External Cephalic Version

External Cephalic Version is a process by which a breech baby can sometimes be turned from buttocks or foot first to head first. External cephalic version (ECV) is a manual procedure that is advocated by national guidelines for breech presentation singleton pregnancy, in order to enable vaginal delivery.

It is usually performed after about 37 weeks. It is often reserved for late pregnancy because breech presentation greatly decreases with every week. ECV is endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), among others, as a mode to avoid the risks and morbidity associated with vaginal breech or cesarean delivery for singleton breech presentation.

It can be contrasted with "internal cephalic version", which involves the hand inserted through the cervix.