Version

grbnik

Has anyone had the External Cephalic Version performed?  We found out on Tuesday that baby is breech, and tomorrow we are scheduled to have it performed.  I have been doing some homeopathic stuff to try and help the process, but since the babe is estimated between 6 and 7 lbs already, I don't know how much good it is doing (cold peas on top of belly, warm rice in sock on bottom of belly, flashlight on bottom of belly, tilt board, walks, rocking, on hands and knees, baths, you name it, I think I may have tried it).  The only other suggestion I had was a shot of something that a doula may be able to give, but since my husband is still so offended of hiring a doula (to replace him, he still thinks) we don't have one of those.   I heard that complications are low, but that it may break my water!  I am 37 weeks today, so it wouldn't be the worst, but I am definitely not prepared!  Also, if it doesn't work (only 66% chance of it working) then I may have a C.  I am nervous about this, as I have a few friends who have had them, but since I have a vaginal birth last time, I am freaked about what to expect.  Any words of wisdom on the plethora of ?'s I just threw out there? 

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T, First of all, 37 weeks, OMG, time has FLOWN! I am no help on anything except for the C section.  They had to do a c on me because my water had been broken for over 24 hours and she stopped progressing.  I was a bit nervous becuse we had not given ANY thought to it and had done no reading on in, we just thought that a vaginal birth was all we needed to know about.  My Dr was amazing and it was no big deal. It seemed to be pretty quick and my heal time wasn't too bad.  It was not painful for me afterwards.  DH did have to pack the incision in 2 places for awhile and while that was no fun at the time, we had to do what we had to do.  If you have any other questions, let me know.  I am happy to talk about it!

Fingers are crossed that LO turns!!  Keep us posted!

CowboysWife04

I've been there exactly...we didn't find out with K that she was breech until 37 weeks 2 days.  I had planned an all-natural birth etc. so we went ahead and tried the version.  To be honest with you, it was quite painful and uncomfortable.  They give you some medicine to relax your uterus and then will try to turn the baby by pulling on him/her through your belly.  . 

Looking back on it now, I really wish we wouldn't have even tried.  She was frank breech (feet in front of her face) and I later thought about how easy it would have been for her feet to pull on the cord etc. and something bad to happen.  Not trying to scare you, but something to really think about.  Also, I was sore for a few days after the version attempt...felt like a bruising all around my belly where the doc had to pull.  DD was only 7lbs 4oz when she was born, so not a huge baby, but obviously was too big by 37 weeks to have enough room to turn.

The c-section also wasn't nearly as bad as I'd imagined.  I was up and walking the same afternoon which I believe made a huge difference in my recovery.  The more you can get up and walking around, the sooner you'll feel better.  You'll be sore for a couple weeks, but shouldn't be anything too disabling.  I had a repeat c/s with DD2 and I still sore again for a couple weeks, but didn't have any problems taking care of DD1, just couldn't pick her up.

MrsT624

I don't have any advice about the version, but I did have a c-section and will be having another one in 9 weeks )  I had an easy recovery and followed all the nurse's "rules".  I walked as much as they told me if not a little more (albeit really slowly!) and stayed on top of my meds while in the hospital and I think that made all the difference.  I constantly had an ice pack on my incision and that made it feel better, also.

Good luck!!

scuba2011

I can't comment on a version but I had a c-section. I had to be induced because of pre-e and after 23 hours in the hospital I was moved to the OR for a section.  It was not planned but due to her distress and my blood pressure dangerously low it wasn't really an option to try to wait out to see if she would get her act together and come out vaginally! 

I was on an additional 24 hours of strict bed rest after because of some additional meds I was on because of my blood pressure but as soon as that time was over I was up and moving just fine! During the 24 hours post section I was preparing myself to be miserable when I could get up and move around and I was pleasantly surprised that everything went great. I stopped taking the prescription pain pills after I left the hospital and was feeling almost back to my normal self by the time we went for Lauren's 2 week checkup.  

So although not what I planned- it wasn't the end of the world!

Jennrs

Are you oppsed to accupuncture or chircopractic care? If not, I HIGHLY suggest seeing one or both about it. They both have methods that can be applied for turning a breech baby, and they do have a fairly good success rate.

EVs can be painful (I've never had one, but have had clients who have) but they can work. So, in my opinion, they are worth a try if you are fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.  If you want more information on EVs, let me know and I can send you some articles.

Doulas are not supposed to perform any medical procedure so I have no idea what shot your are talking about.

spinningbabies.com is a wealth of information, too. You MUST check it out.

If you have more questions or want more info on anything, let me know. jennriggsdoula@gmail.com

grbnik

Thanks all!  It is good to hear successful stories like this, because I never read up on anything about alternative labors.  How bad is that??!! 

Jen- I will check that out- thanks for the suggestion!