35 weeks wrong fundal height AND transverse! oooeerrr!!

[clouiseg]

Hello all! I just needed some advice please. I'm 35 weeks pregnant with babba # 3 and have had so many complications I could write a list as long as my arm lol!! I'm booked for a C Section @ 39 weeks due to problems "down there"!

Now I'm almost on the home straight and at my MW appt she measured me as being 38cm fundal height instead of 35cm to match my weeks. This is all fine and well but the baby is also lying Transverse so the extra size isnt due to bum up or head up!! The MW said they would usually measure smaller as they take up less height in the uterus(being sideways)!!

Baby has been lying transverse and hasnt shifted since 20 weeks! Its getting painful now having the sideways stretch and the MW has sent me to the consultant this coming Thursday (I need to do CS paperwork etc). There was talk of a scan and she is also concerned about the fact that baby is transverse (& has been for so long - personally I think it must just be a comfy position lol)

My question is what HAPPENS if baby is still transverse come 36/37 weeks? They won't do an ECV as I'm a C section patient(no point apparently). Someone told me they tend to admit you to hospital for observation as the risk to baby is huge if the waters break and the cord is delivered (cord prolapse?). Thing is, I have two young daughters and our nearest hospital is 35 mins away. Does anyone know what may happen if

a) I'm still measuring too big?
b) baby is STILL transverse?

Obviously, organising for giving birth when you have 2 kids is like a military operation in itself haha. So the chance of some pre warning if I'm to be in hospital would be EXCELLENT!!

If anyone out there has experienced this, or knows of someone who has, I would REALLY appreciate your advice. Between lack of sleep, hormones and backache I'm a wee bit neurotic at the moment lol.

You are having a c-section so it doesn't matter if the baby is big (although fundal height measurement very inaccurate) or transverse - only problems if natural delivery. Had a few friends with transverse babies and I've got a breeched one at 34 weeks (although I think its turning) - risk if waters break of cord prolapse for both but if your waters break before c-section you need to go to hospital asap but you are not admitted otherwise unless something else is wrong.

Awww cheers! Puts my mind at rest a bit!

I think the only reason the midwife mentioned a scan is that the placenta is anterior so she wants to check and make sure thats not preventing baby from turning, plus a growth check(?)

Also had some awful horror stories about having trouble with a transverse baby! Chiefly it was the waters breaking and not getting to hospital in time! I'd need at least an hour to get the kids sorted and off to our friends then drive the 35 mins to hospital. (Sadly we have no family around) I'm not too bothered otherwise about the Transverse Lie as I'm aware it makes no real difference when a C Section is on the cards!

My MW also made a non too clever comment...as we were leaving (having booked to see her at 38 weeks). She said, "SO, NEXT TIME WE SEE YOU, YOU MAY HAVE HAD THIS BABY!!" Not sure she thought before she spoke, especially as we're booked for CS @ 39 WEEKS! lol

Cue me coming over all hormonal & neurotic and nagging DH about how we CANNOT have this baby any sooner...I still have TOO MUCH to do...nothing organised yet...WHAT about the kids blah blah (followed by him rolling his eyes & tutting at me lol).

It would be easier (not to mention less painful!) if baby was to turn around! In the meantime, I do my pregnancy Yoga and keep trying to encourage the big flip!! This being my 3rd baby and DD2 being 9lb I already know this is a BIG 'un! Fingers crossed eh!

In general, if a baby is transverse at 36/37 weeks they'd book you for a CS...

I'm not sure cord prolapse would be such a risk if the baby is transverse (at least not such an immediate risk) - the problem isn't so much the cord falling out, as the baby coming close behind it and compressing it. A transverse baby isn't likely to be moving into your pelvis at speed, so wouldn't compress the cord... (this is speculation on my part, btw, but it seems reasonable).

If you're feeling highly neurotic, though, you could always give the hospital a call on Monday and ask

lol @ highly neurotic Tangle!! I think it goes with the territory when you're an overworked mum who resembles a spacehopper on legs! Or is that just me (conjuring up images of Mary Poppins type mums floating around effortlessly caring for several kids and carrying triplets!! lol)

I see my consultant on Thursday anyway, so it can wait til then and I'll ask at my appt. I have the C Section booked in my diary literally SURROUNDED by the other numerous errands etc I have to do so I'd hate to be in hospital as it would mean some serious juggling!

