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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

40+1 baby at brim

4 replies

BowsandBaking · 11/09/2021 04:11

I’m 40+1 today. Consultant-led due to previous EMCS. Hoping for a VBAC.
Midwives couldn’t perform sweeps as planned this week due to baby coming out of engagement and laying back to back “at brim”.
I’ve always had a last-resort induction booked for 41w exactly. The consultant has offered to attempt a controlled breaking of waters in theatre if I have any natural dilation at the appointment.
Can anybody share any positive induction stories with a baby at brim? Does the NHS offer a balloon induction to help you dilate before performing a controlled breaking of the waters? My community midwife was rushed off her feet and I just didn’t get the answers I feel I needed today.
Please also share any success stories of natural labours for babies at brim past 40w. I’m having a hormonal wobble!

OP posts:
Peacefulspirit · 11/09/2021 05:30

The brim just refers to the very top of the pelvis, it’s very normal for women who’ve had a baby before that the head doesn’t engage further until labour starts and the strength of the contractions squeezes the baby further down into the pelvis. Hopefully your cervix will open enough to allow the consultant to break your waters in theatre, the risk of doing this when the head isn’t well engaged is that the cord prolapses and comes out before the head. A good consultant will look at the risks of performing the procedure and how likely it is to be successful. Other than doing things to promote good positioning; using birthing ball, staying active, look at the Spinning Babies site etc it will just be a case of waiting to see and trusting your team. Good luck

Original poster
BowsandBaking · 11/09/2021 07:24

Thank you for your explanation and reassurance that it’s quite normal for subsequent pregnancies. It all felt very dramatic yesterday and the term “cord prolapse” was thrown around so I was a bit panicky. Hopefully baby will descend naturally with contractions. I’ll continue to use the birthing ball, lots of walks etc for good positioning.

Still curious to know whether they can help dilation along with a balloon catheter if I haven’t dilated before the controlled ARM.

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mumofmunchkin · 11/09/2021 11:37

I couldn't have a sweep when my 3rd was a week overdue because the head wasn't low enough, and the midwife said that was perfectly normal if you've had a baby before - things just aren't as tight in there. I had an induction at 40+10 - they didn't break my waters, I just had the pessary and went straight into labour off that, water birth about 14 hours later.

Original poster
BowsandBaking · 11/09/2021 16:23

@mumofmunchkin

I couldn't have a sweep when my 3rd was a week overdue because the head wasn't low enough, and the midwife said that was perfectly normal if you've had a baby before - things just aren't as tight in there. I had an induction at 40+10 - they didn't break my waters, I just had the pessary and went straight into labour off that, water birth about 14 hours later.
That’s very reassuring - I’m glad they could get you going without having to break your waters in theatre. Thank you for sharing
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