Baby feels disengaged at 40weeks… is there any hope of a vaginal birth

[Kitkwtkitkat]

Firstly I should say I have an appointment later this week - so I am seeking medical advice!

So I’m 90% sure my 40wk baby disengaged a few days ago. All pressure below has gone and I can physically see/feel two rather solid lumps lying sideways at times! Baby does appear/feel like it’s head down for the majority of the time, but definitely moving about and it’s incredibly weird to feel.

Other factors I was going for a VBAC hoping to avoid induction….

I understand baby doesn’t have to be engaged for labour to begin but wondered if anyone here has actually experienced this and if so what the subsequent impacts were.

Subsequent babies engage and disengage right up until labour. I wasn't engaged until labour and it took less than an hour active labour. No need to worry x

Thanks @boomonday that is reassuring, it’s just a bit confusing as you also see concerns on line about going into labour with baby being transverse / cord prolapse.!

The chances of that happening if your baby has previously been head down and engaged are so slim it's not worth worrying about.

If you want reassurance then I would call your midwife and see if they can have a feel around for you.

Thanks@boomonday, yes baby has been head down since 34 weeks ish. Hence knowing it feels quite different! No idea why but obviously they aren’t ready to exit just yet.

Mother of two transverse babies here….

DD1 was head down at 36 weeks, but transverse by 38. I could really clearly feel her head one side, and kicks the other. She also flipped around a lot, which was weird as you say.

DD2 was transverse all the way through though.

Being transverse is only dangerous if it’s not managed. Midwives can feel it really easily, so I’d see if your MAU can check tomorrow.

Thanks @Zoomerang if you don’t mind me asking what did they do to manage the risks?

My first DS was a wriggler and turned daily until a week after his due date. He was often transverse. The only way I could tell which way up he was, was by the hiccups. Only the head end hics!

It is risky if they are transverse when you go into labour so I was asked to call the midwife to come and check the moment I thought I was in labour. Luckily at 40+8 when I went into labour he was head down and I gave birth at home later that day.

If he had been transverse I would have been heading for a CS as quickly as could be arranged. Good to have several plans!

I had a (brilliant) CS as soon as DD1 was diagnosed. It wasn’t an emergency, but I went straight from MAU to theatre. It sounds scary but was very calm. So my tip is go prepared.

They kept a closer eye on DD2 which involved admitting me at 37 weeks for fairly constant monitoring, but you’re past that point now!

@Zoomerang thanks good to know. Had a section before so thought doesn’t terrify me just looking to avoid if I can… baby may have other ideas of course! Glad you had two happy arrivals x

Good luck with whatever comes next!