You may be offered an external cephalic version (ECV) if your baby is breech. This is a procedure to turn your baby in the womb.
Your doctor may talk to you about this if you are 36 weeks pregnant and your baby is breech.
How an ECV works
An experienced obstetrician normally performs the ECV. Your baby's heart will be monitored during and after the procedure. Many obstetricians use an ultrasound scan to guide the procedure.
Pressure is applied to the baby's bottom through your abdomen (tummy). The obstetrician aims to turn the baby to a head-down position.
Around 50% of ECVs are successful. You may be able to have a vaginal birth if the ECV is successful.
ECVs may feel uncomfortable. If so, ask your obstetrician to stop or change the position of their hands.
After an ECV, an ultrasound scan and a heartbeat trace (CTG) will be done to check your baby's position and well-being.
Like any procedure, there is a small risk of complications. In about 1 in 200 ECV procedures the baby needs to be birthed immediately by caesarean section. This is due to a problem with their heartbeat or bleeding from the placenta.
When an ECV might not be suitable
You cannot have an ECV if you:
- had previous caesarean births
- have twin or other multiple pregnancies
- have an unusually-shaped womb
- have large fibroids
- had any bleeding from the vagina in the previous week
- have experienced your waters breaking
You cannot have an ECV if your baby:
- has a slower or faster heart rate than normal
- is too deeply engaged (your baby has moved too far down the pelvis)
- has their feet in your pelvis
- is too big
Other options
Your obstetrician will discuss your birth options with you if:
- the ECV was not possible
- the ECV does not work
- the ECV worked but your baby turned to the breech position again
- you do not want an ECV