Why can't i have a sweep if head's not engaged (DC2)?

[annady]

Hello, Can anyone explain the above to me please? I'm 41 weeks and have one more midwife apt before induction this weekend but fear that, as with last week, she'll refuse to do a sweep because the head's not engaged... (DC1 didn't engage til labour either). I'd really rather they tried at least one sweep rather than just sending me direct for induction - are sweeps totally inadvisable if the head's not engaged, even in a second pregnancy? Thanks in advance A x

I really have no idea but would imagine that head being engaged would be first step IYSWImean.

oh, good luck. Not long to go now anyway and am sure that cheeky head will get itself in place before you know it!

Could it be because there is a danger of cord prolapse if you went into labour.

Hi, my MW refused to do a sweep at 41+1 because baby's head wasn't engaged (also DC2), her fear was that she might break the waters. However, she did send me up to the maternity day unit at the hospital where a doctor was happy to do the sweep. (He did say there was no reason for the MW not to have done it, so I think she was just covering her back.) I went into labour the next morning. So maybe ask your MW to send you to the hospital for a second opinion?

Thanks very much for your replies - guess i'll just have to wait and see what midwife says this week!
A x

I had two sweeps with my first, both times she wasn't fully engaged...

I had something like 3 attempted sweeps with my last two babies (babies 4 &5) and they weren't anywhere near engaged....sounds like your mw is being careful I suppose re cord prolapse if waters were to go.

I could be having a sweep this Friday. My babe isn't engaged (as this is my 3rd). Any advice on how to prevent a cord prolapse after sweep?

cloveofhislife....the sweep isn't really an issue for cord prolapse, it is more of a concern with rupturing of membranes. There is some thought that if you are slightly dilated already when you have the sweep that you may have a slightly increased chance of membranes rupturing, but it is not overly substantial.

The possibility of a prolapse, or more common a compression of the cord, are a couple of reasons AROM during labour is usually best not to do (if at all) until baby is well down.....unless there was a true medical need...which there rarely is.

Because it won't work.

MrsMattie is right - if head's not engaged, there's no point having a sweep and they're uncomfortable enough as it is, so why put yourself through it if it's not going to do anything anyway (I'm doubtful they work even if the head IS engaged TBH - had 3 in my life of pregnancies and it did bugger all and dcs were late on every occasion!