41 weeks, baby not in pelvis, they won't sweep

[Pootletrinket]

Just back from MLU, lovely MW but she said too risky to sweep because baby not in pelvis and therefore also won't go into labour because baby not 'on' cervix.

But then she said that if I do go into labour naturally, the contractions will push baby into pelvis.

Confused (did try to clarify at the time, but was unable to) - so can't sweep because absence of baby's head on cervix is a problem but may go into labour without baby's head on cervix?

Can anyone shed any light? Maybe am being v. dim. Certainly feel gutted now; she said little point in trying another sweep, just wanted to book me in for induction (but then went through my rights to refuse consent etc).

2nd baby, first was after dreadful induction process, hence aversion to discussing it now

My best guess would be because a baby whose head is on the cervix is a much more likely to be imminent labour than one who's still free floating so to spek and doing a sweep on a woman whose baby might still be a little while away could introduce infection.

OK, thanks, have phoned back and asked them to call me to see why they think not worth another go in a couple of days (if I walk and bounce a lot in between!)

I should imagine they are also worried about a cord prolapse.

If the baby's head is too high and the sweep puts you in labour, your waters could go, the cord then may prolapse, then the baby may start to enagage and put pressure on the cord, ie no oxygen to baby.

Second and subsequent babies often dont 'engage' (head into pelvis) until labour so its not usually a worry.
You could take a look at this-
www.spinningbabies.com/techniques/during-labor/helping-baby-engage-in-labor
I also use these techniques to encourage labour-
spinningbabies.blogspot.com/2008/02/alternative-to-induction.html
acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Acupressure/induce.aspx
Belly dancing-

And sex (with orgasm and nipple stimulation) Also some women gently rub evening primrose oil onto the cervix to help it soften- www.essortment.com/naturally-inducing-labor-benefits-drawbacks-evening-primrose-51100.html Selina

Thanks again Selina, being trying all of these as per your suggestios (although can't reach my cervix, have been using EP oil)! She did say that cervix felt fairly anterior and softish......

Been ready for this baby to come for 2 weeks but it's just not having any of it!

Understand the risk of prolapse, but most confused about why not willing to try again....waiting for a call back.

hello all
DO NOT HAVE A SWEEP UNLESS YR 100% SURE BABY IS HEAD DOWN
I had a sweep at 40+6 at 11.30 my midwife said my baby was head down and within 4h labor had started to cut a long nightmare short I rang the ward twice to go in each time I was told to have a bath or some toast as there is no need to go in till my waters go,
at midnight I went in, had an internal the ward sister looked worried said I can feel something pulsating left room in mins returned with an army of docs and a scan machine it was at that point panic set in I was on my way for c sec cord was below baby, baby was single footling not head down, there was a 30m decision to incision time my baby was delivered limp with no cry and taken away I was told nothing about my baby's birth condition,
my baby was brought to me about 10min later I was then told I had a girl and that she was fine!!
the following 6 years was a nightmare my baby had feeding problems, sleeping problems, failed to hit all milestones on time, speech problems and learning difficulties only now thinking that she suffered one of the following relating to her birth,
cp
birth trauma = spinal cord injury,
will keep you posted following next doctors appointment.