Breech presentation in pregnancy is when babies are not in the correct position for entering the birth canal (i.e. are not head downwards).
External Cephalic Version is the changing of a baby's position in the uterus by manipulation of the mother's abdomen. It is an optional procedure which you may have if there are no contra-indications to it in your pregnancy.
The procedure is performed in the labour and delivery unit at St Helier Hospital.
Just before the procedure, an ultrasound will confirm the position of the baby and placenta. A Cardiotocography (CTG) will make sure the baby's heart rate is normal. CTG involves using a machine to record the fetal heartbeat and uterine contractions.
During the procedure, medication is given to relax your uterus. The doctor then places his or her hands on your abdomen, locates the baby's parts, and gently pushes the baby's bottom out of your pelvis. The doctor then tries to manoeuvre the baby so that the head will enter the pelvis.
After the procedure a CTG is done again to check the baby's well-being.
If the procedure is unsuccessful, your doctor will discuss the risks and merits of vaginal delivery compared with caesarean section in your particular case. Even if the procedure is successful, the baby could return to the breech position before you begin labour.
Some of the potential complications of this procedure include:
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premature labour in about 1% of mothers;
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premature rupture of the membranes in about 1% of mothers;
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a small amount of blood loss from you and the baby;
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the need for an emergency caesarean section because the baby is getting distressed;
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damage to the placenta.
The likelihood of these complications is small, but any of these problems can be very serious.
