Is an external cephalic version safe?

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.

What is the success rate of external cephalic version?

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.

Is an external cephalic version painful?

To perform an external cephalic version (ECV), the doctor needs to apply firm, steady pressure over the distended belly. Hence, a moderate amount of pain is felt during the procedure, which is tolerated by most women.

Why is external cephalic version done?

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.

Is an ECV safe for baby?

Is ECV safe for me and my baby? ECV is generally safe with a very low complication rate. Overall, there does not appear to be an increased risk to your baby from having ECV. After ECV has been performed, you will normally be able to go home on the same day.

What complications can occur with ECV?

Certain complications can be looked for during the ECV, including:

Reduction of blood flow and/or oxygen to the fetus because the umbilical cord is twisted.
Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM)
Placental abruption.
Damage to the umbilical cord.

Is it worth trying an ECV?

While ECVs are considered a safe option for some, the risks may not outweigh the benefits for others. Most providers will not perform an ECV before full term for a couple reasons. One, it could cause labor to begin or delivery could become necessary. Two, many babies turn on their own before being full-term.

Can baby turn back after an ECV?

The chance of your baby turning back to breech after a successful ECV is about 2-3% (very low).

How will I feel after an ECV?

You may feel some pain or discomfort during the procedure. You may also have nausea, and you may vomit. This procedure may cause labor to start, or cause premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). PROM means fluid leaks from your amniotic sac before labor begins.

How long after an ECV will I go into labor?

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.

Is it worth having an ECV?

What are the benefits and risks associated with external cephalic version?

The most common risk with an external cephalic version is a temporary change in your baby’s heart rate, which occurs in about 5 percent of cases. Serious complications are extremely rare but can include the need for emergency C-section, vaginal bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord prolapse.

Is there an external cephalic version of breech presentation?

What does external cephalic version mean in medical terms?

Physicians performing external cephalic version (also referred to as external version) externally rotate the fetus from a breech presentation to a vertex presentation. Over the past 15 years, external cephalic version has become a valuable, although underused, option in the management of the breech fetus at term.

Can a breech baby be born in a cephalic position?

Those positions are called a breech birth, and they can make a vaginal birth more difficult. With an ECV, your doctor turns the baby into a headfirst, or cephalic, position toward the opening of the birth canal.

Do you feel discomfort during external cephalic version?

With both hands on the surface of your abdomen—one by the fetus’s head and the other by the buttocks—the doctor pushes and rolls the fetus to a head-down position. You will feel discomfort during a version procedure, especially if it causes the uterus to contract.