Will I go into spontaneous labour?

[Dalmore30]

I’m 40+4 and had an appointment for a sweep toDay. The midwife couldn’t do sweep as baby’s head still ‘very high up’ and ‘nowhere near engaged’.
I’ve now had to book an induction date for next week and am feeling really deflated as it’s something I’d really hoped to avoid.
Just wondering if anyone has had similar experience where head hasn’t been engaged and gone on to have baby without need for induction?
X

[annlee3817]

Not me, but my friend was told the same at her sweep, the midwife even went as far to say that there was no way she'd go naturally, the next day her waters broke and eight hours later she had her baby. Hope something kicks off for you soon

[Dalmore30]

Thank you - I hope so!

[PrincessSarene]

With DD2 as soon as I got to my due date I was booked for induction at 40+12 and had attempted sweeps at 40+1, 40+4, and 40+8. They failed because my cervix was too high up and closed. Also the midwife thought DD2 was only 3/5 engaged. I was booked in for another attempt at 40+11 but that morning I had faint contractions (as in clear muscle movement but no pain) so we decided to leave it. Contractions strengthened overnight and DD2 arrived in the morning. So don’t lose hope for a natural labour just yet.
I’d also recommend doing as much walking around as you’re allowed/comfortable with - I couldn’t do any with DD2 and I’m sure it would have helped bring on labour if I could have been more active.

[NameChange30]

Well if you wait long enough you will go into labour naturally. All babies come out eventually! The question is how long you are willing to wait before agreeing to interventions.

DC1 was born at 41+4 after I went into labour naturally. I had no interventions until 41+0 when I agreed to a sweep but it was painful and did nothing so I declined any more. I tried acupuncture and sex... the sex did the trick

My hypnobirthing course teacher (also a doula) said that there is evidence that sex works; it's because of the hormones that are released. Most of the other tips for inducing labour naturally are not evidence-based.

[PlanDeRaccordement]

My first was ten days late, 41+3.
I refused all internal exams.
I refused sweep.
I refused to consent to induction before 42 weeks

The due date has an error margin of +/- 2weeks. Families also have different gestation lengths based on genetics. If your mother had late babies, chances are you will too.

[NameChange30]

My mum had premature babies!
She kept nagging to pack my hospital bag early.
I can't remember when I packed it in the end...
She is doing it again now (for DC2, I'm only 30 weeks!) but as DC1 was born at 41+4 I'm not having any of it

[ArchbishopOfBanterbury]

40 + 11 failed sweep.
40 + 12 declined induction.
40 + 13 spontaneous labour. He was born in 40 +14.

I would have consented to induction that day, I think he knew time was up!

[Dalmore30]

Thanks everyone!
Induction currently booked for 40+13 so there’s still time. I just need to try and relax and hope it starts naturally!

[MichelleOR84]

At my 36 week appointment my baby boy wasn’t engaged . A week later my waters broke and I had him. He was actually sitting pretty high even after fully dilated so I needed help with forceps to get him out .

[Superscientist]

At my nct class the midwife said that the head can engage anywhere between 1-2 weeks before contractions to only once contractions have started.
I hope your little one doesn't keep you waiting too long!