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Baby Gagging - Is it Normal?
Meet your baby’s next milestone – gagging! It might make you a bit anxious, especially if you are a first-time parent. Chances are that you will mistake it for choking. But gagging and choking in babies is not the same. When your little one starts gagging, don' worry. It is a wonderful little step your baby is taking towards his growth and development. All babies gag in different ways, for various periods of time and react to it uniquely. Your little one may gag while learning to eat solids, especially when you try to wean him off. Read on to know more about it!
When and Why Do Babies Gag?
Mostly, babies gag right from the start, i.e., when they start feeding. You can expect your baby to gag right from the start. It is the time when his mouth will be stimulated for the first time in an unusual manner. If the flow of milk from a bottle is too much for him, he might gag as his tongue will push it back outwards. It is a standard evolutionary procedure.
You will also likely notice your baby gagging when turns about 4 to 6 months old when you introduce solid food to your baby. This is much more common in babies who are being weaned off. When they eat solid food or try to chew the food, they may gag. It is essentially their body preventing them from choking and giving them the opportunity to chew their food better. Babies may also tend to gag when they don't like a particular food. So, you will need to try and understand the reason that might be making your little one to gag.
Why Is Gagging Good for Babies?
Gagging is a baby’s way of testing out his mouth and the food introduced to him. It is his body’s way of protecting itself from potential choking. This does not mean his body is protecting him from choking. Choking means the airway is partially or entirely blocked. If your baby is gagging, it just means that his tongue is being stimulated for the first time or that he has taken too big a morsel. It also indicates that he finds his food repulsive. But gagging because of these reasons is good; it's a sign that the back of his tongue is waking up to do its job. It is teaching your baby how to feed himself and for how long to chew his food.
As a baby starts gagging, the gag area is mid-tongue. The older he gets and the more he stimulates his mouth, the further back this area moves.
Is it Normal for Babies to Gag Frequently?
There is no straightforward answer to this. Yes, babies gag a lot. If your baby gags a lot on a daily basis or when trying to chew a particular food, he might develop a dislike for those foods. Your little one is likely to gag a lot during his mealtimes, so be vigil. If he is constantly gagging for no apparent reason, it could then be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). GERD occurs when the stomach contents make their way back up to the throat. It can cause discomfort to your baby and he might even choke.
When Should You Worry?
If your baby is constantly gagging for no apparent reason and is in discomfort, then you might want to watch him more carefully. Yes, frequent gagging is perfectly common but when it is not during mealtimes, it could indicate to gastroesophageal reflux. This could impede the normal development of your baby’s oral stimulation. It could also lead to bad eating habits in him as he might avoid foods that cause him even the mildest discomfort. Consult a paediatrician if required to help him feel better.
What Should You Do When Your Baby Gags?
If your baby is gagging, you don't need to get anxious. Here’s how you should handle it.
Stay calm and do not overreact because it won't help.
Observe your baby and let him learn for himself.
If the symptoms of choking manifest in, identify them and take necessary actions.
Do not alarm your baby or lead him to believe that gagging is a negative thing.
If he is having trouble drinking water from a cup, switch to a straw or sippy cup. Work your way back to the cup.
Let your baby see this is a common occurrence and he should continue to enjoy his meal.
How to Prevent Gagging in Babies
While you should not panic about gagging, sensitive gag reflex in babies call for certain measures to prevent them.
1. When Your Baby Gags While Eating.
If your baby is gagging while having food or trying to chew on food, consider giving him purees with soft chunks of boiled veggies or boiled fruit in them. Dab the puree with a spoon on your baby’s mouth or the end of his tongue. Let him take it in and swallow it on his own. Soon, he will be able to take those bigger chunks and even a spoonful in a few weeks. Watch his reactions and he will let you know what he can swallow. Do not force him to eat as he does need to develop his gagging reflex. To your delight, one day he may even grab the spoon from you and attempt to feed himself. The bonus here is he will practice and improve his gripping skills in this manner.
2. When Your Baby Gags While Being Fed Through a Bottle.
Your baby may gag on a bottle if the flow from the bottle is too quick for him. Either switch to a nipple with a smaller outlet or feed him smaller amounts. Imagine having to chug an entire jug in one go when your gag reflex is much more sensitive, this is what your baby is going through.
What Is the Difference Between Gagging and Choking?
