Posterior baby, head not engaged 38 w into 3rd pregnancy

[LillaC]

I'm 38+1 with my 3rd baby. On Fri MW told me baby's moved from having had his back to my left to being completely back-to-back. She was also concerned that the head is only 4/5ths and free and has been for the past 3 weeks.

I'm delivering privately with MW-led care and their policy with mums who've given birth before is to offer a sweep at 39 w - which I would take, it worked wonders with no 2. But MW said if the head hadn't engaged more by then, they would not offer the sweep as it wouldn't do anything. I thought it was common for the head not to engage until in labour in subsequent pregnancies? But MW said that's only 2nd babies and that 3rd time the head should be engaged by now.

MW also said that if baby is posterior and not engaged by 40, I would need to see a consultant to find out why, if there was any reason the head could not fit. She didn't go on to talk about what the consultant might recommend.

I'm trying to work out how to look at this and whether I should be worried. I've had two vaginal deliveries without any issues re position of baby or head engaging but I guess each pregnancy is different!

I've read up about back-to-back labours and they don't sound great! But I guess I will just have an epidural...

I'm doing all I can to encourage baby to move like sitting on a birthing ball, walking lots, being on all 4, sleeping on my left but not sure any of it is working!

Any advice, comments? Similar experiences?

Oh I take the words of the consultant as having some clout then, as long as he seems to be trying to get into position then I have faith he will turn during labour. I do think that if he hadnt been back to back for so long he may have been here by now and I wouldn't be sat bouncing up and down on this birth ball. LillaC do you know anyone with a ball you can ask to borrow? They are supposed to help engage the baby and I spent a bit of time on mine and it made the baby engage a fair bit more between appointments.

Planner26..that is typical..just when you dont need a domestic disaster they happen. My bathroom light has fallen down and the wind has blown two fence panels out ..typical it should happen just when hubby is so busy at work trying to tie everything up before the baby arrives so he can take two weeks paternity. sods law! I do hope your not going to get ill as that is the last thing your going to need when this far along! They do say a dodgy tummy is a sign of labour though so lets hope it is that!

Oh no planner 26 - hope you can get someone in to fix the leak, last thing you need! I'm in London so no snow here yet, but bitterly cold so I don't blame the little ones for wanting to stay in a bit longer!

I do have a birth ball - from previous pregnancies, only annoying thing is I think it is leaking air as I have to keep filling it up! But I'm so sick of sitting on it - I'm sure you both feel the same!

I hope you both stay well and look forward to some exciting news soon! I'm sure you won't go to 42 weeks and induction, it will happen soon - have faith!

just seen the midwife..if he hasnt come by Tuesday then I get a sweep and if that doesnt work then she will come to the house to do another one Thursday. Then the following week I will be induced if he hasnt shown up by then. I hope he comes over the weekend!

Finger's crossed for all 3 of us that we will hold our little ones in our arms this weekend! Apart from some BH I'm not feeling any signs though! I'm trying not to think about it but easier said than done!

I'm seeing the MW again on Mon and I think they'll give me another sweep and/or discuss way forward. My consultant also said I should see her on Monday if nothing has happened. She said that since I'm 3 cm dilated (common when you've had children before, I don't think the cervix closes completely) I could be induced by breaking the water rather than a drip but not sure how that works if the head is not engaged.

This is my last baby so I'm trying to think I should cherish these last few days of being pregnant, but it's hard as I'm so fed up and uncomfortable!

Am trying to enjoy the 'relaxing' part too LillaC! Also getting BH quite a lot and the odd periody cramp but nothing regular.

Come on babies - hurry up! I think it's just a bit too cold for them right now!

I am seriously stacking on the weight - been pretty good and healthy up to maternity leave and the longer it goes on the bigger my ass gets! Just lots of sitting around munching chocs and mince pies!

LillaC - do you know if you're having a boy or girl? Do either of you have any names? I think we've settled on Molly, but still thinking about middle name.

I feel terrible today..I cant even be bothered talking to anyone and just want to lie in bed and sleep but the baby keeps kicking my ribs. My fear has turned to apathy today and I feel 'I just dont care any more' now. I am having really weird sensations in my cervix which are pretty painful. I think it must be it softening etc but its really uncomfortable.

I have a first name but still cant agree on a middle name. DH veto's names but then never bloody comes up with any himself.

Oh Planner26, you're having a girl. I've got two and they're so wonderful. Molly is such a sweet name. I'm having a boy this time and boy's names are much more difficult I think. We've got a couple of ideas - my DH was exactly the same as yours Kitten30, just said no but never had any ideas of his own - but I think Lucas is our favourite. Unless he comes out not looking like a Lucas at all. We had a name in mind for DD1 but she didn't look like a Marissa at all so we had to reconsider. We can't come up with a good middle name either.

I'm sorry Kitten30 that you're having a bad day. I've had days like that too - I think the tiredness and being in limbo just gets to you sometimes. I sent my mum and nanny to do the school run today, couldn't face talking to all the other mum's today.

It is bloody cold today! I'm a bit concerned they say London will get snow this weekend as we don't have a car and need to take a taxi to the hospital, usually impossible to find one if it's snowing. Oh well no point worrying about it, I'm sure a friend can help out if there's an emergency.

I have put on a little bit less this pregnancy compared to the other two but now I'm not even trying to be healthy. Also they say this baby is quite a lot bigger than the other two and I'm worried that every day he stays in he's getting bigger = harder to get out!!

