Hello Mama! Your little baby is inside of your uterus, all cozy. The amazing thing about babies is their ability to prepare for birth in a very methodical way (even though they have never done it before!)
The journey of birth begins with your baby getting into the right position inside of your uterus and pelvis.
The optimal position for birth is when your baby is head down, called Vertex. We want baby to be vertex for birth, and most babies are!
Why do babies get into the vertex position? Because the head is the smallest part of the baby’s body, which can push on the cervix to dilate it and thus create the greatest chance of success for a vaginal delivery.
However, some babies are positioned in what we call Transverse (side-lying), Breech (bottom or legs down), or Oblique (slight tilt to the side).
What do we do?
Most doctors take you to C-Section at 39 weeks. This is proactive care to make sure you don’t rupture your membranes and end up with an umbilical cord prolapse (the cord falls down into your cervix).
But you don’t have to go straight to C-Section. You have another option…
Some women don’t want a C-Section. We understand. So, I am going to tell you about your other option.
It is called an External Cephalic Version (ECV). This procedure is performed to rotate your baby from Frank Breech, Transverse, or Oblique to Vertex.
Obstetricians can do an ECV if they feel comfortable with them.
External Cephalic Version have a 50% success rate.
However, they can only be successful on babies that are in the Frank Breech position (butt down), Transverse, or Oblique position.
It is important to talk to your doctor about his/her ability to do an ECV. If your doctor does not do this procedure then you can look in your local area for an Obstetrician that can do an ECV.
How it it done?
You will go to the hospital operating room and be administered spinal anesthesia (pain reducing medication). Your belly will be slathered with ultrasound gel, and an ultrasound will be used for guidance as the doctor attempts to rotate your baby. If the ECV is successful, then you may stay at the hospital or be sent home. Babies that are rotated usually stay in that position (over 90% of the time). If there is any problems with your baby during the ECV, the doctor will proceed with a C-Section.
As mentioned before, most doctors perform ECV at 39 weeks gestation, and then they induce their Mamas at the hospital for delivery. However, myself and other doctors perform the ECV at 36 weeks gestation because baby is smaller and there is adequate amniotic fluid for more movement.
Performing the ECV at 36 weeks has a higher success rate.
You will go home after this procedure and wait for labor to start as long as there is no problems with your baby.
So, that is the ECV.
Come and join Pearently to learn more about how you can get ready to give birth naturally.
Do you want some help making a plan? Download the FREE Natural Birth Workbook. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…
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