ECV
Also written as: ECV — External Cephalic Version
External cephalic version; a procedure to manually turn a breech baby to head-down position before delivery.
Full Definition
External cephalic version (ECV) is a manual procedure performed by an obstetrician to rotate a fetus from breech or transverse presentation to vertex (head-down) position. The procedure is typically attempted after 36 weeks gestation and involves external manipulation of the maternal abdomen under continuous fetal monitoring. Success rates vary from 40-70% depending on factors such as parity, amniotic fluid volume, fetal weight, and placental location. Contraindications include placental abnormalities, severe oligohydramnios, uterine malformations, and certain fetal conditions. The procedure may be performed with or without regional anesthesia and carries a small risk of complications requiring emergency delivery.
Usage
Usage note: Write out full term on first use in formal documentation.
In Context
- "ECV was unsuccessful due to oligohydramnios and fetal resistance." — Procedure note
- "The patient consented to attempted ECV at 37 weeks gestation." — Informed consent documentation