I am worrying about the snow too as DH is not the greatest of drivers anyway! Boys names are much harder than girls names. I had loads of names we both loved for girls and when we found out it was a boy I was scratching my head for months. Still am really.

I have the same worry..I am huge and EVERYONE comments about the size of my bump (I am a petite build and I think it looks so big)I just cant get my head around how I will get him out..the longer he is in the bigger he is getting...come on baby!

Hi Lilla

My post here might be of interest/helpful.

Hello all, sorry to barge in. I am in just the same position as you all (or rather DS2 is!), was due on 22nd and I'm so tired! Got to go now as friend coming for lunch and I'm not dressed but really hope everyone getting on OK and somebody goes into labour this weekend even if it's not me!

Thank you MiniMarmite!

How is everyone doing? Absolutely nothing is happening with me and I'm getting so fed up. I guess I'm only just overdue but it feels like I've been waiting forever. I didn't expect the 3rd baby to be the last! On Wed my MW told me, in a rather patronising way, that if I just relaxed, did something nice for myself, had a romantic evening with my husband, went to the movies etc, she was sure I would labour over the weekend. Well, I've had the night out with my DH, gone to the cinema, had sex 3 times this week (not bad going in my condition!!!), had a pedicure, hot baths, etc etc and still NOOOOOTHING!

Kitten30, even if I haven't put on loads of weight, my bump is the biggest I've ever had and that's kind of worrying when I think about getting him out! Thankfully no snow here in London yet, but tomorrow is tube strike (again!) which usually causes chaos with taxis...

Nothing from me either Lilla - just usual odd cramps, pelvis pain and backache. At least you've managed a lovely weekend! Though baby seems to be a bit quieter (hoping it's the quiet before the storm!)

However, I am in North Yorkshire and we are absolutely snowed in! So I've gone from hoping she comes today to willing her to stay in for another day or so!

My bump is really low now and just seems to have ballooned this week. My mum has been baking me mince pies, flapjacks, lemon cake....oh god I am never going to recover my weight from this!!!

Hi both, just to say mine arrived bang on his due date. The birth was dreadful and I ended up having a highly medicalised birth as there was merconium in my waters. He was also back to back (in spite of the midwife saying he turned) and so it was a drawn out pushing stage and an episotomy.

lovely 7lb 7oz baby at the end..just wish I could walk/sit down/move.

hope you both have a better time of it. xx

aw kitten poor you but CONGRATULATIONS!!! Lovely news!
Hope you are doing a bit better today, am sure it will get easier every day and now you have it over with and a beautiful little boy! Do you have a name for him?

Still no news from my bub though for the first time in AGES I woke up minus any backache this morning after lots of movement last night so am praying she has shifted herself towards my tummy front. DP and I are desperate for her to arrive safely!

Congratulations Kitten30! I'm so sorry to hear you had an awful birth but I hope you heal physically quickly and at least now the birth is over and you can focus on your beautiful boy!

I've just seen the MW who gave me a very vigorous sweep (ouch!). She offered to book me in for an induction tomorrow morning (gel and breaking waters, apparently I shouldn't need the drip) as my DH is going to New York on Thursday but clearly it would be much better for my body and the baby to let it happen naturally. Apparently head is 3/5 and in right position so no reason it shouldn't happen soon. So I didn't book the induction, DH will just have to cancel his trip or miss the birth if it comes to that. I was also told to take evening primrose oil capsules 3 times today and try to get some acupuncture. Have some cramping and light contractions now so finger's crossed!

Planner26 - I hope you won't have to wait much longer and that I'll have some good news from you too soon!

Congratulations Kitten, fabulous news - sorry it was a difficult birth though.

Any news Planner26? I just can't believe I'm still pregnant!! I had my 4th sweep yesterday and had quite strong contractions for 5 hours only for them to stop completely.

I've been booked in for induction on Saturday when I will be 41 w. Even if it's not ideal to be induced least I have a long-stop date!

hiya i finally went into labour at 0130 on Tuesday morning. Baby had turned into a good position so managed with gas & air and Pethedine. Molly was born at 0735 on Wednesday morning. Had a fantastic midwife and managed to avoid tears/episiotomies. Was so pleased!

Any news Lilla? I have my fingers crossed that it will happen soon for you.

Congratulations Planner26 - you did so well!

I finally went into labour with my waters breaking in a big way at 5.45 pm on Fri. Lucas was born at 00.28 am Sat - 8 hours before I was supposed to be induced. Also had a great MW but had decided beforehand on epidural and it worked really well, made the pain manageable but could still feel everything. Baby wasn't posterior but head in odd position so it got stuck, so after pushing an hour baby was getting tired and a consultant had to use a kiwi suction cup to pull the head in the right place, it worked and then I could push him out myself. Really pleased I had the epidural at that point! Also he was huge, 4.1kg so the head was big! In the end I didn't tear hardly at all, no stitches so all in all really good labour.

No wonder I had been so uncomfortable in the end carrying around this big baby!

Best wishes to you both and enjoy your beautiful babies. Thanks for your support in this thread.

Well done LillaC! Brilliant news and lovely name - hope DH made the birth. So glad they are all here ok. Molly was 3kg so smaller than I thought (but actually bang on dates by our count). She is gorgeous but God the sleepless nights have kicked in she is a greedy little thing am bfing her every two hours! I'll be heading to that thread next...

Thank you too girls and best of luck, it's nice to know you are not alone!