I thought it was the opposite problem with a transverse / oblique etc baby? Was told that because thers is no 'presenting part' (head or bum) in the pelvis, if the waters break the gush can 'pull' the cord down into the cervix / vagina which is essentially 'empty'?

That said I can see your point about cord compression.....!

Soooooooo confusing! All I can do is ask I suppose!!

I think you're right that cord prolapse is more likely - but what's going to compress the cord? as you say, there's no presenting part! There was a study done a while back looking at cord prolapse and breech babies - although cord prolapse was more common (legs/bum isn't as good a fit as a head) the consequences tended to be less severe (legs/bum aren't so hard as a head either). Still not risk free by any stretch, but I'd ask for their research if they try and keep you in...

Dd was lying transverse at about 37wks. My fundal height was also around 4 or 5cm higher than it should be.

I was told that if dd was still transverse at 38wks I would probably have to be admitted to the ward for observation in case I went into labour.

In the end she managed to turn by herself so I managed to escape it. The actual measurements turned out to mean very little as dd was actually my smallest baby.

Good luck.

Cheers Tangle, I think I will ask actually. You raise a really good point about the logic behind it!

Thank you coppertop, isnt it funny how worried you can get over the possibility of things going awry???!!!!

I'm already booked in for a C Section @ 39 weeks so if there is talk of admitting me around 38 I'll just ask em to bring my C section forward a week. I'd rather have one week in hospital than 2!! Like I said, I'm a mum of 2 young uns (with very little support where we live) so god knows how we'd manage! Plus my youngest has ADHD and autism so 2 weeks without mum would be VERY bad for her, poor lamb.

Well it'll be interesting to see how they manage it here at my end, i know different counties and PCTs manage things differently so....?

In the meantime...I spend as much time as possible doing my Yoga, on my gym ball and using the advice given on www.spinningbabies.com hahaaa (mentally urging baby to turn!)

Will keep posting as we find out what the latest is!! Thanks ladies. XX

Hi, my baby is transverse - I'm 33 weeks and baby is also big - over 5 and a half pounds. I saw the consultant last week and he reiterated what others have said that I would be taken into hospital at 37 weeks if baby still transverse and a section at 38 weeks - have already had one. He said, having my waters break at home would be a disaster because of the risk of cord prolapse so better to be in hospital. My secretary at work had a transverse lie baby 12 yrs ago and she had told me the very same information. It may be that consultant is being extra cautious as I lost my premature baby girl last year at 6 weeks -nothing to do with presentation and he maybe is wanting to minimise all risks as much as possible. Cx

I'd be interested to know what they say louise - please don't put yourself or your baby at risk on my advice, but I've heard some stories that've made me cautious of accepting things unquestioningly (like the women told they "have" to have a CS or their breech babies will (not might) die).

Having gone through the decision process with a breech baby I came to the conclusion that whilst some advice is good, some is given based on bad research, some is given based on annecdote rather than evidence, and (sadly) some is given to make the life of the HCPs easier. Trying to tell the difference between them is very hard, especially when you've then got to try and work out what the risks are for you and your baby rather than the average Jane Blogs.

First of all - I wouldn't get too concerned. Transverse babies are much more common in mums who have had more than 2 babies as everything is a bit 'roomier' in the uterus department!

Of course - a transverse baby will not deliver vaginally - but that is not a problem for yourself as you are booked in for a C/S.

Transverse babies can often turn in labour - or they can have an ECV done prior to having your waters broken.

Symphasis fundal height can be unnaccurate - it is true that transverse babies usually measure less. I would recommend a scan to check your fluid level as well as fetal size.

It would be a very cautious obstetrician to keep you in as a inpatient 'just incase' you go into labour. Staying at home until your c/s day but being aware that you should contact the maternity unit immediately and get in quickly if you have any signs of labour or your waters breaking would be sensible.

Every consultant has different ways of dealing with different situations based on his/her training and professional experience. Have a chat to your consultant when you are next at the hospital to make up a plan.

Carrie06, ty for your info, really helpful to hear from other 'transversers'!! And so sorry about what you have been through (hugs). X

Tangle, I do agree with you about the method and motivation out there, even now! My mum had my bro in the 80's, breech birth, gas & air & it was treated as normal. Yet now I know they favour C Section in that situation. Odd isn't it?

Reesie, I can see what you mean, and I've always thought transverse wasn't too big a deal. Although I will admit alot of that was lack of knowledge on my part!

