<h1>External cephalic version (ECV)</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.8.4.jpg" alt="Two cross-section diagrams shows a baby in the womb in breech position and then a baby in the womb in head down position" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1096" />

<span>This is a procedure in which a doctor, or specialist midwife attempts to the turn the baby into the correct position using gentle pressure on your abdomen with their hands.</span>

<span>ECV is successful in about 50% of women and is generally safe. One in every 200 babies will need to be delivered by emergency caesarean after an ECV, and your baby will be monitored before and after the procedure to ensure they remain well.</span>
<h2>Moxibustion for breech babies</h2>
<span>This is a traditional Chinese technique which can be used to turn breech babies. It is done by burning a moxa-stick (a tightly packed tube of dried herbs) between the toes from 34-36 weeks of pregnancy. It has no known negative side effects and evidence suggests it can be successful at turning a breech baby. You can ask your midwife or local acupuncturist for more information.</span>

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NHS External Cephalic Version (for Breech Baby)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i66P5malx3E?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allow="?autoplay=0&rel=0 encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg20a/" type="rcog">External cephalic version</a>

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External cephalic version (ECV)

<h1>Your baby’s position</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.8.3.jpg" alt="Cross-section diagram of baby in the womb in the head down position" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1095" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">From 36 weeks pregnant, your baby should turn to the head down (cephalic) position in preparation for birth. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A small number of babies will not be in this position, and may be either breech (bottom first) or transverse/oblique (lying sideways across your abdomen). If your midwife suspects that your baby is not in the head down position, you may be offered a scan and appointment with a doctor/specialist midwife to discuss your options. These options can include either attempting to turn your baby (see related links below), vaginal breech birth or planned caesarean birth.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If your baby isn’t head down, don’t worry – there are many options available to you and your team will help you to make any decisions regarding your care moving forward.</span>

<span>Find out more about vaginal breech birth by reading:</span>
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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2021/07/28/giving-birth-to-your-breech-baby/" internal="true" >Giving birth to your breech baby</a>
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<a type="nhs" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/breech-birth/">What happens if your baby is breech?</a>

<a type="rcog" href="http://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/breech-baby-at-the-end-of-pregnancy/">Breech babies at the end of pregnancy</a>

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Your baby's position

<h1>Preparing for birth</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.8.jpg" alt="Preparing for birth" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1316" />

Towards the end of pregnancy, you may feel a variety of different emotions as the birth becomes closer. You may feel excited, anxious or even scared - this is all normal. There are things that you can do to help you prepare for birth.
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu"><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/your-babys-position/">Your baby’s position</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/external-cephalic-version/">External cephalic version (ECV)</a></div>

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Preparing for birth

Your baby's position

External cephalic version (ECV)

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