External Cephalic Version
This webpage will give you information about an external
cephalic version. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP
or other relevant health professional.
What is an external cephalic version?
An external cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure to turn a baby
in the womb from breech (bottom or feet-first) to headfirst (see
figure 1).
An ECV is usually recommended if your baby is breech after 36
weeks (if this is your first baby) or after 37 weeks (if you have
had a baby before). An ECV will give you the best chance of a
normal vaginal delivery and is suitable for most women.
If an ECV is not suitable for you, you will need to consider
either a Caesarean section (procedure to deliver a baby by a
surgical operation) or a vaginal breech delivery.
Figure 1: A breech baby
Are there any alternatives to an ECV?
There is a type of heat therapy called moxibustion together with
acupuncture that may help turn babies from breech to the head-first
position. There is not yet enough evidence for your obstetrician to
recommend this technique above an ECV.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure usually takes about fifteen minutes. Your
obstetrician will carefully push on your abdomen to try to turn
your baby into a headfirst position. They will monitor your baby’s
heartbeat regularly to check that it is normal. Your baby’s
heartbeat will be monitored for up to 45 minutes after the
procedure.
What complications can happen?
- Bleeding from the placenta
- Change in the baby’s heartbeat
- Distressed baby
What happens if the ECV is not a success?
Your obstetrician may be able to perform another ECV or you will
need to consider either a Caesarean section or a vaginal breech
delivery.
Summary
An ECV is usually a safe and effective way of turning your baby
from breech to headfirst.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Lucy Kean DM MRCOG and Dr Alison Crocker BM BCh
(Oxon)
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2007 Nucleus
Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
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