This is the part that freaks most parents out and thankfully, it is pretty easy to tell them apart. Remember, the newborn gag reflex is delicate so gagging is very common. The main differentiator is the sound. Use your ears. Your baby will make noises when he is gagging as the food makes its way out of his mouth. When he is choking, you will not hear a thing. This is why you need to be vigilant while he chews his food. You must also keep small things out of his reach or your little devil will happily put them in his mouth.
While gagging, your baby could seem frustrated but while choking on to something, he will be in pain. He might even struggle to breathe. If he is choking, his airways will be partially or fully blocked. As a result, he may not get enough oxygen and his face, the area around his mouth or his lips would turn blue. He will start coughing as he attempts to clear his airway while gagging. He may even sputter or cough only a little. Do not worry if he chokes once and you clear his airway, continue weaning him and keep an eye on him.
Whatever happens, do not deny your baby the joy of moving to solid food and feeding themselves. Give them their first step towards independence and do not let your fear of a baby gag reflex stop this. Follow these tips and enjoy this progress together. Read more
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100 Hebrew Baby Names for Little Boys and Girls
Names are important and make up most people’s identity. This is seen especially in Hebrew Scriptures, where people were given names that suited them or the circumstances, for example, Abram and Sarai were given new names by God, Abraham and Sarah, to bring importance to the changing circumstances of their lives. In turn, they named their son Isaac, meaning laughter, because Sarah laughed when she was told she would have a baby at her age. Even the infamous Saul changed his name to Paul after having an encounter with God. Names make a huge impact on a person’s life, and whether they realise it or not, can make or break their confidence.
Since a name is so important, when picking out a name for your child, it is imperative that you settle on something with a positive meaning so that it can bring its blessings into your child’s life. A name is a person’s identity and when meeting new people, we often lead by introducing ourselves by first giving out our names.
Hebrew names are far more common than we realise, most of the names from the bible being of Hebrew origin. These names are very popular today, though their origins are often not known. If you are someone with Hebrew background who is interested in giving your baby a traditional Hebrew name, or if you are someone who just loves the culture and wants to portray it through your child’s name, we have some of the top Hebrew baby names for you.
Hebrew Baby Names With Meanings
For Girls
Hebrew names are ancient and are still some of the most popular names that are being used today. From beautiful Hebrew girl names that are more common, such as Rachel, Deborah and Joanna to a few unusual Hebrew names for girls that we are not familiar with, such as Chanah, Hadassah or Tziyona. Here are some lovely Hebrew girl names with meaning for you to choose from:
Name
Meaning
Abigail
My father rejoices; Joy of a father
Adena
Noble; Delicate
Ariel
Lion of God; One who is similar to a wonderful melody
Atalia
Mighty is the Lord
Bathsheba
Daughter of the oath; daughter of Sheba
Bethany
House of figs; House of Mercy
Bracha
Blessing
Chanah
Graceful; another version of Hannah
Dalia
Branch
Daphna
Laurel
Deborah
Bee; Formalizer
Delilah
Delicate
Dinah
God is my judge; Judgement
Eleora
God is light
Elizabeth
Consecrated or dedicated to God; God’s oath
Eve
Life
Hadassah
Myrtle tree; Star; Bride
Hannah
Gift out of God’s favour; the Lord is merciful; Graceful
Ilana
Tree
Jael
Mountain Goat
Jemima
Little dove
Joanna
Gift of God; Grace
Judith
From Judea
Kerrin
Beauty
Keziah
Sweet scented spice; cassia cinnamon; scraped off
Levona
Incense; spice
Lilah
Lily
Liora
Of the light
Magdalene
Of the tower
Miriam
Grace; star of the sea; Child who was wished for
Naomi
Beautiful
Nina
Grace
Nizana
Blossom
Orpah
Fawn
Rachel
Female sheep; Ewe; A lambs innocence
Rahab
Vast; quarrelsome; proud
Rebekah
Trap; Snare; Bind; Tie
Ruth
Companion; friend
Salome
Peace; Welcome, tranquel
Samara
