Is the baby in the wrong position during pregnancy? (Breech Position) Let's learn about the ECV method that turns the baby!

If you're a mother- to-be, your whole world has been your little one since the day you were conceived. The joy you feel when your baby moves and kicks inside your womb is beyond words. But sometimes, as you get closer to delivery, you may have a little problem with the baby's position. Like Vanessa Fisher did. With the help of her doctor, her baby boy turned completely sideways. It was a truly amazing experience.

What makes this baby's position wrong? (Breech Position)

Simply put, when a baby is about to be born, the baby's head is usually turned downward, preparing to enter the birth canal. We call this 'cephalic presentation'. This is the most suitable and safest position for a natural birth .

But sometimes, even towards the end of pregnancy, around 36-37 weeks, the baby may be in a bottom-first or feet-first position, rather than a head-first position. This is what we medically call a 'breech position' .

Vanessa's baby was in a breech position. She and her husband Nick wanted to give birth naturally at home. But doctors said that because the baby was in a breech position, it was more likely that they would have to have a cesarean section (C-section) .

So what is the solution to this? What is ECV?

Around 37 weeks into Vanessa's pregnancy, her doctor referred her to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN). That's when the couple learned about a procedure called External Cephalic Version (ECV) .

Simply put, ECV is when the doctor places his hands on your belly and very carefully and gently pushes the baby out, turning it so that it is head down. Think of it like turning the baby inside the womb.

As Vanessa's husband videotaped, the doctor carefully turns the baby. It's a sight to behold. "I thought, 'Wow, it's more important than just explaining this to someone else,'" Nick says.

How is the ECV method performed?

This is not something that is done haphazardly. This is done in a very planned and safe manner.

• Timing: This is usually best done between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy . If you do it before that, the baby may turn back to the other side. If you do it after that, the baby may be too big and there may not be enough room inside the womb.
• Location: This is always done in a hospital, where there are facilities to perform an emergency cesarean section if necessary.
• Preparation:
• Ultrasound Scan: Before performing the ECV, the doctor will definitely perform an ultrasound scan to check the baby's position, the location of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid in the womb. Sometimes, the scan is also used while turning the baby.
• Baby's Heartbeat: Throughout the procedure, the baby's heartbeat is continuously monitored by a CTG machine. This ensures that the baby is not in any discomfort.
• Medication: Sometimes, a small amount of medicine is given to relax the muscles in the uterus. This makes it easier to turn the baby. Vanessa was given this medicine the second time she had this done.

Can everyone do the ECV procedure? Are there any risks?

ECV is generally a very safe procedure. However, it is not suitable for all pregnant women. It also carries some risks. So it is important to be aware of these things before making a decision.

What are the risks?

The success rate of ECV is about 50% - 60%. This means that one in two people can turn the baby. However, very rarely, the following can happen:

• Early onset of labor pains.
• Changes in the baby's heartbeat.
• Placental abruption (this is very rare).

If something like this happens, the doctors take the necessary steps immediately. That's why this is done in a hospital. Don't be afraid , your doctor will inform you about all this and do this with your consent.

Lessons we can learn from Vanessa's experience

Vanessa first went to the doctor's office to have the ECV. But she was a little nervous and stressed, so the doctor stopped it. After a few days, Vanessa made up her mind and decided to try it again. But this time in the hospital. There, she was given medication to relax her uterus. "I tried to stay as relaxed as possible. I was confident that this would work," Vanessa says.

The attempt was successful! The baby was able to turn, just like in the video. "From that day on, the baby was head down," she says happily.

A few weeks later, Vanessa and Nick welcomed their baby boy, Ashton, into the world naturally, in the comfort of their own home. "It was an amazing experience. He's a healthy, handsome boy," says Nick.

So, if your doctor tells you that your baby is in a breech position, don't panic. It's not the end of the world. ECV is a good, safe option to try before going for a cesarean section. First of all, talk to your doctor about this and decide what's best for you.