Indications. Indications for ECV include
a fetus with greater than 36 weeks of gestation with malpresentation, reassuring fetal status, and no contraindications to vaginal delivery
. Most practitioners will proceed with ECV at 37 weeks to decrease the risk of preterm delivery.
When is external cephalic version done?
Version is done most often
before labor begins
, typically around 37 weeks. Version is sometimes used during labor before the amniotic sac has ruptured.
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.
What are contraindications for external cephalic version?
Relative contraindications include
maternal obesity
, small for gestational age fetus (less than 10%), and oligohydramnios because they make successful ECV less likely. Previous uterine scar from cesarean delivery or myomectomy may also be a relative contraindication for ECV.
Who is a good candidate for ECV?
Most women who are 37 weeks pregnant with a baby in the breech position
are candidates for an external cephalic version. The procedure has been found to be successful in turning these babies into a head-down position in around 50 percent of cases.
Is external cephalic version painful?
There will be mild to moderate pain
while doing an external cephalic version (ECV). Throughout the procedure, the doctor will keep asking you whether you can bear the pain. However, if the pain becomes excruciating, the doctor will right away stop ECV.
How successful are external cephalic versions?
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
.
Do breech babies come sooner?
Most babies maximize their cramped quarters by settling in head down, in what’s known as a cephalic or vertex presentation. But if your baby is breech, it means
he’s poised to come out buttocks or feet first
. When labor begins at 37 weeks or later, nearly 97 percent of babies are set to come out headfirst.
Can cephalic position change?
Your baby will likely naturally drop into a cephalic (head-down) position
sometime between weeks 37 to 40 of your pregnancy
. This strategic positional change by your brilliant little one is called “lightening.” You might feel a heavy or full sense in your lower stomach — that’s baby’s head!
How late can a breech baby turn?
The ideal position for birth is head-first. Most babies that are breech will naturally turn by
about 36 to 37 weeks
so that their head is facing downwards in preparation for birth, but sometimes this does not happen.
Is 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 factors improve the likelihood of external cephalic version success?
Conclusion:
Multiparity, flexed breech, posterior placenta, and anterior foetal back
were the most favourable factors for successful ECV in our study. Moreover, with careful evaluation of individual predictors patient selection and success rates can be optimised.
How successful is ECV at 39 weeks?
ECV are successful
about 65% of the time
. The procedure is stopped if it seems baby will not safely turn, if the mother-to-be is too uncomfortable, if any placental concerns arise or if baby’s heart rate becomes concerning.
How long does an ECV take?
How long does ECV take, where is it done, and what happens before it is done? ECV is done in the hospital and staff will let you know when and where it will be done. You need to make an appointment. The ECV only takes a few minutes, but the entire pre- and post-assessment procedure takes
about 1-3 hours
.
Can ECV be done at 39 weeks?
An ECV may be done if you are
between 36 to 38 weeks
(near term) in your pregnancy, unless there are reasons not to do it. If the ECV works well, a vaginal delivery is more likely.
How do you feel after 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).