Ruled by God
Sarahi
My princess
Samantha
Told by God
Tahlia
Lambkin; lamb
Talora
Morning dew
Tamar
Palm tree
Temima
Without flaw
Temira
Tall
Thirza
Delightful
Tzilla
Defender; protector
Tziyona
Zion
For Boys
It may surprise you to know that the popular names such as David, Joshua, Nathaniel and Adam have Hebrew roots, but these are the names of the heroes of the Bible whose names have been carried down through generations in order to bless children with good names and good futures. Others such as Barak, Chaim, Makis and Shiloh are much less common, but just as wonderful. If you are looking for some unique Hebrew baby names for your little man, this list should help you find some that you will love. Here are some modern Hebrew names for boys:
Name
Meaning
Aaron
One who is exalted; Mountain of strength
Adam
Ground, Red earth
Barak
Lightening
Benjamin
Son who is at my right hand
Caleb
Whole hearted, bold, faithful dog
Chaim
Said to be the masculine form of Eve, spear, craftsman, life. More commonly known as “Cain”
Daniel
God is my judge
David
Beloved
Elijah
The Lord who is strong; My God is Yahweh
Emmanuel
God is with us
Gabriel
Mighty man of the Lord
Gideon
To hew down; to cut off, he that breaks or bruises; mighty warrior
Hezekiah
Yah strengthens; Strengthened by God; The Lord is my strength
Hosea
Rescue; Salvation
Isaac
Laughter
Isaiah
Generous is the Lord; God saves; The Lord’s Salvation
Jacob
One who supplants; He who follows closely
Jeremiah
May Yahweh exalt; The Lords exalted
Joshua
Yahweh saves; Yahweh will save; Yah is salvation
Jonah
Dove
Karmel
Vineyard of the Lord; of the garden; one with red hair
Lemuel
Dedicated or devoted to God
Lazarus
God’s helper
Levi
One who joins or connects
Makis
Gift sent from God
Malachi
Messenger of God, Angel
Mica
Humble
Michael
Who is like God? Meant to be a rhetorical question implying that there is none like Him.
Moses
One who is saved from water
Nahum
Comforter
Nathaniel
Gift of God
Nirel
Field or light of God
Noah
Rest
Obadiah
Gods servant
Omar
Bitter; The one who speaks
Phineas
Oracle
Pontus
God of the sea
Rafael
God has healed; Healed by the Lord
Reuben
Behold! A Son
Ron
Joyful song
Samson
Bright sun
Samuel
Asked of God; Heard God
Saul
Asked for
Seth
The appointed one
Shiloh
Peaceful
Shimon
He who is heard; He who hears; Providing well
Symeon
Obedient
Solomon
Perfect; Peaceful one
Tobias
Goodness of God; The Lord is good
Uziel
Powerful
Every family is different and some do not even have the freedom to choose the names of their children due to family and cultural traditions where children are to be named after their forefathers. However, if you have the opportunity to choose your child’s name, picking one with Hebrew roots will ensure that your child has a strong name that can carry him or her forward to the future with pride and confidence.
Also Read:
Stylish Baby Girl Names with Meanings
Unique Indian Baby Girl Names with Meanings
Unique Short Baby Girl Names With Meanings Read more
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8 Delicious Hanukkah Recipes to Make This Year
No celebration is complete without a feast. Hanukkah is just around the corner; now is a good time to finalise the menu and send those pending invites to your friends and family for a delicious Hanukkah meal. But, if you think you’ll be too busy to think up recipes by yourself, these Hanukkah meal ideas can come handy. Let’s get started!
1. Classic Potato Latkes
Remind your loved ones the miracle of oil with this classic Hanukkah Latkes recipe. It is a good Hanukkah appetiser recipe, too.
Servings – 4 to 5
Prep Time - 1 to 1.5 hours
Ingredients
Potatoes – 1 kg (grated; immerse the grated potatoes in water to prevent them from browning)
Onion – 1 (large, grated)
Breadcrumbs – 3 to 4 tbsp
Eggs – 2
Potato starch – 1 tbsp
Ground Pepper – 0.5 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Instructions
Drain the grated potatoes and onion using a cheesecloth. Ensure you get rid of most of the water content. Transfer them to a bowl and mix with a fork.
Add the eggs, starch, spices, and breadcrumbs to the grated onion and potatoes. Mix well.
Make small, flat discs with your hands, and keep them in a plate. Ensure the discs are tight and compact, so they don’t break apart while frying. If needed, add some more breadcrumbs/eggs to ensure the disks are compact.
