@ Has anyone had an aversion (version)? I'm clueless!

[birdmom]

So, of course, this baby is now breech.  He wasn't, he flipped in the last month.  I'm 34 weeks now, so the doctor said at 36 weeks we need to start talking about what to do if he doesn't get into the correct position.  

The doctor told me about an aversion, and basically, she was very scientific about it.  Told me the risks, the chances that it would work, and what the procedure entails.   At my non-stress test appointment, I talked to the nurse about it, and asked her what she'd do.  She said she'd performed many of them, and if she were me, she'd try it.  She said she'd never seen anyone have to have an emergency c-section due to the procedure, she said it worked about 50 percent of the time, and that people have said it isn't painful, just uncomfortable.  

I asked in my mom's group on Facebook (this was stupid, I know), and everyone that responded said it was incredibly painful, half of them said it was unsuccessful and that they wouldn't do it again if they had known.  This group of women tends to be a bunch of drama llamas.  

So, since you ladies have been my sounding board through this whole pregnancy, what do you think?  Who's had one?  Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly.  I can take it (I think).

[Saudade]

It's called an ECV; external cephalic version.

[minionkevin]

I think the most common recommendation is seeing a chiropractor who is trained in the Webster method, and doing spinning babies exercises.

[sometimesrunner]

I think at least one person in the mmm board has had a successful version. Anytime someone asks this question the results are about the same as the answers you got on FB. People also recommend spinning babies, which is apparently a website that shows different at-home techniques to attempt to flip the baby. Finding a chiropractor who is trained in the Webster method is often recommended.

I can’t remember if I was 32 or 34 weeks when I found out DS was breech, and he flipped back on his own. Fingers crossed baby flips back down! GL

[MrsDarcy]

My daughter was breech and my doctor said if it was his wife, he’d recommend a c-section. We were not comfortable with the risks of the version, and did end up with a section. It was NBD, and in my opinion, easier to plan childcare and time off for my H and my mom. What do the IPs want?

[icedcoffee]

DS was breech. My OB did not recommend a version. My placenta was in the front and it can be really dangerous in those cases, but she also didn't recommend them in general. I think one of the doctors in her practice had a really bad experience performing one and it ended in the worst possible way. Anyway---we didn't really even consider it as our doctor seemed really opposed so we did a c-section.

I did try spinning baby exercises and acupuncture and they both didn't work. I wish I hadn't wasted the time or mental energy worrying about this all in hindsight. The c-section was fine.

[ThirdandLong]

My cousin lives in Australia, and her doctor performed one for her when she was pregnant with her son. It was successful, and there were no complications. It seems more common in Australia where they recommend C-sections less often.

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 9:40:22 GMT -5 MrsDarcy said:

My daughter was breech and my doctor said if it was his wife, he’d recommend a c-section. We were not comfortable with the risks of the version, and did end up with a section. It was NBD, and in my opinion, easier to plan childcare and time off for my H and my mom. What do the IPs want?

The IPs want whatever is safest for everyone involved.  At the appointment yesterday, it was just my cousin's wife and I, so we kind of left it as something that needed to be discussed between all four of us.  I agree that a c-section would probably be favorable, but I didn't have one with my son and I wanted to try vaginally again.  Obviously, I want to do what's best and safest, though.

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 9:49:50 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

DS was breech. My OB did not recommend a version. My placenta was in the front and it can be really dangerous in those cases, but she also didn't recommend them in general. I think one of the doctors in her practice had a really bad experience performing one and it ended in the worst possible way. Anyway---we didn't really even consider it as our doctor seemed really opposed so we did a c-section.

I did try spinning baby exercises and acupuncture and they both didn't work. I wish I hadn't wasted the time or mental energy worrying about this all in hindsight. The c-section was fine.

My placenta is in the front, as well.  I think I know what the answer is going to be here.  I'm just afraid of a c-section.  Maybe that should be my question - tell me about a c-section.  Haha!