It just seems that the general procedure is to admit mums 'just in case'! And that goes hand in hand with Tangles point - it seems the NHS would rather be over cautious than be faced with a blame case where they could have acted sooner!!?? Admittedly, I am at least an hour from the nearest hospital (all things considered - dropping children off etc), plus it does make me slightly uneasy to think there is even a slight risk to baby....however...I also have to children to think of (aaarrrrrgggghhhhh) lol

I swear ladies...as I type this I am sitting on my gym ball frantically roatating (this is meant to help make the pelvis more favourable to baby!!??) I swim regularly & do everything in my power to make Transverse uncomfortable for baby hahaaa...but alas.

And please let it be noted that the awkward gene responsible for the baby choosing a transverse lie is MOST DEFINITLEY handed down from DH!!!! lol

Thanks so much ladies....X

Hi my little one was also transverse and was transverse through out pregnancy - I had an elective cs at 39 weeks. But they also tried to admit me at 35 weeks just in case and I refused - for me it was more stressful to be in hospital - so I took it easy at home promising to go in at the slightest twinge, leak etc. And he is fine now.

Awww thats encouraging timmette! How far were you from the nearest hospital out of interest?

I agree totally. I think it IS more stressful being in hospital. For my girls (especially the youngest) it would be awful if I was away from home! Also, you don't get to sleep properly, boredom etc etc!! Hence why after DD2 was born, I went home 6 hours later!

Tbh, the thought of having to stay in on the "off chance" that I may go into labour (even tho DD1 & DD2 were both overdue!!) is a pain in the ar**!!

I had a major op 2 years ago and was in for 10 days, immobile, height of summer and I SWEAR I went mad! It was then I vowed never to stay in hospital unless I REALLY had to! And besides, I'm sure there's someone out there who'll need a bed more than me

I'm armed and ready for my consultant on Thurs lol (not to mention emotional - my sister is induced tomorrow lol So I'll be an aunt & a mum within a few weeks HORMONES running amock haha!

Oh, the joys of progress! DD was born as a breech baby at home, but I used IMs to make sure my MWs would know what to do with a breech...

As an aside, you do know that at the end of the day its your choice whether you go into hospital early or not, don't you? You're being admitted, not committed after all (unless there's something you've not been telling us, after all ).

lol tangle

yeah, committed sounds more apt at the mo! Between pregnancy rants, sporadic tears, bad hair days and contortionist style struggles to put my socks on....I am truly neurotic to the average outsider hahaa

Incidentally just had a chin wag with DH about worse case scenarios and he actually agrees with me being in hospital if needs be....is it just paranoia on my part to think he would be glad of a break from my hormones & aforementioned neurosis?! Not to mention my hogging of the remote / best spot on the sofa / whatever else I want BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT!! lol

Bless him!

My GOD tangle, utmost respect to you for giving birth to a BREECH baby @ home (clouiseg does we are not worthy bows on the floor!) lol

I think most of us would struggle to deliver a baby at home the RIGHT way up!!

God only knows how it'll pan out...all I know is I still have a head on the right and a rather fetching bottom shape on the left side! Oh and the most uncomfortable boots being delivered to my left hip! Ouch! If we are still transverse come Thurs appt, I'll book in for a day of trampolining....I'm sure that'll shift baby haha

hello my second baby was transverse was given the reason that after one baby it was a lot more roomy. i too think he was just comfy there
was scared witless by my consultant/midwife at 36/37 wks about cord prolapse was told they would admit me but decided against this (their decision) as i had a child already so told just to take it easy and have a plan ready for getting to hospital if waters went.

had ECV at 36 weeks not budging so booked in for c section at 38+ as just not possible to deliver a transverse baby vaginally,
baby then spun upside down and breeched for a week so c section still on. then on the day of the section a last minute scan revealed he was in the right position ready to go. so c section cancelled.

so in my experience he took his time to settle into position, and just preferred transverse/breech the whole way through until literally the last minute

also if baby is transverse the fundal measurements will be totally out i think probably because lumps and bumps are positioned horizontally?

Hey there
this may sound loopy but ... you know how when you drink a glass of water the baby kicks more because they don't like the cold? Well when my bump was transverse I put the cold shower on my stomach where the baby's head was and she actually moved away from it! I was quite astounded my mad idea worked. May be worth a try for you? (It can't hurt the baby as it doesn't hurt you and it's only cold water. Got me out of hospital after 8 days in bed with a transverse lie! (Good luck with it all).

Awwww cheers ladies! Your advice (and support!) is great.

