Pronunciation: [ˈɛkv] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "ECV" can be somewhat confusing due to the use of abbreviations and acronyms. However, it is pronounced phonetically as /i:si:vi:/, which means each letter is pronounced independently. "E" is pronounced as "ee", "C" as "see", and "V" as "vee". This spelling is commonly used in medical settings, where it stands for "External Cephalic Version", a procedure that is done to turn a breech baby in the womb.
ECV is an acronym that stands for External Cephalic Version. It refers to a medical procedure performed during pregnancy with the intention of repositioning the fetus from a breech presentation to a head-down position in the womb. Breech presentation is when the fetus's buttocks or feet are positioned to be born first, rather than the head.
During an ECV, a healthcare provider applies gentle pressure on the mother's abdomen to manually turn the baby into the desired position. This procedure is usually performed between 36 to 38 weeks of gestation. It is an attempt to prevent the need for a cesarean section (C-section) delivery, which is typically the default mode of delivery for a breech baby.
ECV is generally conducted in a hospital setting, where the healthcare provider carefully monitors the fetus's heart rate and the mother's vital signs throughout the procedure. Sometimes, an ultrasound is used to guide the healthcare provider during the process. ECV carries certain risks, including the chance of the baby's heart rate becoming abnormal, premature labor, or even rupturing of the amniotic sac.
In conclusion, ECV is a medical procedure that aims to reposition a fetus from a breech presentation to a head-down position prior to birth. Its purpose is to lower the chances of a C-section delivery and its associated risks.
