Anyone's baby still not engaged at 40 weeks?

[butterflywolf]

I am 4 cm dilated 80% effaced but baby still high up. She is head down but just doesn't want to engage it seems. I will be induced on Monday if she isn't here by then, but I'm just worried I'm going to need a c section because she wont engage. I'm really freaking out about it.

 

[babyclements]

I'm in the same boat as you! Although 70% effaced, 1.5cm
Dialated, although Monday I will be having csection if baby not here as I am trying for a vbac, so drug induced induction isn't an option,
I'm on ball and doing hula hoop movements, nipple stimulation anything and everything to get the little monster to drop!! I feel your pain!

 

[butterflywolf]

I'm in the same boat as you! Although 70% effaced, 1.5cm
Dialated, although Monday I will be having csection if baby not here as I am trying for a vbac, so drug induced induction isn't an option,
I'm on ball and doing hula hoop movements, nipple stimulation anything and everything to get the little monster to drop!! I feel your pain!

Glad I'm not alone. Today has just been a bad day because I keep thinking about ending up with a c section and mentally I don't think I can do it. Let alone if we end up with that I don't want any more kids at all. There aren't many things I'm petrified of but that is one of them. While talking to my doctor yesterday about it he did calm me but he can only calm me when he's talking ot me XD While I'm at home my mind does it's 'wonders' and think of EVERYTHING and let alone. I know this sounds so horrible. Maybe you can shine some light...
but I feel if I end up with a c section I failed...What did I do wrong that caused her not to come out the 'typical way'.

 

[Dragonfly]

Neither of my boys engaged till labour and pretty sure this one hasnt. And dosnt mean you need c section some just do it in labour.

 

[butterflywolf]

Neither of my boys engaged till labour and pretty sure this one hasnt. And dosnt mean you need c section some just do it in labour.

That's reassuring to hear. Thank you.

 

[DeeDee5112]

I will be 40 weeks Saturday.. Cervix still high and totally sealed!!!! Baby is still very high too...not engaged whatsoever!!!

 

[babyclements]

My first baby was breech and we didnt have a choice to try for a vaginal birth. To be honest the csection was fine, not at all traumatic. I didnt what to be separated from baby but it takes them 30 mins to stitch up and finish up after baby gets out, my husband went with baby to get checks done and by time I was ready baby was in room waiting for me. I felt like my body failed me, like I was less if a woman for not giving birth naturally and dealt with that for some time after but now 18 months later I am over it, happy I have my little man and he is amazing! I'm just glad that medicine could assist and I have a healthy boy. I'm hoping for a vbac and will be upset if I am faced with another csection but not nearly as upset as I was the first time around. I nursed my son for 11 months and the csection didn't cause any issues there. Your body made you a beautiful baby that you are going to love more than anything! Your not going to care after awhile how he/she came out, it will all be water under the bridge, and when you stare at him/her for first time all that dread all the fear will be wiped away! My sis in law had her son by csection 4 months after I had my son, she was overdue and induced but failed to progress, once they decided to go ahead and do csection she will tell you she was relieved, she knew an end was in sight and her little baby was going to be in her arms very soon. Deep breaths and happy thoughts! The actual csection really is a piece of cake! so try not to get too freaked out x

 

[niknik1more]

my last baby didnt get engaged till the very end just as he wss coming out labour was more painful id say, I also remember them saying just as I wanted to push we will see if he is engaged yet witched my reply was ...how the hell will he come out if hes not lol anyway he did he hsd done a poo but that could have been because I was stressed as well good luck everything will be fine as long as baby head down x

 

[MrsWhy]

I'm 40+2 today and my baby isn't engaged yet. I've been told by the midwife that some babies just dont engage till you're in labour so I'm hoping that is the case with mine.

I'm petrified to have a csection but know that if I have to have one, then it will be the best decision in order to get the baby out safe and sound.

 

[Nela]

Any pregnant woman is at risk of a csection, it's nothing you did or didn't do. Anything can happen at any time which requires a quick medical intervention. The goal is simply to get baby here safe and sound, you've already done all the rest of the work so don't be so hard on yourself. Whilst it's terrifying, I'm sure it's worse in your head than it actually is. And this is coming from someone who was absolutely terrified of getting pregnant because of the whole fear of delivery. I've heard some babies only engage right before though so don't give up. Try not to stress too much as the calmer you are, the better for both of you and the better the chances for things to go smoothly. It's probably a good idea to take time to learn about csections and start preparing mentally just in case, but only so you go in with a better mind about it IF it does come to that. I'm thinking of you and hoping that it won't be an issue though. Hang in there, mama!

 

[MindUtopia]

You'll be fine. Babies don't necessarily need to engage before labour begins. In fact, it's quite often they don't for 2nd+ babies. My daughter was never engaged before I went into labour (she's my first, came naturally at 37 + 5). I was checked and had a scan that week and she was still free. I never had any discomfort or felt her engaging. Then my waters went and I had an easy, quick labour and she was here less than 12 hours later. Don't get hung up on the numbers. Not being engaged won't prevent your baby from coming when she's ready and you won't need a c-section simply for that reason. It's perfectly normal and healthy for pregnant to go to 42 weeks, so you aren't 'late'. Actually, there's been a lot of research on the calculation of due dates which shows the way we currently date pregnancy is actually 10-15 days too soon. So technically, the average healthy pregnancy should go to about 41 + 3 on average, rather than 40 + 0. You have plenty of time!

 

[CelticNiamh]

Neither of my boys engaged till labour and pretty sure this one hasnt. And dosnt mean you need c section some just do it in labour.

I agree and was the same none of mine engaged on till in labour!

with your cervix already making some nice changes they may break your waters which will lower baby head on to the cervix that may be enough to get you going or they may try the drip!

If I were you if you have not done so already get sitting and bouncing on a ball helps baby move down!

I am getting some acupunture on saturday to help my baby move down but also to hopefully start labour and beat my induction next week at the very least it will get me ready for induction I had it before on my second baby and I did go in to labour that week

good luck

 

[butterflywolf]

Thanks for all the replies ladies! Right now I feel good about everything. Then again I get my moments. Mainly when I actually have to talk to it about someone and actually saying words about it. Thank goodness I have such a wonderful DH though. He took me out shopping last night and bought me a very cute Precious Moment figurine cause it was on clearance. It's one I have wanted for awhile.

And with all that walking I think maybe it triggered at least a little something. All thru out the night (still tired) I was having not really cramps but pressure under the bump/ pressure on the cervix. Can't tell if she dropped belly wise, but my goodness that was a lot of pressure. Kept me up at points and/or woke me up. Also was losing a lot of bloody mucus discharge. And I mean a lot. It's just blood in the mucus discharge and not in the 'regular' so I'm pretty sure that's all good. I'm hoping this is all good signs and I'll be able to go on my own before Monday.

 

[Dk1234]

Pretty sure my first didn't engage til pushing ha ha, he was too big to fit. Still made it without a section.