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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Non engagement at 39 weeks...

15 replies

Peta100 · 03/12/2008 18:24

Hi, im 5 days away from my due date. I saw 2 consultants today as my baby's head still isn't engaged in fact it's no where near the pelvis! They said it's lying in an unusual position, are not sure why, that i must just try wait it out and that they'll do everything they can for a natural delivery....

I get the feeling its not gonna be a straightforward delivery, ie: alot of pushing and anxiety for baby for me. Would prefer a section but this seems to have fallen on deaf ears!!!

Has anyone else been in this situation, and how was your experience??

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SparkyMalarky · 03/12/2008 18:33

Had something similar with DS - he never engaged and was lying in a very awkward position even tho he was head down.

Saw consultant at 40 and 41 weeks - had elective section at 41+1 after consultant offered it - when I accepted he said he thought it was the right decision. I could have waited another week to see if anything happened, but he felt that I was likely to have a pretty grim induced labour and still end up with section....for me, the ECS was the right choice (having been totally against them all the way thru PG!) - home after 2 nights and we were all fine. Recovery was pretty quick and was walking to the shops within a week (although I needed a seat when I got there!!).

But, I know of others who never engaged and had natural deliveries with no difficulties - you can never tell how your delivery will end up!

Hope it works out for you

RockinSockBunnies · 03/12/2008 20:13

Is it your first child? With DD, her head never engaged until I was in labour. I spent the last four weeks of my pregnancy worrying why the head hadn't engaged like it should have done (according to the pregnancy books). Didn't make a difference in the end - had natural delivery!

Good luck!

Lulumama · 03/12/2008 20:14

did they say what postioin/ lie your baby is in?

lecohen · 03/12/2008 20:29

Hi there, I too am due very soon (4 days) with child number 2 and have been told that the baby was nowhere near engaged although head down (had the same with dd1 who was delivered by c-sec). I was also given an internal and the cervix was closed.

I have been told that it's quite likely that I will need another section (booked for 11th in case baby doesn't come before then).

I must say that I totally hear what you are saying as just think that I would just prefer a section straight away rather than attempt a delivery that quite likely will result in emergency section.

Is this your first?

I know that for some women it is normal not to be engaged until active labour but I still think it's rather strange and increases risk of a slow, laborious delivery with possible complications.

I will follow this thread with interest for other experiences.

Good luck xxx

Original poster

Peta100 · 03/12/2008 21:08

Yep i agree Sparkymalarkey there's no way in telling how the delivery will go... glad it all worked out for u sounds like it was the best decision.

Yes, this is my first baby.

They said its definately head down but lying at a strange angle on my right hand side.

Am still days away from my due date so will just try relax till then.... got another appointment on monday so will see what they say. I am anxious about everything and still would prefer a section - do u think i should make my wishes about this more clear or is there any point? My hospital is Queen Elizabeths in South East London.

OP posts:

lecohen · 03/12/2008 21:13

hiya,

I personally think that if you actually WANT / PREFER a section then you should insist on one... I think it would be wrong for anyone to make this decision for you, no matter what your reasons are.

Original poster

Peta100 · 03/12/2008 21:20

Cool thanks for your thoughts Lecohen

All the best for next week - let me know how it goes!!

OP posts:

lecohen · 03/12/2008 21:22

Many thanks, and to you too...keep us posted x

Original poster

Peta100 · 31/12/2008 08:44

Dear Lecohen,

Hi there how did everything go for you?

My son was born on the 11th December weighing 3.2kg.....the birth didn't go at all well im afraid and i landed up with a c-section in the end!! At least he's healthy and well i know i have alot to feel v. grateful for. He's alot of work but totally worth it!! xxx

OP posts:

lecohen · 31/01/2009 14:16

Hi Peta,

Just found this thread again.

Thanks for asking, I had another girl on 6 Dec - ended up having another section as was contracting for 20 hours with no progress (and baby still didn't engage)and I became exhausted...I was told I am looking at another probable 36 hours...anyway, all was well in the end.

Glad to hear that you are well, how was your recovery? x

fishymonkey · 31/01/2009 23:47

My son was born ten days over due and right up until the birth his head didn't engage. The midwives told me I couldn't possibly be in labour as this was the case. He was born 11 minutes after we got into the labour suite naturally without any pain relief. Good luck with your birth - listen to your body!

fishymonkey · 31/01/2009 23:52

Just looking at lecohen's post. My saving grace during labour was to not think that it would be over soon or that would happen in the next hour. I remember that many women can be in labour for days and that my time might not be near. By doing this I could keep myself calm and pace myself - never allowing the thought that it would soon end. I was able to keep my mental and physic reserves in place so when he did arrive I was calm - the mother being calm and relaxed makes the baby calm and the labour less painful. x

lecohen · 01/02/2009 18:36

lol fishymonkey, you must have a great pain threshold - I was in agony and did try to keep calm for ages but in addition to poor care and a painful pin in my hand (no one was around at all), I decided to call it a day and leave the nhs hospital I was in and arranged to go to the Portland where I was due to have a section a week later (would not induce if I went over).

When I arrived and was examined, I was devastated to hear that I was still many many hours away from ready - how do women do it?!

Anyway, all well in the end and holding my little angel in my arms as I type

Original poster

Peta100 · 07/03/2009 10:30

Hi Lecohen,

I've just found this thread again too.

I thought id recovered really quickly, but alas, life soon really overwhelmed me and i was diagnosed with PND a few weeks ago. The bad birth experience certainly hasn't helped! But im responding to the AD's already and feeling quite a bit better.

One thing is for sure, Im definately getting another c-section if i ever decide to do this again!!

Hope u are well, and of course, congrats on the birth of your baby girl. xx

OP posts:

lecohen · 22/04/2009 08:10

Hi Peta, sorry to hear about the PND but hope you are getting proper care for it.

All is well at my end, just can't believe how fast 4 months went by!

Hug to you and your boy x

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