Why Did Kim Kardashian Call ECV More Painful Than Childbirth?

Kim Kardashian has never shied away from discussing the realities of her pregnancies, and her experience with external cephalic version (ECV) was no exception. While carrying her son Saint West, Kim underwent an ECV procedure to turn him from a breech position to a head-down position, a critical step to facilitate a vaginal delivery. She later described the procedure as “probably more painful than childbirth,” sparking a wave of curiosity and conversations around ECV and antenatal care for breech pregnancies.

In this article, we’ll delve into what ECV entails, why Kim found it so challenging, and how it fits into antenatal care. We’ll also explore other celebrities who have shared their experiences with breech pregnancies and discuss resources for mothers in the UK to navigate similar challenges.

What Is ECV?

External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure used to turn a baby in the womb from the breech (bottom-first) position to the head-down position, known as cephalic presentation. This is often done around 36–38 weeks of pregnancy. Breech presentation occurs in about 3-4% of pregnancies close to full term, and vaginal delivery for breech babies can pose significant risks, prompting many mothers to consider interventions like ECV.

How Does ECV Work?

The procedure involves an obstetrician or experienced midwife using their hands to externally manipulate the baby’s position through the mother’s abdomen. It is usually performed in a hospital setting where the baby’s heart rate can be monitored throughout. Sometimes, medication is administered to relax the uterus and increase the likelihood of success.

Why Did Kim Kardashian Find ECV So Painful?

Kim’s vivid description of the procedure highlights the physical and emotional challenges associated with ECV. While many women report only mild discomfort, some, like Kim, experience significant pain. Several factors can contribute to this:

Intensity of Pressure: Manipulating the baby requires firm pressure on the abdomen, which can feel uncomfortable or painful for some mothers.

Maternal Anatomy: A mother’s uterine tone, the position of the placenta, and the baby’s engagement in the pelvis can all affect how ECV feels.

Emotional Stress: Anxiety about the baby’s health or the possibility of a failed procedure can heighten the perception of pain.

Personal Thresholds: Pain tolerance varies widely among individuals, and what one mother finds bearable may feel overwhelming to another.

Despite her discomfort, Kim successfully avoided a caesarean section, a procedure she wanted to avoid after a complicated delivery with her first child, North.

Breech Birth and Antenatal Care

Regular antenatal appointments and scans are vital for identifying a breech presentation. By the 36th week, if a baby is still breech, healthcare providers discuss options with the mother, which may include:

ECV: Recommended in many cases where no contraindications exist.

Caesarean Section: Often the safest delivery method if ECV is unsuccessful.

Vaginal Breech Delivery: Possible under specific conditions, though less common due to higher risks.

How Antenatal Practices Can Help

Antenatal Appointments: Monitoring foetal position through routine scans ensures timely interventions.

Prenatal Care: Exercises and practices, such as antenatal yoga, may promote optimal positioning of the baby.

Antenatal Education: Classes near you or online, such as those offered by NCT, provide insights into breech pregnancies and delivery options.

Kim Kardashian’s Influence on Maternal Health Awareness

Kim’s decision to openly discuss her experience has had a significant impact on raising awareness about breech pregnancies and the challenges of ECV. By normalising conversations around antenatal challenges, she encourages other mothers to seek information and advocate for their preferences during pregnancy.

Other Celebrities Who’ve Faced Breech Births or ECV

Kim isn’t the only celebrity to navigate the complexities of breech pregnancies. Several other high-profile women have shared their journeys, shedding light on the importance of antenatal care.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham reportedly underwent planned caesarean sections for all her children, with breech presentation being one of the factors in her decision. Her experience underscores how personal preferences and medical advice intersect in antenatal planning.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle is known for her focus on natural and holistic approaches to pregnancy, including yoga during pregnancy and mindfulness practices. While there’s no public record of her dealing with a breech baby, she exemplifies the importance of antenatal fitness and preparation for all potential outcomes.

Serena Williams

While Serena Williams didn’t experience a breech pregnancy, she has spoken extensively about her high-risk delivery and the importance of antenatal education. Her advocacy helps raise awareness of the diversity of maternal experiences.

Complementary Practices to Support ECV Success

Many women explore non-invasive practices to encourage their baby to turn before considering ECV. These include:

Antenatal Yoga

Certain yoga poses, like child’s pose and downward-facing dog, may encourage optimal foetal positioning. Studios like The Life Centre in London offer pregnancy yoga classes tailored to antenatal fitness and relaxation.

Prenatal Massage

Specialised antenatal massage services, such as those provided by MamaBabyBliss, can help relieve tension in the abdomen and pelvis, potentially making ECV more comfortable or successful.

Moxibustion

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves burning a moxa stick near specific acupuncture points. Some studies suggest it may encourage breech babies to turn, though results vary.

Where UK Mothers Can Learn More

If you’re in the UK and facing a breech pregnancy, there are several resources to support you:

Antenatal Clinics: NHS antenatal clinics offer consultations and procedures like ECV.

Antenatal Classes Near Me: Platforms like BabyCentre UK list local and virtual classes focused on pregnancy health.

Relaxation During Pregnancy: Services like Bliss Space provide antenatal massage and stress-relief therapies.

FAQs About Breech Pregnancy and ECV

Is ECV Safe for All Pregnancies?

ECV is not suitable for pregnancies with certain complications, such as placenta previa or uterine abnormalities. Consult your antenatal provider to discuss your options.

How Successful Is ECV?

Success rates vary but generally range between 50-60%. Factors like the baby’s size, position, and the mother’s anatomy can influence the outcome.

Can Antenatal Yoga Help Turn a Breech Baby?

While antenatal yoga cannot guarantee success, poses that open the hips and promote relaxation may improve conditions for the baby to turn naturally.

What Happens If ECV Fails?

If ECV is unsuccessful, your doctor will likely discuss options for a planned caesarean or, in rare cases, a vaginal breech delivery.

Conclusion

Kim Kardashian’s experience with ECV highlights the complexities and challenges of managing breech pregnancies. Her openness has sparked meaningful discussions about antenatal care, encouraging more mothers to explore their options and seek the support they need. Whether through ECV, antenatal yoga, or other supportive practices, staying informed is the key to making confident, empowered decisions during pregnancy.