Heat enough oil for shallow frying the latkes in a frying pan on medium flame.
When the oil is hot enough for the latkes to sizzle (not jump or smoke; then, the oil is too hot), gently place the latkes, and fry them on both sides till they are golden brown.
Remove the crisp brown latkes on a paper towel to soak excess oil and serve them immediately.
2. Brisket
What’s Hanukkah without its staple meat? If you have brisket lovers in your family, you must try this Hanukkah Brisket recipe.
Servings – 5 to 7
Prep Time - 4 hours
Ingredients
Lean beef brisket roast – 1.25 kilogram
Onion – 1 (large, chopped)
Tomato paste – 0.5 cup
Potatoes – 2 (medium potatoes cut into large cubes)
Carrots – 3 (medium, peeled and cut into large cubes)
Fennel bulb – 100 grams (cut into wedges)
Parsley – 1 tbsp (finely chopped)
Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves (minced)
Thyme – 3 to 4 large, fresh sprigs or 1 tsp dried thyme
Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
Water – 4 cups
Black pepper as per taste
Kosher salt as per taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven at 325 degrees.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some oil on medium heat.
Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
Transfer it to the heavy-bottomed pan with the fat side down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until you get a nice golden colour.
Cook both the sides this way.
Then, remove the brisket and keep it in a plate.
In the same pan, sauté the onions till they are soft and fragrant.
Add the tomato paste and give it a good mix.
Then, add the water, stir it, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Once it simmers, return the brisket to the pan. This time, keep the fat side up.
Cover the pan, turn off the stovetop, and place the pan in the preheated oven.
Cook for about 2.5 hours or until the meat is tender.
After the meat is tender, remove the pan and add the veggies in the cooking liquid around the brisket. Return it to the oven to cook the veggies (until they are tender, too).
Once done, slice the brisket against the grain, and serve along with the delicious veggies.
3. Jelly Doughnuts (Sufganiyot)
Those with a sweet tooth, especially kids, are sure to enjoy these delicious Hanukkah treats.
Servings – 20
Prep Time – 2.5 to 3 hours
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 2.5 cups
Jam of your choice – 1 cup
Active dry yeast – 2 tbsp
Eggs – 2 (large)
Sugar – 0.5 cup
Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp
Vegetable oil – 3 cups
Salt – 2 tsp
Nutmeg – 0.5 tsp (freshly grated)
Warm water – 0.5 cup
Instructions
Take the yeast in a bowl. Add some sugar and warm water, and set it aside.
Take the all-purpose flour in a large bowl.
With your fingers or a spatula, make a well in the centre of the flour.
Crack in the eggs, and add in the foamy yeast, butter, grated nutmeg, salt, and 1/4th cup sugar.
Mix and stir everything till you get a sticky dough.
Then, dust some flour on a flat work surface, and knead the sticky dough until it is soft and smooth. Add more flour if needed, and keep kneading till the dough bounces back when you poke a finger in it.
Oil a bowl, and keep the dough in it. Cover it with cling wrap, and keep it in a warm place to rise, for 1-1.5 hours.
When the dough has risen, remove it onto the work surface, and roll it to about 1/4th of an inch. Using a round cutter, a bowl or a glass with a 2.5-inch diameter, cut rounds from the rolled dough.
Remove the cut doughnuts in a plate, cover them with cling wrap, and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Heat oil for deep-frying the doughnuts on medium heat.
Gently immerse the doughnuts in the hot oil using a slotted spoon and fry them till they turn golden.
Remove them onto a plate lined with some paper towels, to soak excess oil.
Now, take the jam of your choice in a pastry bag.
Make a hole in each doughnut with a skewer.
Pipe the jam into the doughnuts. Ensure you fill enough in each doughnut.
Your Hanukkah Doughnuts are ready!
4. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
A humble roast chicken is a great idea if you cannot arrange for the Hanukkah Brisket!
Servings – 6 to 8
Prep Time - 1.5 to 2 hours
Ingredients
Chicken – 1 (whole)
Mustard powder – 0.5 tsp
Italian seasoning – 2 tsp
Lemons - 2
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Black pepper – 0.5 tsp
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Instructions
Rinse the chicken properly, and remove the giblets. Rinse it once more if needed after that, and keep it in a baking tray/dish.
In a bowl, mix the spices together.
