38w suspect baby is now oblique

[Karabi]

Hi everyone,

I'm 38+2w pregnant and at my last appointment (36w), baby was head down but not engaged yet. At the time I could feel a definite back down my right side.

I now think I feel the back along the top of my bump so suspect the baby's head isn't down anymore and is in my right hip somewhere with feet in my left side. There's an empty gap between my belly button and pelvis - can't feel any of baby there at all.

My question is what will happen from here? Will I be offered an ECV this late on? Will they book me in for a ceserean? Or leave it and hope baby descends into the head down position again?

Anybody had any experience with this kind of situation?

Thanks all :)

[McBaby]

My baby turned from head down to transverse at 38 weeks. It was discovered when I was in hospital for something else. I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital as I was also contracting (but had been since 30 weeks so it wasn't a big deal for me just the hospital). I was given the choice of ecv and induction, same day c section or staying in hospital until I was in labour! I chose ecv and induction dd2 was born 36hours later.

I would contact your midwife and express your concern about change in position especially given the risk of oblique/transverse. Or phone triage/delivery and ask for their advice.

[Ionacat]

I've got an oblique lie at 38+4 and I've been admitted as a precaution due to the risk of cord prolapse until baby is here. I was offered EVC and induction at 40 weeks, but have opted for a planned section at 39 weeks. (I had a previous section anyway.) Ring your midwife or day assessment unit and get them to check.

[Karabi]

Thank you both for your replies. Didn't realise having a oblique/transverse lying baby could become such a medical emergency, enough to admit you to hospital! I've now read up on cord prolapse and wow.. scary stuff 😮

I'm going to see my midwife today so will update you on my situation later. Here's to hoping I've got it all wrong!

[Karabi]

So my update is good news, baby IS head down and engaging. The long hard bit I feel is back and apparently thighs! And the movement I feel in my right hip is shoulders. My stretch and sweep is booked for my due date but midwife thinks I'll go before then :)

Thanks for your replies ladies, very much appreciated!

[McBaby]

Glad it's all ok and good luck.