Abstract
BackgroundExisting studies regarding women’s experiences surrounding an External Cephalic Version (ECV) report on women who have a persistent breech post ECV and give birth by caesarean section, or on women who had successful ECVs and plan for a vaginal birth. There is a paucity of understanding about the experience of women who attempt an ECV then plan a vaginal breech birth when their baby remains breech. The aim of this study was to examine women’s experience of an ECV which resulted in a persistent breech presentation.MethodsA qualitative descriptive exploratory design was undertaken. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically.ResultsTwenty two (n = 22) women who attempted an ECV and subsequently planned a vaginal breech birth participated. Twelve women had a vaginal breech birth (55 %) and 10 (45 %) gave birth by caesarean section. In relation to the ECV, there were five main themes identified: ‘seeking an alternative’, ‘needing information’, ‘recounting the ECV experience’, ‘reacting to the unsuccessful ECV’ and, ‘reflecting on the value of an ECV’.ConclusionsECV should form part of a range of options provided to women, rather than a default procedure for management of the term breech. For motivated women who fit the safe criteria for vaginal breech birth, not being subjected to a painful experience (ECV) may be optimal. Women should be supported to access services that support vaginal breech birth if this is their choice, and continuity of care should be standard practice.
Highlights
Existing studies regarding women’s experiences surrounding an External Cephalic Version (ECV) report on women who have a persistent breech post ECV and give birth by caesarean section, or on women who had successful ECVs and plan for a vaginal birth
In an attempt to reduce the need for caesarean section (CS) for breech, external cephalic version (ECV) has become a popular, safe practice and is recommended for women who have a straightforward pregnancy with a breech presentation near term [4,5,6,7,8]
This study describes Australian women’s experiences who underwent an ECV which resulted in a baby who remained a breech presentation
Summary
Existing studies regarding women’s experiences surrounding an External Cephalic Version (ECV) report on women who have a persistent breech post ECV and give birth by caesarean section, or on women who had successful ECVs and plan for a vaginal birth. There is a paucity of understanding about the experience of women who attempt an ECV plan a vaginal breech birth when their baby remains breech. The optimal mode of birth for women who have a baby in the breech position at term is controversial. In an attempt to reduce the need for CS for breech, external cephalic version (ECV) has become a popular, safe practice and is recommended for women who have a straightforward pregnancy with a breech presentation near term [4,5,6,7,8].
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