Is your baby breech too? Don't worry! Let's talk about ECV! (External Cephalic Version - ECV)

Did you get a scan at the end of your pregnancy that told you that your baby is in a breech position, not a head-down position? That means it's in a 'breech' position. Many mothers get a little scared when they hear this, thinking, 'Oh, will I have to have a C-section now?' But don't worry. Not every breech baby needs a C-section. In some cases, doctors can turn the baby externally, without going into surgery . Today we're talking about that special procedure, which is called External Cephalic Version , or ECV as we all know it.

What is ECV simply?

Think of your baby as a little house in your womb. Usually, as labor approaches, your baby will turn head down, preparing to come out in the easiest way possible. We call this the 'cephalic' position. This is the best and safest position for your baby to be born.

But sometimes babies are a little different. They're head up, with their bottom or legs facing down. In medical terms, we call this the 'breech position' . When they're in this position, delivering the baby normally, that is, vaginally, can be a little more complicated and risky.

At that point, the doctor will place his hands on your belly and, very carefully and using a special technique, will turn your baby into a head-down position, which is called External Cephalic Version (ECV) . Simply put, this is a small 'flip' of the baby inside the womb, bringing it into the correct position.

How is this ECV method done?

This may sound a little scary, but it is done very carefully and safely.

• Doctor: This is usually done by the obstetrician who will be taking care of you throughout your pregnancy.
• Monitoring: The baby's heartbeat is continuously monitored by a machine for about 30 minutes before the ECV begins. This is essential to ensure that the baby is doing well.
• Relaxing the uterus: Sometimes, a medicine can be given through a vein (IV) in your arm to relax the muscles in your uterus. This won't harm the baby, but it can make it easier for the doctor to turn the baby.
• Turning the baby: Next, the doctor will place his hands on your belly and apply firm, but gentle pressure to try to turn the baby very gently.
• Use of Ultrasound : Throughout this entire process, the doctor uses an ultrasound machine. It can accurately see where the baby is, where the placenta is, and which direction the baby is turning.

Does ECV hurt a lot?

This is a big problem for many mothers. To be honest, it varies from person to person. The doctor has to apply a little bit of pressure to turn the baby. So some mothers find this uncomfortable, while others may feel a little pain.

Can everyone do ECV? What are the risks?

Although ECV is generally a very safe procedure, it is not suitable for all pregnant women. In some cases, doing it can do more harm than good. Let's look at some of the reasons why you should not have an ECV.

In addition to these conditions, there are some very rare risks associated with ECV. For example, changes in the baby's heart rate, placental abruption, or the onset of preterm labor. That's why ECV is always performed in a delivery room with facilities for an emergency cesarean section if needed.

What are the chances of an ECV being successful?

The success rate of an ECV is about 50% . That means that one in two people who have it will succeed. Sometimes, if it doesn't work the first time, the doctor may try again in about a week.

Opportunities with a higher chance of success

• This is done after 36 weeks of pregnancy , before the baby gets too big.
• If you have given birth before (the uterus is slightly stretched, so there is more room).
• If there is enough amniotic fluid around the baby.

Less likely to succeed

• If the baby is engaged/dropped too low into the pelvis.
• If your uterus feels tight and tense.
• If the doctor has difficulty feeling the baby's head and finding it correctly.

Sometimes, even after successful ECV and the baby is turned to the right side, breech babies turn back to the old position. Similarly, some babies turn to the right side at the last minute on their own, even without ECV.

If the ECV is not successful, what are the options?

Imagine that the doctor tried but couldn't turn the baby. Don't worry, you still have safe options.

1. Delivering the baby naturally in a breech position: Whether this can be done or not depends on many factors, such as your and your baby's health conditions, the nature of the breech position, etc. Your doctor will explain the risks of this to you.

2. Cesarean section (C-section): A cesarean section is generally considered to be less risky for both mother and baby than a vaginal delivery of a breech baby, so doctors often recommend this option.

Discuss these options with your doctor to decide which method is best for you and your baby, and which is safest.