Baby is presenting itself arm first

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The Midwife came around today to do a membrane sweep but mid-sweep she pulled away quickly saying that it felt as though it was breeched. She packed us off to the hospital immediately where a scan revealed that it was an arm representing itself before the babies head. The midwives said we were to wait to see what happens naturally - they think the baby may retract its arm some way. If nothing happens in a few days then I'll be induced, arm retractedor not. Has anybody got any experience of this or any idea how the baby can come out head and arm together?

superbaby! my mates dd did this, few stitches I'm afraid

My DD came out head and arm together, superman style. But I don't think she had her arm out before. It was just for the last couple pushes she suddnely stuck it out. The midwife said if she hadn't, I probably wouldn't have needed so many stitches - although it was v. quick labour so expected some.

Good luck to you for when your baby arrives - sounds like it's keen to get here!

no advice or experience whatsoever, sorry. Just had to post to say "blimey, that's a nickname and a half!" Will go away now!

Frizbe, we have changed our name from the big long number. Can you tell me more about your friends superbaby? You don't need to be polite as we would like a warts and all answer. If your mate had any particular difficulties other than stitches we can handle it. Or any other advice.

Dear Rosieglow, sorry to hear about your stitches. I guess I'll need a lot too. Any advice on how to cope after the birth?

The stitches weren't a problem really. Think I had about twenty but they healed quickly and i don't remember them being painful afterwards (had SPD as well to take my mind off them). I used to bath in salted water - don't know if it helped but I certainly didn't have any problems.

ds came out with hand on side of head

stitches here too, but not too bad (and that might have also been due to the fact that he popped out in a HUGE hurry...)

Good Luck!

both mine came out with their arm up by their head, stitch either side of my labia with dd adn slight graze on my labia that didn't need stitching with ds.

My friends had this with her baby too, one arm was up against the head, then the scan showed it wasn't, but in labour she put it back up again.
She had a minor tear, but not bad for a first baby.
Don't make them push you into an induction just for this reason, thats just ludicrous.

Our childbirth instructor had something similar. The baby's hand was on his cheek IIRC. She did wind up with an episiotomy, I'm afraid. Other than that, no problems at all.

Hi,

My DD came out with her hand by her head too. Quite a lot of stitches, as her little fingernails tore me - but not along the outside much, mostly up into me. Sore at first, but fine now (five months on). She did not seem to have any problems coming out, and her head, hand, arm and shoulder were all fine. Hospital certainly did not think it was a big deal, only told me afterwards... good luck!