Risks of external version?

Question

please share your stories/ experiences with me, i am nervous b/c i have read that this can harm the baby's spine, cause your placenta to detach, cause bleeding in mom and/or baby, and make you go into labor. i have not found how COMMON any of this is to happen. i know if it was too common they would not do it. my baby is breech and with all these possibilities i am considering a c-section, the main thing that worries me is the spine injuries or placenta detachment b/c the baby would be w/o oxygen and that could cause brain damage!

Answer 1

With my first I was given the same choice.  I decided to have a c-section because the success rate of a version was only about 50% or 60%.  And I would end up having a c-section anyway! The risks seemed too great to me and my husband so we decided to go with the c-section.  I felt like I didn't have enough information about the version to make the right decision either but I know of tons of people who had successful c-sections.  It just felt right to me to do the c-section.  Although my doctor felt confident in the process and they do monitor closely and do the procedure in the operating room so if anything happens they have everything right there ready.  Anyway, my baby was born healthy!

Answer 2

How many weeks pregnant are you?

Normally, to avoid harming your baby they will monitor the process via fetal heartbeat monitors and check your baby is comfortable and not distressed, and should do an ultrasound immediately beforehand to check the actual position of the baby, the placenta, and the volume of amniotic fluid.   They may also give you an injection to help you relax, stabilise your blood pressure, and prevent the uterus contracting.

The complications that you describe above are possible yes, but they are very rare, and with constant monitoring the risks are low. The risks of attempting a breech delivery are actually higher.  However, cephalic version should be attempted in a hospital just in case an emergency occurs and a c-section is needed to deliver the baby safely.

I have been nursing for over 23 years and have seen many successful versions without any complications.

Answer 3

is this where they try to move the baby externally? if so, my aunt's baby was stillborn and they believe now that it was because of the dr moving the baby externally. the cord got wrapped around the neck. i dunno.. i would personally opt for c-section over this. just to be safer.