Take a tbsp of the spice mix and sprinkle the inside of the chicken as properly as you can.
In the bowl with the remaining spice mixture, squeeze two lemons, add the olive oil, and give it a good mix.
Rub it on the chicken to flavour it thoroughly.
Roast the chicken in an oven (preheated at 350 degrees F) for 1.5 hours.
Baste it with the oils/juices if needed in between. A tip to know if it is cooked is when its juices run clear.
Serve with some mashed potatoes or roast veggies!
5. Challah
Hanukkah meals cannot be complete without the Challah. Here’s how you can make some.
Servings – 25 to 30
Prep Time – 2.5 hours
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 8 cups
Active dry yeast – 1 tbsp
Poppy seeds – 1 tbsp (optional)
Salt – 1 tbsp
Eggs – 3
Warm water – 2.5 cups
Vegetable oil – 4 tbsp
Honey – 0.5 cup
Instructions
Mix the yeast in some warm water and let it sit for a while.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, and add the oil, honey, and salt. Mix well.
Then, add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Beat the mixture till you get a thick dough.
Transfer it to a flat work surface and knead the dough. Add some flour and work it until it is smooth, non-sticky, and elastic.
Keep the Challah dough in the large bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 1.5 hours or so. When the dough has risen to double its size, it is ready.
After the dough has risen enough, put it back on the work surface and punch it down.
Cut it in two parts and knead each part until it is no longer sticky, and is smooth.
Then, divide each half into thirds, and roll each part into 1.5-inch thick, long rolls.
Place the rolls lengthwise, parallel to each other, and braid them. Pinch the top to get a neat braid. Pinch the ends together, too.
Take a baking tray and grease it with some oil.
Place the braided bread on it, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for another hour.
After the bread has risen again, brush a beaten egg generously all over it, and sprinkle some poppy seeds.
Bake in a preheated oven (at 375 degrees F) for 40 minutes. To know if your Challah is done, tap the bottom of the loaf with your finger. If you get a hollow sound across the bread, and the loaf is light in weight, your Challah is ready.
6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
When it’s a meal, how can we forget the veggies? Here’s a recipe you can make in no time on Hanukkah.
Servings – 5 to 6
Prep Time – 1 hour
Ingredients
Brussel sprouts – 0.5 kg
Olive oil – 3 to 4 tbsp
Kosher salt as per taste
Pepper as per taste
Instructions
Rinse the Brussel sprouts, trim the ends, and remove any yellow leaves.
Cut the Brussel sprouts in halves.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a plate, take the cleaned Brussel sprouts and sprinkle some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the spices nicely over the Brussel sprouts.
You can use a zip-lock bag also to mix the spices instead of doing it in a plate.
Then, line a baking tray with a baking sheet, and spread the Brussel sprouts evenly over it.
Sprinkle some more kosher salt and pepper if needed.
Roast them in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Shake the pan after every 7 to 8 minutes, and adjust the oven temperature, so they are roasted evenly.
When they get a nice, even dark brown colour, they are ready to be served!
7. Apple Fritters
This quick recipe can come in handy for a last-minute Hanukkah dessert.
Servings – 24
Prep Time – 40 minutes
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 1.5 cups
Apples – 3 cups (peeled, cored, and chopped)
Baking powder – 2 tsp
White sugar – 1 tbsp
Salt – 0.5 tsp
Milk – 11 tbsp (2/3rd cup)
Eggs - 2 (beaten)
Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
Cinnamon sugar – 1 cup
Vegetable oil – 4 cups (for deep-frying)
Instructions
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil on medium flame (375 degrees F).
Take a large bowl and mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Then, add the milk, beaten eggs, and oil, and mix well.
Add the chopped apples and mix well again.
Now, in the hot oil, gently drop small dollops of the batter.
Fry the fritters in batches until they turn golden on all sides.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
When the fritters are ready, sprinkle generous amounts of cinnamon sugar, and toss them well while they are still warm.
8. Matzo Ball Soup
Although the Matzo Ball soup is traditionally eaten during Passover, it can be a great addition to your Hanukkah meal, too.
Servings – 10
Prep Time – 1 hour
Ingredients
Chicken broth – 2.5 to 3 litres
Matzo meal – 150 ml
Matzo crackers – 2 packs (approximately 300 grams)
Onions – 2 (minced)
Eggs – 6
Butter – 0.5 cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Parsley – 3 tbsp (minced)
Water
Instructions
Take enough water in a large pot, add some salt, and let it boil.
