Can I request a c-section?

[Chickenfillets]

I'm 38+4 with my first and baby still hasn't engaged. I keep having sharp pains down below and the feeling that he is trying to push down. Been having this feelin for weeks and he just isn't engaging. Had a growth scan today and he is measuring 8lb 8. What I'm worried about is if his head is too big to fit into my pelvis. This was the case with my mum and she has to have emcs with her first and elcs with the other two. Does anybody know if it's possible for me to request a c-section if he isn't engaged by 39 weeks? I don't want to go any further, go into labour, have them realise he is too big and have to have an emcs.

hi, probably not - and not at 39 weeks. Most NHS trusts will not do elcs on request - they're expensive and risky and there needs to be a good medical reason for it. Your baby is of a normal size and it's also normal not to have the head engaged yet. It's very rare that the baby is 'too big' for a women's pelvis - this is a bit of an urban myth. Your body is designed to push babies out and your pelvis becomes looser and more flexible in pregnancy to enable you to do so. The sharp pains are also normal unfortunately :(

I understand the feeling of just wanting the baby out though by this stage! It also sounds like your mum's birth stories are making you a bit anxious. Could you talk to your midwife about this? - she will be able to reassure you that everything is ok. The last few weeks of waiting are hard and it's perfectly understandable to get nervous about it all.

I guess I'll just have to suck it up and wait it out until he is ready. I don't have another appointment with my midwife until I'm 40 week and she's giving me a sweep. It's good to know his head can still engage though, I was worried that it wouldn't at all. I would much prefer a natural birth anyway I am just a little anxious. You have reassured me though thank you