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What is external cephalic version in breech presentation?
External cephalic version (ECV) is an attempt to turn the fetus so that he or she is head down. ECV can improve your chance of having a vaginal birth. If the fetus is breech and your pregnancy is greater than 36 weeks your health care professional may suggest ECV.
Should I have ECV or C-section?
It’s recommended that an external cephalic version be offered to all women who have a baby in breech position at or close to term, where there are no other complications. The procedure has been shown to be successful in around half of all cases and may lower the likelihood that a C-section will be needed.
What are the risks of having a ECV done?
ECVs are usually safe, but there are some risks. In rare cases, it can cause changes in your baby’s heart rate, tearing of the placenta, and preterm labor. The procedure is usually done near a delivery room in case you need an emergency C-section.
How successful is ECV?
External cephalic version is a procedure that externally rotates the fetus from a breech presentation to a vertex presentation. External version has made a resurgence in the past 15 years because of a strong safety record and a success rate of about 65 percent.
Can breech baby be delivered normally?
It’s possible to deliver a breech baby vaginally. It can be more dangerous for the baby and the risk of injury is much higher. If the umbilical cord is compressed during birth, the baby could be deprived of oxygen and this could harm their brain and nerves.
Is ECV successful?
How long after ECV did you go into labor?
Complications occurring within 24 hours of external cephalic version (ECV). Out of the 67 cases of successful ECV, five (7.46%) fetuses reverted back to either breech presentation or transverse. All of them presented in labour, between 9 and 24 days after ECV, and had emergency caesarean delivery.
How long after ECV did labor start?
ECV is usually attempted around the 37-week mark before labor begins, though sometimes a version is tried during labor before your water has broken.
Are breech babies healthy?
Most breech babies are born healthy, although there is a slightly elevated risk for certain birth defects. Your baby’s movements may feel a little different. You will feel your baby’s kicks lower in your belly. You may feel a hard lump closer to your ribs.
What is an external cephalic version?
An external cephalic version is a procedure used to help turn a baby in the womb before delivery. During the procedure, your healthcare provider places their hands on the outside of your belly and attempts to manually turn the baby. This procedure may be recommended if your baby is in a breech position.
What is the early external cephalic version (ECV) 2 trial?
Hutton EK, Hannah ME, Ross SJ, et al. The Early External Cephalic Version (ECV) 2 Trial: an international multicentre randomised controlled trial of timing of ECV for breech pregnancies. BJOG 2011; 118:564.
What is the success rate of External cephalic delivery at 37 weeks?
Most women who are 37 weeks pregnant with a baby in the breech position are candidates for an external cephalic version. The procedure has been found to be successful in turning these babies into a head-down position in around 50 percent of cases.
Do I need an external cephalic cesarean?
It’s recommended that an external cephalic version be offered to all women who have a baby in breech position at or close to term, where there are no other complications. The procedure has been shown to be successful in around half of all cases and may lower the likelihood that a C-section will be needed.