External cephalic version, abbreviated ECV, is a manual procedure that can sometimes turn a breech baby, positioned buttocks or feet first, into a head-first position so vaginal delivery becomes possible. National guidelines recommend it for a single-baby pregnancy with breech presentation, and it is usually performed late in pregnancy, after 36 gestational weeks and preferably at 37 weeks, though it can also be attempted in the early stages of childbirth.
Facts
FAQs
How often does external cephalic version work, and what can go wrong?
About half of attempts do not turn the baby, and about 5 percent of turned babies return to breech.
In the information leaflet from Cambridge University Hospitals, about half of attempts, 1 in 2, fail to turn the baby, and about 5 in 100 babies who are turned return to the breech position afterwards. More rarely, bleeding behind the placenta, which occurs in about 1 in 200 and may require birth by caesarean, rupture of the membranes, or fetal distress needing an urgent caesarean can occur. Because of the risk of a baby turning back, a follow-up scan or midwife appointment is offered about a week after a successful turn. If the attempt fails, the leaflet lists a vaginal breech birth or a planned caesarean birth as the alternatives.
Connections
Treats
Source External cephalic version (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
External cephalic version (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/External_cephalic_version, lead section
External cephalic version (ECV) is a process by which a breech baby can sometimes be turned from buttocks or foot first to head first.
Treats: Breech Presentation, Lead: treats Breech Presentation
It is a manual procedure that is recommended by national guidelines for breech presentation of a pregnancy with a single baby, in order to enable vaginal delivery.
In Group: Childbirth and Obstetric Procedures, Introduction
External cephalic version (ECV) is a process by which a breech baby can sometimes be turned from buttocks or foot first to head first.
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