Until then, take the matzo crackers in a bowl and add some normal water to it. Cover it and keep it aside for a few minutes. Then, drain the water.
Take a skillet and melt the butter in it on medium heat.
Add the drained matzo crackers to the butter and stir them well. Keep cooking until the mixture is dry and brown.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool a bit.
Then, add the eggs, onions, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Mix just enough matzo meal to hold the mixture together.
Make golf ball-sized balls.
Test if you’ve made the matzo balls appropriately by gently dropping one in the boiling water. If the ball rises in the boiling water without breaking, it’s well done. If it doesn’t rise, or it breaks, add one more egg to the mixture, and try again.
When you get the consistency right, cook all the matzo balls in the boiling water, and keep them aside.
Then, take another saucepan, and boil the chicken broth on medium heat.
Gently drop the balls in the broth. When the balls rise in the broth, the soup is ready to be served.
With these delicious traditional Hanukkah meal recipes, you are sure to make your Hanukkah celebration special. Light, laughter, and scrumptious, home-cooked food can lift the moods of one and all. Hanukkah Sameach!
Also Read: Hanukkah – Celebration, History and Traditions Read more
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External Cephalic Version(ECV) Technique For Breech Baby
External Cephalic Version (or ECV) is a manual procedure that is used to turn a baby from its breech position (bottom or foot facing down) to a head-first position.
This article discusses how the ECV procedure is performed, along with when it should be done (or not) and the outcome and risk factors of this procedure.
The Breech Baby Position
The Breech baby position is a foetal position where the baby’s bottom or feet is facing downwards, instead of the normal head position. It occurs in around 3-5% of pregnant women after 37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy.
The probability of childhood handicap for a breech baby is as high as 16%, irrespective of the mode of the baby’s delivery.
Most babies in breech position are delivered through Caesarean (or C-section) instead of vaginal births.
What Is An External Cephalic Version Procedure or ECV?
External Cephalic Version (or ECV) is a manual procedure where the breech baby (or foetus) is externally rotated from its breech position first to a sideways position and then finally to a head-first position. This ECV pregnancy procedure enables pregnant women to deliver their babies through the normal vaginal birth, rather than undergoing a C-section.
ECV procedure comprises of the following components:
Foetal monitoring
Version procedure
1. Foetal Monitoring
During this step, the foetus is closely monitored to avoid any harm during the version procedure. Monitoring can be done through foetal ultrasound to confirm the position of the placenta. An electronic foetal heart monitoring is used to measure the heart rate. A foetus, whose heart rate increases at a normal rate with its movement, is a healthy one, which is suitable for the version procedure.
2. Version Procedure
During this procedure, your doctor will place both hands on your foetus’s head and buttocks in order to attempt turning it to a head-down position. Before the procedure, you will be administered tocolytic medicines such as terbutaline to relax your uterus.
Your doctor may recommend additional version procedures if the first attempt is not successful.
Why Is ECV Procedure Performed?
The ECV procedure is performed after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Though most babies repeatedly keep changing positions throughout the pregnancy, they usually settle into a cephalic (or head-down) position by the 36th week. According to statistics, 1 in every 25 babies is in a breech position after 36 weeks. Even though breech babies can take the natural position in the last month, the chances of this happening are about 1 in 8 (for first pregnancies) and 1 in 3 (for second and subsequent pregnancies).
At this stage, your doctor may recommend the ECV procedure before the start of your labour.
When Is ECV Procedure Done?
According to 2016 statistics, 93.2% of the breech babies in the U.S. are delivered through Caesarean operation. This has led to a rapid growth of baby deliveries happening through Caesarean.
ECV procedure is done to improve the probability of a natural vaginal birth.
When Is The ECV Procedure Not Recommended?
An ECV procedure is not recommended for expecting mothers, if they:
Are having other pregnancy-related complications
Have any other medical complications (such as heart problems) that prevent them from consuming tocolytic medicines.
Are expecting twins or triplets
Are carrying a uterus with unusual shape
Have had a caesarean operation previously
Have low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus
Are having placenta praevia (or low-lying placenta), where the placenta is low or covering the cervix, which can block the baby’s path on the way out.
