External version is a medical procedure used to turn a breech baby to a head-down position. Its spelling, /ɪkˈstɜːnəl ˈvɜːʃən/, is a combination of letters that represent specific sounds. The "ex-" prefix means "outside," while "ternal" is pronounced with a silent "t" and a short "e" sound. "Version" is pronounced with a long "e" sound and a soft "s" at the end. Overall, the spelling of external version accurately represents the sounds used to pronounce this medical term.
External version is a medical procedure performed to reposition a fetus in the womb, usually during the last trimester of pregnancy, in order to facilitate a vaginal birth. This procedure is typically carried out in cases where the baby is not in the optimal head-down position known as vertex presentation, but in a breech position (feet or buttocks first) or a transverse position (sideways).
During an external version, healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians or midwives, apply gentle pressure on the mother's abdomen to manually manipulate and turn the baby into the desired position. This maneuver aims to rotate the fetus and encourage it to assume the head-down vertex position, which is considered the most favorable for a safe and natural birth.
External version is typically performed in a hospital setting where the mother's vital signs and the baby's well-being can be continuously monitored throughout the procedure. It may be attempted multiple times if the initial attempt is unsuccessful. The success rate of external version varies depending on several factors, including the mother's uterine shape, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the baby's overall size and position.
Overall, external version is a non-invasive technique that can help avoid or reduce the need for a cesarean section by promoting optimal fetal positioning for a vaginal delivery. However, the decision to perform an external version is individualized, taking into consideration the specific circumstances and preferences of the mother and healthcare providers.
Performed entirely by external manipulation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "external version" is composed of two parts: "external" and "version".
The term "external" is derived from the Latin word "externus", meaning "outside" or "pertaining to the outside". It is formed by combining the prefix "ex-" (meaning "out of" or "from") with the root word "ternum" (meaning "outside").
The word "version" originates from the Latin word "versio", which comes from the verb "vertere" meaning "to turn". It refers to a turning or changing of something from its original position or state. In medical terminology, "version" is often used to describe the movement or repositioning of a fetus inside the uterus.
Therefore, "external version" refers to a medical procedure where the fetus is externally moved or turned by the medical professional, usually to change its position in the womb.