What is meant by external cephalic version?

External cephalic version is a procedure that externally rotates the fetus from a breech presentation to a vertex presentation. External version has made a resurgence in the past 15 years because of a strong safety record and a success rate of about 65 percent.

What is cephalic version?

Treatment Overview. External cephalic version, or version, is a procedure used to turn a fetus from a breech position or side-lying (transverse) position into a head-down (vertex) position before labor begins. When successful, version makes it possible for you to try a vaginal birth.

What is external cephalic version with or without Tocolysis?

External cephalic version (ECV) refers to a procedure in which the fetus is rotated from a noncephalic to a cephalic presentation by manipulation through the mother’s abdomen (figure 1).

How do I prepare for ECV?

Eat a normal breakfast before 8am. You can drink water between the initial scan and your ECV in the afternoon. Please bring lunch to eat once the ECV procedure is complete and we have monitored your baby. This is a precaution in case you need an emergency caesarean section.

What are the risks of external cephalic version?

The most common risk with an external cephalic version is a temporary change in your baby’s heart rate, which occurs in about 5 percent of cases. Serious complications are extremely rare but can include the need for emergency C-section, vaginal bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord prolapse.

Is external cephalic version painful?

There will be mild to moderate pain while doing an external cephalic version (ECV). Throughout the procedure, the doctor will keep asking you whether you can bear the pain. However, if the pain becomes excruciating, the doctor will right away stop ECV.

Is ECV procedure painful?

Does ECV Hurt? To turn your baby, your doctor will use firm pressure. Everyone reacts differently, so you might feel discomfort or pain. Many women go through an ECV without any painkillers.

Can I refuse external cephalic version?

You can refuse to have this medication if you do not wish to have it. What happens during an ECV? During the ECV, your baby’s heart will be checked and you will be asked how you are coping with the ECV. It is normal to experience some pain or discomfort during the procedure.

How successful is ECV at 37 weeks?

Most women who are 37 weeks pregnant with a baby in the breech position are candidates for an external cephalic version. The procedure has been found to be successful in turning these babies into a head-down position in around 50 percent of cases.

When to consider external cephalic version?

If your baby is still in a breech position at 36 weeks, your doctor or midwife might suggest you consider an external cephalic version, or ECV. The aim is to turn your baby so that it is head-down when labour starts. An ECV is performed after 37 weeks of pregnancy.

What is external cephalic version and is it safe?

External cephalic version (ECV) has proven to be a valuable maneuver to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery by reducing the incidence of breech presentation at term. If the patient is an ideal candidate for ECV, the procedure is a safe and effective way to convert fetuses from breech to cephalic presentation to try to avoid cesarean delivery.

What is the abbreviation for External cephalic version?

“External Cephalic Version” can be abbreviated as ECV. What is the meaning of ECV abbreviation? The meaning of ECV abbreviation is “External Cephalic Version”.

Cephalic version refers to a procedure done to a pregnant woman in order to turn a fetus from a breech presentation to a cephalic presentation. A cephalic presentation is when the fetus is facing head down, and is considered to be the normal positioning for birth.