Additionally, the ECV procedure is not done when:
The amniotic sac (or the water bag) has ruptured.
The foetus has a hyper-extended head, or some birth defect.
What Is The Outcome Of ECV?
The use of the ECV procedure can reduce the 3-4% of breech births to around 1%. ECV also contributes towards reduction in premature labour, breech-related complications, and premature babies.
Although there is a chance that following the ECV procedure, the baby can turn back into the breech position, ECV can improve the overall chances of having a normal vaginal birth.
Is This Procedure Painful?
An ECV procedure usually lasts for around 3 hours. As ECV is a non-invasive procedure, the pain or discomfort factor is restricted to a limited time. However, based on patient response, the pain perception of the expecting mother is largely influenced by the success (or failure) of the procedure, along with the length of the procedure. Most women, who underwent longer procedures or a failed version, have reported more pain. On the other hand, women who underwent a successful ECV have reported less pain.
Risks Of External Cephalic Version
While foetus monitoring can reduce the risks of ECV, there are potential risks associated with ECV, including:
The umbilical cord getting twisted or squeezed, thus reducing blood flow and oxygen to the foetus.
Labour inducement, caused by the rupturing of the amniotic sac.
Rare complications such as Placenta abrio, uterus rupture, or damage to the umbilical cord.
What Is The Success Rate Of This Procedure?
ECV has an average success rate of 58%. According to 2016 statistics in the U.S., 68% of the women who had a successful ECV went on to have a normal vaginal birth, while only 25.2% underwent a C-section.
Can Someone With A Previous C-Section Have This Procedure?
According to the latest medical research studies, women who have already undergone a C-section can benefit from an ECV procedure for their subsequent pregnancies. Researchers have concluded that women with previous C-section have a success rate (50%) at ECV, quite close to the success rate (51.6%) for women who have not undergone any previous C-section.
Factors That Might Affect The Success Rate Of Versions
The success of the ECV procedure is dependent on multiple individual factors, including:
The skill of the physician performing the ECV
The information provided to the pregnant woman, along with her motivation to avoid a Caesarean.
The physician’s willingness to stop the ECV procedure in the event of any complication or additional effort.
Other factors that contribute strongly to the ECV success rate are:
The pregnant woman, undergoing the procedure, has previously given birth.
The baby is not engaged in the pelvis.
The physician performing the ECV can feel the baby’s head on palpitation.
What If The Version Doesn’t Work?
Depending on the breech position of your baby and other individual factors, a normal vaginal birth is still a possibility, even if the ECV procedure does not succeed.
Things To Consider
An ECV procedure carries a minor risk of causing bleeding, which could lead to the mixing of the mother’s and the baby’s blood. To prevent this, pregnant women with Rh-negative blood type is injected with Rh immunoglobin to prevent a condition called Rh sensitization, which can lead to complications in future pregnancies.
What Methods Can You Try Other Than ECV?
If you do not want to opt for the ECV procedure, there are alternative methods to consider, including:
Expectant management, which is based on the likelihood of a conversion to cephalic presentation from a breech presentation, quoted at around 3%.
Trial of labour, which can be a viable alternative for selected expectant mothers including multiparous females with proven pelvis, a full-term foetus, and complete cervical dilation.
ECV during labour, which suggests that ECV on the onset of labour is safe for pregnant women with their membranes intact.
Postural manoeuvres, which comprises of pelvic elevation in the hands & knees position or with a wedge for pelvis support.
Moxibustion & Acupuncture, where moxibustion is an ancient Chinese practice using a Chinese herb, which is burnt close to the mother’s acupuncture point.
The right position in the womb goes a long way in ensuring a safe delivery both for the child and the mother. Speaking to your doctor about opting for an ECV, if the baby is breech, is the best way to determine if it is a procedure which is suited to you, or if there are any alternatives you may try instead.
Also read: 10 Complications During Labour & Delivery,
Placenta Previa: Causes, Risks & Treatment Read more
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
8 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. I am having hb level 8.6, how to improve my hb level
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
22 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please eat iron and calcium rich food items like spinach and pomegranate. You can also take iron rich supplements but only after consulting with your doctor. Please drink Shaadmani Blue fusion green tea which is good in this condition. Also take eggs and chicken and drink chicken soup. Please take lots of green vegetables and dairy products and soaked almonds.
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
1 hour ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
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