External cephalic version

Approximately 1 in 25 babies are "bottom first" around the time of expected birth, making labour and birth potentially more complicated. Turning the baby into a "head first" position before labour begins can reduce the rates of Caesarean section.

Clinic hours

  • Tuesday 8.00am - 9.00am
  • Friday 8.00am - 9.00am

Introduction

Approximately 1 in 25 babies are "bottom first" around the time of expected birth, making labour and birth potentially more complicated. Turning the baby into a "head first" position is called an external cephalic version, or ECV, and is generally performed around 37 weeks. This procedure is successful approximately 50% of the time and has been shown to be a safe and effective method to reduce the rate of breech birth and Caesarean section.

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Our service

We are based in the Fetal Monitoring Unit in the Department of Perinatal medicine. The procedures are performed by maternal fetal medicine specialists after performing an ultrasound to check the baby's growth, position and well-being. The baby will have heart rate monitoring (cardiotocography, CTG) before and after the procedure.

For clinicians - who can be referred?

We accept referrals for any breech presentation at 36 weeks gestation or more where vaginal birth is preferred, and caesarean section not otherwise indicated. Referrals can be booked by telephone through the Fetal Surveillance Unit on 03 8458 4268.

Information for patients

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on our website here.

Resources

The team at external cephalic version

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