External cephalic version
External cephalic version
External cephalic version, or version, is a procedure used to turn a breech fetus into a head-down (vertex) position before labor begins. When successful, version makes it possible for a woman to try a vaginal birth instead of having a cesarean section.
External cephalic version is typically tried at term, when the fetus is less likely to turn back to breech position. A fetus is closely monitored before, during, and after the procedure for possible distress. After first using medicine to relax the mother's uterine muscles, a doctor presses on specific areas of her abdomen to turn the fetus.
Credits
| Author | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology |
| Last Updated | April 28, 2008 |
| Last updated: | April 28, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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