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 9:39:49 GMT -5 sometimesrunner said:

I think at least one person in the mmm board has had a successful version. Anytime someone asks this question the results are about the same as the answers you got on FB. People also recommend spinning babies, which is apparently a website that shows different at-home techniques to attempt to flip the baby. Finding a chiropractor who is trained in the Webster method is often recommended.

I can’t remember if I was 32 or 34 weeks when I found out DS was breech, and he flipped back on his own. Fingers crossed baby flips back down! GL

I do keep hoping that he will flip.  He's already done it once, he can do it again, right? 

[lolo]

Are you disinclined to go the spinning babies and Webster method route?

[icedcoffee]

Jan 26, 2018 9:53:27 GMT -5 birdmom said:

Jan 26, 2018 9:49:50 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

DS was breech. My OB did not recommend a version. My placenta was in the front and it can be really dangerous in those cases, but she also didn't recommend them in general. I think one of the doctors in her practice had a really bad experience performing one and it ended in the worst possible way. Anyway---we didn't really even consider it as our doctor seemed really opposed so we did a c-section.

I did try spinning baby exercises and acupuncture and they both didn't work. I wish I hadn't wasted the time or mental energy worrying about this all in hindsight. The c-section was fine.

My placenta is in the front, as well.  I think I know what the answer is going to be here.  I'm just afraid of a c-section.  Maybe that should be my question - tell me about a c-section.  Haha!

To be honest, I would be really hesitant with the placenta in front.  The c-section was pretty easy.  I hung out while they prepped me, it was low stress.  I walked into the OR and 20 minutes later I was holding my baby.  My biggest issue with the c-section was getting in and out of bed to get the baby, but that won't be an issue for you.  I would recommend some extra hands to handle your son for a few days and plan to just hang out in bed for a few days recovering.  I was 90% better after 10 days and 100% better after about 3 months.  Colace is your friend.

[minionkevin]

Jan 26, 2018 9:53:27 GMT -5 birdmom said:

Jan 26, 2018 9:49:50 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

DS was breech. My OB did not recommend a version. My placenta was in the front and it can be really dangerous in those cases, but she also didn't recommend them in general. I think one of the doctors in her practice had a really bad experience performing one and it ended in the worst possible way. Anyway---we didn't really even consider it as our doctor seemed really opposed so we did a c-section.

I did try spinning baby exercises and acupuncture and they both didn't work. I wish I hadn't wasted the time or mental energy worrying about this all in hindsight. The c-section was fine.

My placenta is in the front, as well.  I think I know what the answer is going to be here.  I'm just afraid of a c-section.  Maybe that should be my question - tell me about a c-section.  Haha!

I had a c/s bc my Kid2 was estimated 10lb14oz at 37+5. There was a higher risk of shoulder dystocia at that size, so we opted for the surgical method. Besides coming off of the anesthesia, and the cuffs on my legs to keep blood flowing the first 24 hours, I greatly preferred the recovery of my c/s to that of my vaginal birth with Kid1.

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 9:58:48 GMT -5 lolo said:

Are you disinclined to go the spinning babies and Webster method route?

I'll try whatever!  I'm researching now!

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 10:00:45 GMT -5 minionkevin said:

Jan 26, 2018 9:53:27 GMT -5 birdmom said:

My placenta is in the front, as well.  I think I know what the answer is going to be here.  I'm just afraid of a c-section.  Maybe that should be my question - tell me about a c-section.  Haha!

I had a c/s bc my Kid2 was estimated 10lb14oz at 37+5. There was a higher risk of shoulder dystocia at that size, so we opted for the surgical method. Besides coming off of the anesthesia, and the cuffs on my legs to keep blood flowing the first 24 hours, I greatly preferred the recovery of my c/s to that of my vaginal birth with Kid1.

