Breach baby - try to turn or c-section?

Question

I am about 37 weeks along and my doc told me that my baby was in breach position. She told me that she could try to turn her around, but that it only had a 50% chance of doing so, and there was a risk of rupturing the placenta and having to go into an emergency c-section. This is all just so I could deliver vaginally.
On the other hand, she also said that I could just go ahead and schedule a c-section a week before my due date and deliver her that way.
I was wondering what would be the point of turning her around and going through all that risk just to deliver vaginally? I am leaning towards scheduling a c-section because it seems like a simple and safe procedure whereas the turning thing seems kinda risky. I only have about a week to decide what I am going to do. Any insight?

Answer 1

My wife had 2 C-sections both because the babies were breach. The first one she tried to turn the baby it is very painful and risky. As with any surgery there are complications that need to be considered but at this point I would just go ahead and schedule the C-Section save yourself and the baby the danger and the pain.

Answer 2

recovery form a C section is more difficult and painful than a vaginal delivery. Also, some women do not prefer to have a C section. I wanted to do EVERYTHING I coudl to deliever vaginally. My entire family has had C sections and I didnt wan tto end up with one (they had soppted dilating and such...they were nto by choice). Vaginal delivery is the natural way to do it, but C sections are becoming more popular these days.
There is greater risk for infection with a C section., however there is no labor (especiall if it is a scheduled c section)..you do nto have to go through labor or pain of labor. It is also becoming popular because ti si easier and because it is convienent to schedule when to have your baby.

I am not AGAINST c sections, but it is just not my choice of way to have a baby unless it is needed. (and breech is a reason in my opinion). I would try turning the baby, personally, before you go and have a section. The docs will know if sometign goes wrong wiht turnign the baby (placenta ruptures, etc), and will do an emergency section anywyas...

Answer 3

Well, I first child was in proper position when I went into labor. He turned during labor, which did not alarm the doctor. He just said deliver would take longer. With in an hour he turned again and was head down once more.

My second pregnancy was with twins. Both Breach. At no time was it suggested I have a C-section. I delivered both with incident.

That being said, 32 years ago, C-sections were not done as often with breach deliveries.

Since doctors now want to do them with 99% of breach, I'd opt for the C-section......

go for it!

Answer 4

I would opt for the c-section to save you and the baby hurt and risks of complications. I had to have a c-section with my son due to his left hand trying to come out first. It was not an easy recovery and it hurt like h*ll but it was worth it. Unlike some of your answers so far if you wait at least 18 mo to 2 years before becoming pregnant again you can still have a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section).

Answer 5

My last pregnancy was a complete breech. The doc I had had delivered over 100 breech babies without complication and had also turned many more. Turning the baby is extremely painful by the way. After careful consideration I chose a c-section it was not fun but the baby was 100% perfect. Wouldn't change my choose for anything better safe than sorry later. Best of luck to you.

Answer 6

I had both of my babies turned at about 36 to 37 weeks .. I still haven't given birth to the second one yet but I had no problems with my first. I have a Dr that is a high risk Dr and doesn't like c-sections. He only does them if it is absolutely necessary. My daughter really didn't hurt. Now with this one it did hurt but it was nothing that you couldn't handle. I have been hurt worse at work. (waitress) I really think the benefits of a vaginal birth out weighs the risk of turning!!!!

Answer 7

My chiropractor was able to turn my 39 week breech baby around. Please look online for reflexology on the feet. there are areas between the toes that stimulate the uterus and can "motivate" baby to turn around. Also, some people believe that if you put yourself into a position with your head on ground and bottom in the air, it can help baby to turn around. Look up natural alternatives online- you aren't out anything by looking around.

As a last resort, yes, I would definitely opt for a manual turning. C-sections are horrible. The drugs are difficult on you and they reduce your ability to bond with baby. I had 2 children naturally (after Dr turned #2), and, baby #3 was c-section. It was worse than I was prepared for. The drugs made me so tired I didnt see him for more than a couple minutes for days, then, it hurt to walk. I couldn't sleep, rolling over, coughing, everything hurt. If I were you, I would DEFINITELY try to deliver regularly. Yes, there is a risk of c-section, but, it is guaranteed if you don't do it.

best wishes!

Answer 8

i personally would try to turn it & be prepared for an emergency c-section. c-sections are risky as well, and have longer recovery times. they should try to be avoided.

Risks for the Baby

Premature birth. If the due date was not accurately calculated, the baby could be delivered too early.
Breathing problems. Babies born by cesarean are more likely to develop breathing problems such as transient tachypnea (abnormally fast breathing during the first few days after birth).
Low Apgar scores. Babies born by cesarean sometimes have low Apgar scores. The low score can be an effect of the anesthesia and cesarean birth, or the baby may have been in distress to begin with. Or perhaps the baby was not stimulated as he or she would have been by vaginal birth.
Fetal injury. Although rare, the surgeon can accidentally nick the baby while making the uterine incision.

Risks for the Mother

Infection. The uterus or nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder or kidneys, can become infected.
Increased blood loss. Blood loss on the average is about twice as much with cesarean birth as with vaginal birth. However, blood transfusions are rarely needed during a cesarean.
Decreased bowel function. The bowel sometimes slows down for several days after surgery, resulting in distention, bloating, and discomfort.
Respiratory complications. General anesthesia can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
Longer hospital stay and recovery time. Three to five days in the hospital is the common length of stay, whereas it is less than one to three days for a vaginal birth.
Reactions to anesthesia. The mother's health could be endangered by unexpected responses (such as blood pressure that drops quickly) to anesthesia or other medications during the surgery.
Risk of additional surgeries. For example, hysterectomy, bladder repair, etc.
You can get blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs.
Your bowel or bladder can be injured.

Answer 9

It's up to you. But personally, I wouldn't let her try to manually turn the baby. I've heard it hurts like hell, and many times the baby will just flip back around.

You could try simple things to try and get the baby to turn on it's own. I've heard that putting cold where the baby's head is can get the baby to turn, or carefully laying somewhat diagonally with your head down and your feet up can help since it'll put mild pressure on the baby's head.

But, it's up to you. Some women feel that end all, be all of labor and delivery is delivering vaginally, but I think that as long as the baby and you come out of labor healthy, it doesn't matter how you deliver.

Answer 10

If you can avoid a c-section do. They are not simple procedures, recovery is hard, and any subsequent pregnancy will have to be delivered that way. Plus, if you plan on having more children, you have a higher rate of uterine rupture.

If you can safely try to turn the baby, do. If you can't, consider a c-section last resort.