Women with a breech presentation towards the end of their pregnancy may have the option of ECV. ECV is a procedure where experienced doctors attempt to turn your baby from the breech presentation to headfirst by placing gentle pressure on your abdomen with their hands (see below).
The turning itself can be uncomfortable but usually only takes a few minutes. You will be asked to lie flat, slightly rolled onto your left side. To start the ECV, the clinician lifts the baby’s bottom out of your pelvic area and then applies gentle pressure behind your baby’s head to encourage him or her to roll and be head down. The level of pain varies between women.
If you are uncomfortable at any time you can take a break or ask to stop the procedure. We do not recommend taking strong pain relief, as the clinician needs you to say how uncomfortable you are feeling.
The best time to perform an ECV is after 36 weeks of pregnancy, as your baby is more likely to turn on its own before this time.
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