They are estimating him to be large, as well!  I have a growth scan at 36 weeks, right around the time I guess we'd start deciding what to do, so maybe a combination of those pieces of information will make the answer very obvious to me!

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 10:03:17 GMT -5 farmvillelover said:

On my law mamas board, the overwhelming majority say they'd rather have a c section. Personally, I wouldn't want to risk injury to the baby in an attempted version. That's my personal opinion.

I want to do whatever is the absolute safest thing for the baby.  The one reason I was really hoping to have a vaginal delivery is because of the logistics of the birth.  If I have a vaginal birth, I can have three people in the room with me (DH, my cousin and his wife).  If I have a c-section, only one person can go with me.  I really don't want anyone to miss the birth of their baby, but I really want DH to be with me.  I wonder if they'd let DH and someone else go in, too?

[icedcoffee]

Jan 26, 2018 10:08:08 GMT -5 birdmom said:

Jan 26, 2018 10:03:17 GMT -5 farmvillelover said:

On my law mamas board, the overwhelming majority say they'd rather have a c section. Personally, I wouldn't want to risk injury to the baby in an attempted version. That's my personal opinion.

I want to do whatever is the absolute safest thing for the baby.  The one reason I was really hoping to have a vaginal delivery is because of the logistics of the birth.  If I have a vaginal birth, I can have three people in the room with me (DH, my cousin and his wife).  If I have a c-section, only one person can go with me.  I really don't want anyone to miss the birth of their baby, but I really want DH to be with me.  I wonder if they'd let DH and someone else go in, too?

Hmmm---I get that concern.  I'd talk to the hospital and see what they say.  They may have a strict policy about it, unfortunately.  Our hospital also only allowed one person and DH wasn't allowed in until after my anesthesia was done.

[minionkevin]

Jan 26, 2018 10:08:08 GMT -5 birdmom said:

Jan 26, 2018 10:03:17 GMT -5 farmvillelover said:

On my law mamas board, the overwhelming majority say they'd rather have a c section. Personally, I wouldn't want to risk injury to the baby in an attempted version. That's my personal opinion.

I want to do whatever is the absolute safest thing for the baby.  The one reason I was really hoping to have a vaginal delivery is because of the logistics of the birth.  If I have a vaginal birth, I can have three people in the room with me (DH, my cousin and his wife).  If I have a c-section, only one person can go with me.  I really don't want anyone to miss the birth of their baby, but I really want DH to be with me.  I wonder if they'd let DH and someone else go in, too?

Every hospital is different but I was allowed 1 person at a time. If, for instance, I wanted my mom there, she could be there but would have to rotate out with DH. So once DH went with the baby to my recovery room, I could have someone else with me for the remainder of the surgery.

[ThirdandLong]

Jan 26, 2018 9:53:27 GMT -5 birdmom said:

Jan 26, 2018 9:49:50 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

My placenta is in the front, as well.  I think I know what the answer is going to be here.  I'm just afraid of a c-section.  Maybe that should be my question - tell me about a c-section.  Haha!

I had 3 c-sections, and all three were positive experiences. It was very calm in the morning, getting ready, having IVs administered. I walked into the OR all three times, and the nurses help you get comfortable on the bed. You lean over your knees and breath deeply (while the nurse holds you hands, if you want), and they give you the spinal shot. It is painless - I can't even remember the poke. Immediately, you begin to be numb in your lower region, and the nurses help you lay down. They raise the curtain and begin preparing you - shaving, cath, so forth.  Before the procedure, they test to be certain that you are numb, which is to say that you can't feel a sharp poke but you do feel sensation. During the procedure when the time comes for the baby to emerge, you feel a tremendous pressure, like a very heavy person has sat on your rib cage, it's intense but momentary. Then the baby starts crying, and the rest is finishing you up and seeing the baby.

