat something like 8 hours before the procedure, so you pretty much can't eat most of the day. Apparently it was a busy time when I was scheduled because they postponed my procedure 3 days in a row (not a priority when their are babies coming, which I understand)...so it meant 3 days of not eating for most of the day (not any easy thing to do at 37 weeks!). I hope all this information is helpful and not overly dramatic. I will be honest, I was really frustrated and sad I ended up with a c-section that day, especially because I was only 37 weeks, and it took me a long time to deal with it (my little girl is now almost 2). If I would have told myself it was a real possibility before going in, I may still have made the same decision hoping it would be ok but I think I would have recovered a little faster...and my designated overnight babysitter (grandma) would have been in town the day the version was scheduled! You are way ahead of me anyway, just by getting input from the women on this site. I wish I had though of that! Good luck.

Hi L.-

I would direct you to a Chiropractor who is certified in the "Webster technique". It is a non-evasive technique which simply aligns the sacrum, allowing baby to have more room and also includes acupressure on the round ligaments to let the pelvis open up. Once baby has more room, he can turn on his own.

I have performed this adjustment on many moms in my practice and usually have a successfully turned baby within just a few treatments. The national average is a 90% success rate, depending on the term of the pregnancy.

If you are not in my area, I would refer you to a website: icpa4kids.com where you can find other chiropractors in your area who are certified in the Webster technique.

I hope this helps.
-Dr. L.

Dr. L. Gerner, D.C., FICPA
Gerner Family Chirorpractic
429 F St., Suite 8A
Davis, CA 95616
###-###-#### (LOVE)
www.gernerchiropractic.com

Hi L.- my now 3 year old son was breech up until a week before his due date. He ended up being a week late and needed that week to turn. I chose not to have the version, I think that it is a procedure that causes stress to the baby and the mother. Your baby will turn if it can, if not a c-section is not a scary or bad alternative. Just because you may not have a vaginal birth, it does not make your birthing experience any less special or memorable. Remember a lot of mom's choose this. I was/am not able to breast feed and that does not make my bonding or ability to feed my child/children (i have an 11 month old also)less special or full of bonding or memories. It is not the delivery that you will remember it is the first time you see your baby and hold your baby you will remember. If it wasn't this way, we woman wouldn't have anymore kids :-) If it comes down to it, the c-section is the way to go. Congratulations and good luck

I had it done last Friday and so far she's stayed head down. They monitored her heartbeat before and after and used the ultrasound (you can ask them to check the cord and be very thorough before proceeding). My doctors took less than a minute to move her. Breathing through it worked well and the discomfort ebbs away very quickly. Do go prepared to stay should you need a c-section. Now I get to wait for her to come naturally. Good luck with whatever decision you make!

I found out my baby was breech when I was three days past my due date. This was July 2007. We decided to do a cephlic version. They hooked my up to an IV, got some saline going and they also gave me something to relax my uterus. They monitored the baby's heartbeat the whole time. It was painful to have it done becuase it took a lot of pressure to move the baby, but it was not as painful as they made it sound like it would be. The version itself didn't take very long, just a few minutes. But we had to stay to monitor the baby for a couple hours. I am grateful we had it done. My baby came four days later and had a normal delivery. He was healthy as can be.

As a side note: My version was done after his due date and just days before his delivery and he came out 9lb 8oz, so it can even be done on large babies.

I found out my first child was breech when I was 37 weeks pregnant. Up until then, my husband and I had been preparing for a very natural childbirth. I decided to try the external version, hoping that it would still allow us to have our baby naturally (I know it is possible to deliver a breech baby vaginally, but decided against it for us personally). We (my husband and I) went into the hospital for the procedure, and brought a bag packed with things we would want with us should the procedure lead to labor and childbirth, as can sometimes happen (according to my OB). I was given terbutaline before the procedure to help prevent that possiblity. I did notice that the terbutaline made me a bit jittery, and made my heart race a little bit, but not to the point where it made me scared or uncomfortable. The actually procedure itself was very uncomfortable, I'm not gonna lie. They monitored my baby the entire time, to make sure she was handling it well, and she did. I had one doctor on one side of me, and another on the other side, and they would push pretty hard into my abdomen to try and manipulate the baby's position. Honestly, it felt kind-of like I was getting beat up in slow motion. I'm saying that not to scare you at all, although I know that reading it it must sound very scary to you. It hurt, a lot, but I was and am still so glad that I did it. I wanted to know that I had done everything that I could safely do to help us toward a natural birth. Unfortunately for me, the procedure did not work, and my little one was still butt down. I was very disappointed, but decided to try something else that might work. I went to a chiropractor who had been trained in the Webster technique, which is also supposed to help a baby to turn down to a head-down position. I went several times to a very kind and well-trained chiropractor in Fresno, Dr. Tom Schroeder. I've got to say, it was so nice to get to lay down on my belly on that special table! This experience was my first time ever going to a chiropractor, and under the circumstances, I was a little nervous, but it was not the slightest bit uncomfortable. Unfortunately again, however, we still didn't get the outcome we were looking for...the baby wouldn't budge! Turns out I also had a "tipped pelvis", which can make breech babies a little more likely. At this point, while admittedly heartbroken, I was starting to become more peaceful with the apparant road God had set before me. A C-section certainly was the opposite of what I had planned for or what my heart wanted, but it actually turned out to still be a very beautiful experience, if you can believe that. My daughter was born healthy and beautiful. She had mild dislocation of both hips due to having been stuck butt down for so long, and had to wear a special fabric body-harness for her first month, followed by triple-diapering, but she did not seem the least bit uncomfortable, and was such a wonderful baby. Now she's a sweet 7-year-old, and has never had any problems from the initial trouble with her hips. I know I've been a bit long-winded in sharing my story with you, but I want to encourage you that I have always felt it was worth it for me to try everything I could, even though it didn't work out for me. For many women, it DOES, and I pray that this will be your experience, if you decide to go for it. If it doesn't work for you, try not to see a C-section in any way as an awful thing or a failure. It can be tempting to let your emotions take you down that road, I know. But if you can find the beauty simply in the birth of your child, no matter how it happens, you will be so much happier with your experience. I pray God's best for you and your new baby! Let us know how it goes!