External Cephalic Versions (ECV) is a procedure used to turn a fetus from a breech position to a head-down position in late pregnancy. The spelling of this medical term is quite complex. The IPA phonetic transcription for External Cephalic Versions is /ɪkˈstɜː.nəl sɪˈfælɪk ˈvɜː.ʒənz/. The first syllable is pronounced as "ik," followed by "st" and "urn." "Cephalic" is pronounced "seh-fal-ik" and "versions" as "vur-sans." Despite the difficult spelling, External Cephalic Versions can be a life-saving procedure for both the mother and the baby during childbirth.
External cephalic version (ECV) is a medical procedure performed during pregnancy to reposition the fetus from a breech (bottom-down) or other non-ideal position to a head-down position. The term "external" refers to the fact that the procedure is done externally on the mother's abdomen, without any surgical intervention. "Cephalic" indicates that the objective is to turn the baby's head first, towards the birth canal.
During an external cephalic version, a healthcare professional, typically an obstetrician, uses manual techniques to physically manipulate the baby's position in the uterus. This is usually done in a hospital setting, often with the aid of ultrasound imaging to guide and monitor the procedure.
The primary goal of an external cephalic version is to maximize the chances of a successful delivery of the baby head-first, which is considered the safest and most optimal position for a vaginal birth. By turning the baby into this position, ECV can potentially reduce the need for a cesarean section, which may be necessary in breech or other abnormal positions.
While an external cephalic version can be effective, it is not always successful and carries certain risks. These include the possibility of temporary fetal distress, premature labor, and placental abruption. Therefore, the procedure is typically performed after careful consideration of the mother's and baby's condition, and with informed consent.