Only during my C-section for A did I experience pain in my shoulders, which is from the air in your abdomen, and I will admit that was very painful, but the nurses handled it quickly. I did not experience it with G or E.  Afterward, they wheel you into recovery. For me, this is where they washed me and dealt with any vaginal clotting. After quite some time, they finally let you sit up, but they are careful at first to prevent any spinal migraines.

I had a self-controlled morphine - I pushed the button for the dose, and it's really important to keep on that the very first day, keep ahead of the pain, have someone push the button while you nap because if the pain creeps up, it hurts and takes a while to get back to tolerable. The remaining days are just getting back on your feet, moving slowing. Have help sitting up in bed and carrying any heavy thing. Don't stay on your feet too long, take sit down breaks. The recovery takes about a week before you feel good, albeit slower moving.

[icedcoffee]

Jan 26, 2018 10:13:44 GMT -5 minionkevin said:

Jan 26, 2018 10:08:08 GMT -5 birdmom said:

I want to do whatever is the absolute safest thing for the baby.  The one reason I was really hoping to have a vaginal delivery is because of the logistics of the birth.  If I have a vaginal birth, I can have three people in the room with me (DH, my cousin and his wife).  If I have a c-section, only one person can go with me.  I really don't want anyone to miss the birth of their baby, but I really want DH to be with me.  I wonder if they'd let DH and someone else go in, too?

Every hospital is different but I was allowed 1 person at a time. If, for instance, I wanted my mom there, she could be there but would have to rotate out with DH. So once DH went with the baby to my recovery room, I could have someone else with me for the remainder of the surgery.

Oh yeah---that's a good call.  Maybe you could have your cousin or his wife for the first few minutes until the baby is born and then they can go with the baby to recovery and your H can come in while they stitch you up?  A c-section is about 45 minutes, but most of that time is spent putting you back together.  The baby is born about 10 minutes in so your H would be there for most of it.

[minionkevin]

Jan 26, 2018 10:16:35 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Jan 26, 2018 10:13:44 GMT -5 minionkevin said:

Every hospital is different but I was allowed 1 person at a time. If, for instance, I wanted my mom there, she could be there but would have to rotate out with DH. So once DH went with the baby to my recovery room, I could have someone else with me for the remainder of the surgery.

Oh yeah---that's a good call.  Maybe you could have your cousin or his wife for the first few minutes until the baby is born and then they can go with the baby to recovery and your H can come in while they stitch you up?  A c-section is about 45 minutes, but most of that time is spent putting you back together.  The baby is born about 10 minutes in so your H would be there for most of it.

Yep. I had a c/s scheduled for 1:30. Kid2 was born at 2:04, and my first picture of him when we were reunited in recovery was time stamped 3:18.

[zaneyzoo]

Honestly, I wouldn't risk it. It isn't worth it.

I had 2 csecs - one emergency, the other a repeat. Very different experiences, but neither was horrifying.

I would talk to your dr and hospital and given the circumstances, maybe they will be willing to let them and your H be in there?

You are getting so close! Congrats

[BaliHai]

I did not, but DD2 flipped from breech to vertex almost every week from 34 weeks until I think she finally got too big at almost 38 weeks (it was like 37.5 weeks, I specifically remember her turning around because it hurt! It felt like she was going to pop out of my lower right side, lol). It was so, so freaking stressful, because my OBs were really not thrilled with the idea of attempting an ECV and for several reasons I really needed to avoid a c-section. Had she not stayed vertex at the end, they would have attempted an ECV at 39 weeks and, if successful, moved immediately to induction. I spent the last six weeks of my pregnancy doing Spinning Babies exercises, but of course I have no idea if they helped or if I just got lucky that she got too big to flip again once she was head down.

Ultimately, my OBs said it was because she was my second full-term pregnancy so things were already kind of stretched out, which allowed her more room to flip around. So I will keep my fingers crossed that you're experiencing the same thing and baby will get in position (and stay there!) soon.

