external version scheduled- what to expect? UPDATED

for the BTDT mommies- can anyone give me some feedback or advice with this one? i'm 36 weeks and will be induced early due to GD. because the baby is breech and always has been, i am scheduled for an external version at the hospital on tuesday. i opted for the procedure because i'd like to increase my chances of a vaginal birth- without the version, i would automatically be scheduled for a c-section in the next few weeks (unless the baby flips on its own). it was not an easy decision to make, and i'm not looking forward to the procedure.

has anyone had this done with their pregnancies? any advice or comments would be great. all the research i find on the internet looks pretty grim (low success rate, painful for the mother, etc.).

TIA

ETA:
Got home a few hours ago. Unfortuantely, the baby was not cooperative & seems to be very comfy head-up. My two OBs tried three times to turn the baby, he/she didn't budge! It was a very very uncomfortable procedure & the IV wasn't fun either, but I'm glad I gave it a try. DH couldn't believe what it looked like to have two large men on top of me pushing this baby around- he almost yelled for them to stop! I'm now scheduled for a c-section for the very end of July. Thanks for your comments & support with my original post!

Message edited 7/11/2006 5:07:40 PM.

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

just out of curiosity why are they doing the version so soon i mean you are only 36 weeks why wouldn't they wait until at least 38 weeks?

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

according to my OB, 36 weeks is the ideal time to try to move the baby, after that it is too crowded in the uterus to easily turn it manually. however, the baby could turn on its own at that point. the procedure is optional, i could just wait and see what happens, and i'm still thinking about cancelling the appointment, but if the baby doesn't turn by 38 weeks, i will have a c-section before my due date. its all too much to think about! just trying to get some feedback- want to make sure i'm making the right decision.

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

I had one with my daughter. It was ultimately unsuccessful but I had heard its hit or miss prior to making the decision. It was uncomfortable but not unbearably so IMO. It's pretty much as you'd imagine it would feel if someone manually tries to manipulate your pregnant belly, lots of pressure. They put you on a fetal monitor after to make sure the baby handled the whole thing OK, its not without its risks to the baby but they are not drastically high. I was the same as you - really didnt want a c/s - but in the end my daughter had her reasons for being breech. She had a very short umbilical cord and it was around her neck 2x when she was born. I think they got her 1/4 turn and she went right back into breech position. In a case like that, the baby really can't move.

Good luck with it if you decide to go forward, hope all goes well. FM me if you have any other Qs

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

I opted to not even bother with the external version. My dr. said it is painful and usually unsuccessful I opted for the c-section.

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

imo i wouldn't do it. luckily i had vaginal births so who am i to judge but i am a nicu nurse and see hundreds of deliveries, MOST of the versions are unsuccessful and you could go into labor right there and deliver a preemie. At 36 weeks your baby could be absolutely fine but sometimes the lungs just aren't developed enough and the baby needs to be in nicu for oxygen. plus it really looks painful. my friends who have had c sections say its really not bad.

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

I had one done with my first pregnancy and it was successful. The success rate depends on the experience of the Dr doing it and what type of breech. Certain types of breech are more successful than others.

I had a shot of terbutaline to calm the uterus to help avoid contractions. The Dr basically placed one hand on her butt and one hand on her head and just manually turned her. he stopped half way to check positioning on the ultrasound, but she flipped with-in 1-2 minutes (it was quick.) I was then monitored for an hour for any contractions.

I had the version done as well to avoid the c/s, if I could. While if it didn't work, I would have been ok with that, I didn't want to not try and wonder.

With my second, he was breech up until the 37/38th week and I was just going to be scheduled for my second version and he flipped on his own.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

Just wanted to wish you luck! I decided not to have one with my first, who was breech the whole time, beacuse he was big and the sucess rate is really only 50-50. I was waiting to see if he would turn on his own, and he didn't when my water broke at 37.5 weeks and he was born via c/s. He was big too - 9lbs 7 oz and 22 inches, so I am glad I didn't try it.

But I considered it for my second, only my doctor said they don't normally do versions on women who had a previous c/s. So I had to wait and with my great luck, she flipped at 36 weeks and I was able to have a VBAC.

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect?

Thanks for all of your replies and comments. Since they predict the baby is only 5 1/2 pounds approximately, I'm going to go through with the version tomorrow. Let's hope it goes well and our little one flips easily! I'll let you know how it goes!

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect? UPDATED

bump for update

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect? UPDATED

At least you tried. And there is still a chance the baby will flip! Good Luck!

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect? UPDATED

There's still time! What's meant to be will be! Keep us updated!

Re: external version scheduled- what to expect? UPDATED

Sorry it didnt work out for you but maybe the baby is breech for a reason, as I mentioned about my daughter in my reply upthread. It may be self preservation, not contentment or stubborness (as we use to joke about her when the version didnt work out) I'm sending flip vibes your way just in case. I must say though, I am surprised they tried 3x...it's been my understanding that they wont try that many times. Uncomfortable, to say the least!

Message edited 7/11/2006 10:52:11 PM.