Here's a quandry (SPD + sleeping reclined = posterior baby that won't engage?) HELP!

[Lyndzies]

So... I've sort of got myself in a possible pickle, I think.

I'm currently 39w +1 with my first baby.

I've had really bad SPD since about 24 weeks. Chiropractic care has helped a lot, and I felt pretty good from about 29w - 34w or so. Around 34w (even with regular chiropractic care) SPD "came back" like gangbusters, and I became unable to sleep laying down. Getting in and out of bed, being on (either) side, and turning over is AGONIZING.

So, I started sleeping in a recliner. Have been getting the BEST. SLEEP. EVER. since I started doing so. I don't even wake up to pee, and I'm super comfy because there's no accidentally rolling on my side, and I've got two pillows snuggled up against either hip. It's the only way I am comfortable anymore at night.

HOWEVER, I just gave in and got checked at my midwife appointment yesterday (curiosity got the best of me) and I'm closed tight as a drum, cervix is long and hard, and baby's head is not engaged in the pelvis in the least. As a matter of fact, she couldn't even quite tell where the baby's head was, and would have sent me for a scan if I hadn't just had a position scan at 37 weeks to make sure she was head down.

So, ladies, my worry now is that sleeping in the recliner is causing the baby to be posterior, which is making her not engage like she's supposed to. And I don't even want to think about the consequences of trying to have my natural waterbirth with a posterior babe.

What do I do? I've been doing spinning babies techniques, but the one I "can't" do because of the pain is the optimal sleeping position. And, let's face it, that's 6-8 hours at a time. When I wake up, I can feel that the baby is super high and up in my ribs (though she does get lower again once I'm up and moving around).

Sorry this is so long... I'm just getting a bit frustrated, and am at a loss. I really want this baby to be in good position, but I also can't bear the pain of sleeping in a bed right now.

I'm between a rock and a hard place. *sigh*

(sorry for complaining! Other than this little SNAFU, pregnancy has been wonderful, and we can't wait to meet out little girl!)

[MaerynPearl]

Although this was not my first... I was high closed and long just two days ago. Now my baby girl is squeaking away sucking on her hand laying next to me.

Things change quick. I really wouldn't worry about the engagement so much as just keep working on spinningbabies.com to turn the posterior (if she is indeed posterior)

[jessica_s]

I agree that things change quickly, I had a baby with good position who changed to posterior on me during labor. So no guarantees with anything!

I know you CAN have a little one who is posterior but you can't do it (easily anyway) with no sleep, so if I had to choose I'd say get all the sleep you can and work on positioning during the day. She'll engage when she's ready, perhaps not until labor!

[Lyndzies]

Thanks to you both for the encouragement. It means a lot. The logical part of me knows all these things, but sometimes it's hard to remain rational when you have reached the home stretch. Lol.

Originally Posted by jessica_s

if I had to choose I'd say get all the sleep you can and work on positioning during the day. She'll engage when she's ready, perhaps not until labor!

I think I'm inclined to agree... I think this will be my plan. I was trying to sleep in the bed last night, and was in SO MUCH pain. Around midnight (after two hours of dozing and startling awake writhing in pain) I said "F- this" and went back to my recliner, where I promptly fell asleep and stayed that way for 6.5 hours.

I don't think I'm willing to sacrifice my awesome, comfy sleep for optimal fetal position. I'll just do what I can during the day!

Thanks again, ladies.

[spatulagirl]

I had SPD my last pregnancy and also spent several months NOT sleeping in my bed. I slept on the sofa, wedged between pillows and it was heaven. You do what you have to do to get sleep.

I would continue as you are and work during the day to turn that baby. And don't worry about not being engaged or anything. I have had three kids and rnever engage or dialate or anything until I am actually in labor. And it still goes quickly for me too... longest labour was 8 hours so far.

[kalamos23]

I had an asynclinitic baby - had her head tilted to the side. If you can get to a hands and knees position in labor, optimally with your butt up and your head/shoulders lower, then it will help the baby come out of your pelvis and readjust. Mine was stubbornly tilted for 40 some odd hours of labor, and turned within 10 min of doing this maneuver while in transition - so there is still hope!

[AZgirl2207]

Getting no sleep is WAAAY worse than having a posterior baby. OP presentation is not the most fun way to birth, but totally doable. My first was OP due to OB telling me to lie on my back with feet elevated for several hours per day. (live and learn!) I managed a drug free hospital birth--with the help of awesome hubs and doula!

[Lyndzies]

You guys are really the best. Thank you for the encouragment.

Okay, so. Sleep first, worry about baby position second.

I think I just started getting freaked out when she couldn't even find the head anywhere near "in" my pelvis, and got one of those "oh crap, I'm going to be pregnant forever" moments, too. Lol. Not to mention the fear of back labor (which I'm trying to banish by saying my hypnobabies word, "peeeeeeeace.")



Thanks again for sharing your experiences and advice.

[Melly24]

My DD never engaged until labour. Her head was totally free and floating the very morning I went into labour, and it was only after several hours of mild contractions (just like period cramps really) when she finally did engage.

ETA - and when I realised that I was actually in labour, I spent a lot of the day on hands and knees, or leaning forward positions to help her get in the right position. Which she did

[guest123456]

Congratulations Maeryn!!!