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571708 tn?1239637697

38 weeks and baby's still not engaged (although rather large)

I went to the midwife again today, she says the baby is still at the brim and not engaged yet, which s/he should be at 38 weeks. What really concerns me is she says its liely to be overdue and may need inducing, even though s/he s a large baby - estimated at 8lb's at the 36 week check.

I'm worried because a) i can't face another 4 weeks (i'm in agony with pelvic pain amongst the other delightful pregnancy side effects), I'M ready now, and b) the baby's already large, how much larger can s/he get before i can't have a natural birth, or hve more difficulty and pain with tearing/episiotomy doing so?

I've been looking for things to try to help baby engage, and that encourage labour, but nothing looks too helpful. I know sex, nipple stimulation, walking (which is out for me with pelvic pain), and various foods that give you diarrhoea are in the list, but there isn't much info on herbs and ssential oils that are safe other than stimulating uterine contractions.

Any help/advice/ reassurance welcome
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571708 tn?1239637697
update
Good news from my midwife yesterday, i'm 2/5s engaged :o). I don't know if my efforts have succeded or if it would have happened anyway, but is progress. Every twinge i felt yesterday i wondered if this is it? But i think this stubborn little one is quite cosy and is going to hang on as long as s/he can. I have another appointment next week and will have induction booked if i keep it (i.e. i haven't delivered by then)
Helpful - 0
446156 tn?1275859576
UPDATE- I'm 3cm and 60% effaced!  I just found this website about being engaged.  You can go into labor with out being engaged!


http:/   /www.    amazingpregnancy    .com/pregnancy-     articles/194.html
Helpful - 0
571708 tn?1239637697
unfortunaately i do need a birthing ball for pelvic pain, i cant get down on my knees, as i can't lift one leg up and put pressure on it to get up again, i'd have to be lifted up again, but thats the joys of having smphasis pelvic dysfunction.

i have another appointment with the midwife on thursday to see if i'm engaged or not, if not she's going to talk to the hospital about an induction date as the baby is large already.

In the UK they don't check dialation or effacement at all until you're in labour, but then they dont do the glucose drink, the non stress test, or check for strep b

good luck for tomorrow anita
Helpful - 0
446156 tn?1275859576
You don't have to have a birthing ball to ease the pain. I bend over the arm of the couch on my hands and knees.  It really helps.  I'm going to see my midwife tomorrow.... I praying i'm dilated more more and hes engaged.  I'm 37 weeks and 2 days and I understand how you feel lol.  I'm SOOOOO ready for Elijah to get here!  I'll let every one know how it goes tomorrow.  Anita
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571708 tn?1239637697
THanks for that, i got a birthing ball a few weeks ago to help with the pelvic pain, it is so comfortble to sit on too. I went to a health shop and am aking raspberry leaf tablets and rubbing on palmarosa essential oil to help prepare the uterus, and hopefully make labour an easier process even if it doesn't actually make it happen any quicker.
Helpful - 0
546318 tn?1328193635
Oh and a good tip for easing pelvic pain and getting baby in right position is using a birthing ball.  I got one last week and it has really eased my pain... I gyrate on it and go backwards and forwards, as advised by midwife.  I am on it several times a day for about half hour a time.  Trick is to buy large ball and not blow up to full so that the top is flat when you sit on it... really takes pressure off! x
Helpful - 0
546318 tn?1328193635
Hi amg, I'm also 38 weeks and think baby still not engaged (wasn't at 37 weeks anyway).  I have heard of babies not engaging until just before labour, sometimes at 38/39 weeks so apparently it doesn't mean you, or I, will go over.  However if I go over due date I plan to get reflexology and accupuncture, both are said to help bring on labour if baby ready to come out.  I want to give baby a chance to come in his own time but would rather try complimentary therapies before they would induce me with drugs.  A friend of family also had baby by natural birth and he was 12lbs! So I wouldn't worry about size for vaginal birth.  I've also heard pineapple juice good for stimulating womb/ contractions so you could try drinking that if you go over.  I will be! :) x
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