Avoiding induction?

[thegirlwhouk]

So I'm 37 weeks on Saturday. Have been having regular scans as I have 'low fluid' and the consultant thinks I may have ruptured my membranes several weeks ago.

She suggested induction at 37 weeks. We agreed on 38 weeks instead, provided I keep going in for monitoring twice a week.

Since then I am almost certain babies head has fully engaged. The MW couldn't feel it at all. I've also developed piles from what I assume is the pressure of his head in my pelvis as I'm not constipated or straining at all. Also I'm seriously waddling and lifting my legs up to get dressed etc is hurting my pelvis. Have been getting BH for ages now but none are painful. Are these good signs or could baby still stay put for a while?!

I would much rather that baby arrived of his own accord, to avoid being induced (this is mostly why I pushed for the extra week!).

Realistically though, I have no idea how 'ready' I am. Nobody has done an internal examination for 3 weeks.

Can I request one from my local MW? Can/Should I also request a sweep from at 37 weeks onwards?

In the UK sweeps are unusual that early, but given you're only going to 38 weeks it can't hurt to ask! At the very least she can check how it's progressing.

I'm in the same position of head engaged and hoping to avoid induction, waddling to 39 wks this weekend for dc2. That said, I was induced last time and it wasn't that bad, I'm not sure I believe most people get an ideal birth and try and be confident it'll be ok in the end. Not really sure what you can do to bring a labour on! I've been trying to be a bit more active but against my inclination!