External rotation

External rotation-when is it performed?

External rotation is performed in the case of a fetal position other than head, and most often pelvic. It should be performed in term pregnancies, that is, after the completion of 37. week. This is because of possible complications of external rotation such as fetal heart rate abnormalities, which would require intervention in the form of a cesarean section. This avoids potential complications associated with prematurity. It is important for the mother-to-be to come forward for the rotation at the right time. The chances of performing, let alone succeeding, a rotation in a pregnancy around 40 weeks are much lower due to the size of the baby and the volume of amniotic fluid, which often physiologically decreases around the time of delivery.

External rotation is performed when conditions are suitable for it. The mother-to-be is examined and qualified by a gynecologist for this procedure. By design, it should take place in a hospital encased in an operating room, where an emergency cesarean section can be performed, if necessary. External rotation is not performed in the case of, among others. placenta progenita or twin pregnancy.

External rotation-why is it performed?

External rotation is performed in pregnant women who are found to have an abnormal fetal position. It is designed to enable the mother-to-be to give birth by natural means. It is especially indicated when it is the first pregnancy and there are no other indications for a cesarean section. Natural childbirth brings a number of positives for both the baby and the mother. Recovery from a natural childbirth is also faster than with surgery. In order for the external rotation to take place, the consent of the pregnant woman is necessary. 

External rotation-what does it look like?

External rotation is performed by a gynecologist at the hospital. Most often, at least 2 doctors participate. This is due to the need for constant ultrasound monitoring during the procedure. The gynecologist attempts to move the baby in the uterine cavity to the correct position through the abdominal shell. The patient should remain fasting before the external rotation in case an emergency cesarean section is needed. Regardless of the outcome and the effectiveness of the turnover, an OCTG recording is performed after the procedure to check fetal well-being. Often, too, the mother-to-be remains in the unit for observation for a day or two, and then goes home. The return to the hospital, in the case of a successful procedure, takes place only during the onset of labor, or at the time of the scheduled cesarean section, when the external rotation has failed. 

External rotation-complications

Many pregnant women are concerned about performing an external rotation. Most often this is due to fear of pain during the procedure. For most patients, external rotation is actually uncomfortable, due to the rather intense pressure on the abdominal layers by the doctor. External rotation, like other medical procedures, involves the risk of complications. Among them, the most common are abnormalities in fetal heart rate observed in KTG recordings and premature separation of the placenta. In such a situation, a cesarean section is performed to minimize the possible effects on the baby.

Read more:
Pelvic position