[MrsDarcy]

One thing that helped me (for those that don’t know I’m a surrogate too) is remembering that this isn’t “my” birth. Obviously, you’re a very active participant, but I felt like I needed to give my IPs the choice of delivery (RCS vs VBAC), and prioritize them being present for the birth. I would love to have a med free vaginal birth personally, but we’re going with a RCS and my IM in the OR with me, and my H in the waiting room. I do like the idea PP had for you with the IPs going with the baby and DH possibly coming in though.

I’m happy to answer any questions about a CS though. The biggest deal for me was lifting the baby out of the bassinet after, but like PP pointed out, you and I won’t have to worry about that!

ETA: there is PLENTY of time for baby to flip. We didn’t even schedule a CS when my daughter was breech until 37 weeks. Best of luck for him flipping, and hopefully this will be a moot point!

[birdmom]

Jan 26, 2018 10:32:04 GMT -5 MrsDarcy said:

One thing that helped me (for those that don’t know I’m a surrogate too) is remembering that this isn’t “my” birth. Obviously, you’re a very active participant, but I felt like I needed to give my IPs the choice of delivery (RCS vs VBAC), and prioritize them being present for the birth. I would love to have a med free vaginal birth personally, but we’re going with a RCS and my IM in the OR with me, and my H in the waiting room. I do like the idea PP had for you with the IPs going with the baby and DH possibly coming in though.

I’m happy to answer any questions about a CS though. The biggest deal for me was lifting the baby out of the bassinet after, but like PP pointed out, you and I won’t have to worry about that!

ETA: there is PLENTY of time for baby to flip. We didn’t even schedule a CS when my daughter was breech until 37 weeks. Best of luck for him flipping, and hopefully this will be a moot point!

I think my emotions are clouding my thought process a little bit, and I'm starting to get nervous.  This whole process has been trying, I've had more complications than I thought I would have.  I guess I was just hoping that this would be the "easy" part, if that makes any sense.

[onetruething]

I had a successful version!!! The lights and being in the operating room were a little scary, but it was quick and painless and the baby flipped like a charm!!! Feel free to PM if I can answer any questions!!

[MrsDarcy]

Jan 26, 2018 10:41:06 GMT -5 birdmom said:

Jan 26, 2018 10:32:04 GMT -5 MrsDarcy said:

One thing that helped me (for those that don’t know I’m a surrogate too) is remembering that this isn’t “my” birth. Obviously, you’re a very active participant, but I felt like I needed to give my IPs the choice of delivery (RCS vs VBAC), and prioritize them being present for the birth. I would love to have a med free vaginal birth personally, but we’re going with a RCS and my IM in the OR with me, and my H in the waiting room. I do like the idea PP had for you with the IPs going with the baby and DH possibly coming in though.

I’m happy to answer any questions about a CS though. The biggest deal for me was lifting the baby out of the bassinet after, but like PP pointed out, you and I won’t have to worry about that!

ETA: there is PLENTY of time for baby to flip. We didn’t even schedule a CS when my daughter was breech until 37 weeks. Best of luck for him flipping, and hopefully this will be a moot point!

I think my emotions are clouding my thought process a little bit, and I'm starting to get nervous.  This whole process has been trying, I've had more complications than I thought I would have.  I guess I was just hoping that this would be the "easy" part, if that makes any sense.

I completely understand. This was/is a wonderful experience, but A LOT harder than I thought it would be, and more stressful. Hugs.

[sassystace]

I had a version 10 years ago for my breech DD. It did not work. It was painful and she wouldn't budge. I had a lot of cramping afterwards. Then had a scheduled c/s. C/s are not that bad, especially when scheduled. I figured the version was worth a try, if it worked easily, fine. If not, then I'd know we tried.

[whitemerlot]

My SIL has one at 37 weeks and she said it was really quick. She had an easy delivery 2 days after her due date.

[liverandonions]

Was your doc concerned he wouldn't flip? My son was breech around that same time, and I started asking questions and she was like "He'll flip, plenty of time" and he did.