Turning a transverse baby ... any tips?

[Claribel]

I'm 35 weeks and my baby is transverse. I've already had a c-section because my previous pregnancy was breech, so ECV and the like are out of the question. But I'm hoping that someone might be able to reassure me that a transverse baby might still turn at this stage, and if anyone has any tips for how to encourage it then I am all ears! Thanks a lot.

[KristinH]

Hypnotherapy can be very effective to turn babies, it's amazing how they respond after a session, mothers often report a completely different type of movement as they try to turn. This can be combined with acupuncture for the best possible chance. I work in Herne Hill and am still available for appts next week so do give me a call if you'd like to find out more - 07963 046 456, www.kristinhayward.com.

There's also an mp3 download you can listen to to start encouraging your baby to turn - http://www.positive-birth.com/turnbreechortransversebaby.htm.

I'm a hypnotherapist and part of the new NESTLondon group of local midwives and therapists specialising in pregnancy and birth. Homeopathy and reflexology can also be very beneficial to turn babies so do think about these options too. www.nestlondon.co.uk.

Warm wishes, Kristin :)

[Fuschia]

I had hypnotherapy with Christine neillands, acupuncture/moxi.. The baby was flipping between breech and transverse

Then had ecv which worked

[snowboarder]

There's a website called spinning babies I think - sorry on phone so can't do links. Various improbable positions to try. My second flipped about a lot too - breech and transverse - their siblings have left them room to play! Luckilyhe settled head down at 36 wk scan - I think a rather violent vomiting bug a couple of days earlier turned him!

[Ruth_Baldock]

It is likely that baby will still turn of his/her own accord; my second was the same- tranverse the entire pregnany, couldn't have an ecv as had a c/s first time round. I did use the spinning babies website though, so that may have helped too!

She turned at about 37wks.

[ratty]

Is transverse spine to spine?

My baby girl was spine to spine at the beginning of labour and was turned during labour so the midwives said. So I guess there is still time!

[snowboarder]

No - baby lying side to side rather than head down or breech...Not good - they really can't get out this way!

[Fuschia]

Though most transverse babies do turn when they get too big to fit crossways

Being transverse close to end is grounds for some anxiety due to thd possibility of cord prolapse if your waters go

Hopefully baby will turn in this case!!

[Claribel]

Thanks everyone, there is really helpful advice here. I've been throwing myself off the sofa in the style of the Spinning Babies website, unfortunately I'm away from home at the moment, so haven't been around to take advantage of local acupuncturists etc. but that sounds like a sensible next step once back. Fingers crossed my baby is just very laid back, and waiting for a bit of Christmas indulgence to turn it over.

[Saffron]

Previous c-section delivery does not necessarily mean you can't have a safe and successful ECV. You need to consult with a team of obstetric specialists who have experience in this area to see if you are a candidate. xx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19021458

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9846717

[Ruth_Baldock]

Saffron; last summer a registrar at kings told me they are extremely hesitant and unlikely to perform an ecv on a previous c/s, especially if the time between pregnancies has been quite short (as was the case for me, possibly not the OP though).

[Claribel]

To be honest, I really hated ECV the first time (and it didn't work for me) so even if it was offered to me, I would think very hard about whether or not I would go with it. I feel quite relieved that at least that decision has been taken out of my hands! But thanks very much for the post, it is so easy to slip into agreeing with what they tell you, it's often only when I get home and reflect on it and get advice from places like this that I realise it isn't quite so black and white.

[Saffron]

Yes, I posted as much for anyone who might just be reading as for those who posted. You can often get differing medical advice even from professionals, depending on their own professional experiences. It's alwasy good to do a little of your own research!

From what I know of friends with transverse babies, a relaxed approach seems to be the common denominator whatever approach they chose. Less stressed mums make more oxytocin and less cortisol? In that respect I can see why hypnotherapy and acupuncture are so highly recommended. I had antenatal acupuncture, and it was great. Little Saff loved it and would do backflips throughout the session.

Good luck. xx

[Ruth_Baldock]

I quite agree; the more relaxed you are, the more likely baby is to turn. I was so convinced the baby wouldn't turn that I stopped worrying about it all and prepared myself for the inevitable. I turned up at my VBAC appt at Kings and said cheerfully "there is no point in me being here, the baby is malpresented!". Registrar examined me, baby was cephalic and engaged.

Ended up with surgery in the end, but for different reasons.

[jenc]

Just to add - maybe not for OP but for others reading - that I had c/s in Oct 09 and then a successful ECV last month on my breech baby. Was dreading it and it was unpleasant but bearable, especially given that it worked. Mr Marsh, the consultant who did it, was lovely and really reassuring and informative. Hope your baby turns Claribel.

[mumtoone]

Yoga all the way!!!There is few positions that help to get them to the right position (like down facing dog etc).It worked for me! Good Luck!