WELLLLLLLLL....decided to ask my Yoga instructor if I was safe to carry out a certain pose in pregnancy (I was sure it would work!) and she said it depended on my limitations etc. So I thought SOD IT!! If I start feeling light headed DH will be there to sort me out lol

Cue me with far too much bottom in the air last night and my head on the floor!! (not a pretty sight at 36 wks PG let me assure you!)
Also got on the gym ball and then had a hot shower following Bonzos advice with the jet on babys head (can't do cold water I'm a wimp lol!)

Anyway, felt a LOT of VERY painful movement last night and had high hopes for my Consultant appointment today....

And baby has TURNED yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!! I nearly cried with relief! Had a quck scan as well just to confirm and although the head is free, it is DOWN (cue the fanfare!) As long as the head stays down we'll be happy! Sort of feel frightened to move too much now in case baby moves back....daft eh!!

But for NOW anyway, I am over the moon! So wish me luck and send me lots of head down vibes ladies!

Well done Sounds like it'll save you a lot of hassle.

(ps - I had a lot of confidence in my MWs, which I think is probably key to a good birth regardless of the presentation. They did say that women who'd had both breech and cephalic often said the breech hurt less. Guess I'll just have to wait and see if I have any more...)

Brilliant news! Good luck with the rest of it. Hurrah! (Let us kow how it goes)

Awwww thanks ladies! Only a few weeks now and baby will be here so as long as everything stays where its supposed to I'll be happy!

I'm hoping for a VERY relaxed C Section experience, my consultant says its fine to take pics all the way through so DH is under strict orders to get plenty of the actual 'exit' lol. He says he'll be fine watching the delivery but I swear I saw a bead of sweat run down his head hahaa!

He's just decided to pull down the wall between our kitchen and dining room (and yes it looks much bigger) but while I'm frantically trying to nest, I'm ploughing through piles of plaster, dust, wood and debris!! ARRRGGGHHHH! We now have NO flooring down, and exposed wires / brick / pipes where the wall used to be!! HOW am I meant to nest through that ladies??!! lol

I guess my neurotic cleaning will have to be limited to upstairs...

Or I could always offer my services to my neighbours....

You're welcome here anytime When does your DH anticipate getting the floor, etc, back down again? Will you still have time to put your nesting instincts to good use getting everything straight?

(Wish you'd got the answer to why they were get so stressed about cord prolapse with a transverse lie, though - that's going to bug me now...)

Lol Tangle...I was waiting for someone to jump on my cleaning bandwagon! And do you know what....I think I was so excited about the baby turning at my appointment I TOTALLY forgot to ask about the cord issue! DUH! From what I understood, the risk was simply that a sideways baby means the pelvic area is empty. Ergo, if the waters broke with a gush the cord could be SUCKED down out of the cervix and into the vagina (not good methinks). Although rare it is a possibility. Hence the worry about transversers.

Anyhoo...as long as baby doesnt turn back (please please please please stay put lol) I'm just counting down the days to D DAY (or B DAY!)

DH has removed all the heaters now to re valve them or something similarly uninteresting! All I know is we've had no heating & limited hot water for 2 days! And the floor looks like being as it is for a few weeks at least (when the kitchen fitters have been it'll go down!) ARRRGGGHHHHHH!

I have to accept that any nesting will be upstairs for now lol

Oh well! My sister has been in hospital since last Wed when she arrived to be induced and has been steadily messed around more & more since then! So I'm keeping myself entertained with regular text updates and sending her jokes to cheer her up! Poor woman is so fed up!

Tangle the reason they're worried about the cord with the transverse lie is as Clouiseg says.... there's nothing to plug the cervix if the waters break. With head down or breech the head or bum should bump against the cervix before too much fluid pours out and the cervix is essentially blocked for the cord. If the cord does come out then it can be clamped by the cervix and deprive the baby of oxygen. At least that's what I read and was told whilst lying in hospital for 10 days while baby turned round and round and the hospital tried to convince me that a C-section would be a better option than waiting (harumph).

BonzoDoodah Do you know if there's any research to back that up? I always assumed the risk in cord prolapse was compression of the cord by a presenting part, which is were I get confused with a transverse lie. I can see why the cervix might be more of a risk, but I'm wary of that logic having had a breech baby: Consultants commonly tell mothers that vaginal breech birth is dangerous as "you might deliver the body and then the cervix will close before the head is out" - but if you talk to MWs experienced in hands-off vaginal breech birth they know of no cases, world-wide, where that has happened. I'd be interested to know how things compare with transverse babies