41 wks and baby still high, with head to one side

[hobnob57]

I'm trying not to get frustrated and remain a sea of calm, controlled 'baby will come when it's ready' vibes.

But I'm now 41 weeks, and it is still really high. It is officially 'head down', as in its bum is up, but it is curled round so that the head is sitting above one side of my pelvis, in the opposite corner to the bum. And it has been like that for at least a week, if not more. I've sat on balls, knelt on little stools, sat cross-legged and forwards tilting on the sofa, been for long walks, etc. and although I think at times it feels like it has moved, it has always moved back there again.

After a scary few days last weekend of movements really tailing off (SF vaccine) the LO is now more active and beginning to spend more time making shoving movements. But head is still at the same height and not engaging at all. I was refused a sweep this week as a result and have to wait until Tuesday for the next one to be offered.

Because this is pg #2 and #1 was induced at 42 weeks, I'm not surprised by this one being late, but I'm really hoping for a VBAC and I'm trying not to wind myself up about this lack of positioning and engagement. Is there anything else I can do? I don't really want to start natural induction methods if a sweep was deemed too risky, do I?

Hi Hobnob

My MW told me that it is not unusual for second babies to not engage until labour starts.

I think the reason they'll have refused a sweep is because they could accidentally break your waters which is risky if the baby's head is high (as the cord could come down first). As far as I can see that wouldn't stop you from trying other methods of helping things along. I used evening primrose oil (taken internally each night) and acupressure (got the points from Youtube and gave them a good press), plus lots of walking. The epo may help ripen the cervix but won't break your waters.

Also my MW said that the studies on the efficacy of sweeps only relate to sweeps done after 41 weeks so waiting for one is not a big deal.

Also, if all is well with you and the baby there is no reason why you can't go past 42 weeks. My (fab) consultant did not even want to discuss setting a date for a section at 40 weeks - she said it could wait until 42 weeks which really took the pressure off!

Good luck - I really hope you get your VBAC.

I really don't think there's anything u can do at this point except just hope for the best!

Like u, my babys head never engaged into the pelvis, not even after being in labour for 3.5 days. Sometimes these little people have a way of doing exactly what they're not supposed to do.

Good luck, i also hope u get your vbac.

Thanks guys .

I think I have less problem with the waiting (I'm thinking this one will be after my birthday on 24th), but the positioning is driving me mad. It just won't budge despite being quite active this week. I'm getting some nice, strong BHs which I'd normally associate with trying to engage baby but you can't engage a neck! Can't find any info on this type of lie either - it's just in limbo. I must be having a hormonal day because I'm starting to think bad thoughts about this baby's intellect

Maybe it needs floor level lighting to point the way

Lol - I am sure mine slipped in and out of my pelvis in the run-up to D-Day. But when I was getting regular-ish contractions the MW came round and checked me and said she could only feel the baby's neck, so the baby must have got her act together when it counted. I am sure your will too!

I suppose I'm just concerned that labour night start and it'll slip further round into a transverse lie. Grrr.

Hope you're recovering well mrsH

You could try osteopathy. Someone on here recommended it to me as I was worried my baby was OP. Its moved around and the guy made sure that my pelvis was freed up so the baby could descend properly. I feel so much better after having the treatment. Im 39 weeks now.

Hi bubbaloo. I saw an osteopath at 37 weeks because I was getting pelvic pain and worried about SPD resurfacing, so I'm hoping that that would have done the trick? He certainly cracked the pelvis on both sides for me. Saying that, mine is so loose at the back that I wouldn't be surprised if it's all shifted again.

Thats a shame...at least you have given it a go.