PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for March, 1999: Re: Transverse??

Re: Transverse??

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 7 Mar 1999 21:48:50 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Carla: "Transverse??"

At Sat, 6 Mar 1999, Carla wrote: >
>I am almost 37 weeks pregnant and my baby is still transverse. I find
>this to be very uncomfortable and painful, am I the only one or have
>others had this complaint? I am just wondering do most doctors let a
>baby in transverse position go to full term.

In our practice we routinely turn babies from transverse to head first (vertex) at 37 weeks. This is called an external cephalic version (ECV) and in cases of transverse babies, is almost always successful. It's done in the labor unit using an ultrasound to visualize the baby during the procedure.

There are a few risks when the baby is transverse. One is that during labor (but probably not before) the uterus can rupture due to the force of the contractions against the baby. If your water bag breaks while the baby is transverse, the umbilical cord can fall out (prolapse) of the cervix, leading to fetal distress or even stillbirth. Finally, if a patient is transverse and goes in to labor, it may be difficult to turn the baby due to the contractions.

It's always best to check with your own doctor. Certainly he or she performs this common procedure (ECV) and can discuss with you the best time to consider it.

Good luck with everything!

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, FL http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education, and is not for specific medical advice. I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

Next message: Christine: "Hemorroids"
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In reply to: Carla: "Transverse??"

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