induction when baby isn't engaged?

LutzWifey · January 2012

While visiting L&D last night I learned that my LO's head isn't engaged, which was definitely disheartening. This got me thinking though since my doctor said that after my appointment on Thursday she would be scheduling an induction as soon as possible as she doesn't like to let people go past 41 weeks. This troubles me because I didn't know if they would induce, or what the risks were of inducing if the baby's head isn't engaged? I really don't want to be induced, but I also really don't want to have a C-sect. I'm so frustrated, and terrified, and anxious...anyone know what the risks are here?

megaloo27 · January 2012

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they will try inducing and see if the contractions will get the baby to engage.

jason&robin · January 2012

I was induced for my last 2 pgs and that never came up. They checked my dilation and effacement and I was at 3cm and at least 75% effaced and they told me I was a good candidate for induction. Both inductions went very well and I had no complications. With #2, they just had to break my water and I had DD 7 hours later.

aubreyan · January 2012

I think that is a definite risk you run when you induce when baby isn't ready. My water broke and DS still was not low enough. I ended up with pit, epi, 49 hours of labor, and 3.5 hours of pushing. They were literally threatening me with csec when I finally pushed him out, they had supposedly called the OB to start the process. That's why I refuse to be induced again, it was so terrible and he just was not ready to come out yet!

Hopefully you LO will come soon so it's not an issue, but I would push your Dr. to let you wait a little longer. The average normal pregnancy actually goes 41 weeks, 3 days so you are still totally in normal range!

Soon to be Mrs Stephens! · January 2012

I had the same question since I am getting induced on thursday morning with a baby not engaged. I searched the bump for "induction with baby not engaged" and found some helpful info. Some of the women were saying that the babys head doesnt always engage until the very end. There were a lot of good birth stories that made me feel better about the entire process. I have a floating baby and will be induced this week so Ill let you know!

shotzie · January 2012

Not all babies engage prior to labor, especially in second pregnancies and beyond. I was induced both times - just had baby #2 on 1/13. She wasn't engaged, but the induction went fine and I delivered vaginally. If you don't want to be induced, let your OB know. Lots of pregnancies go longer than 41 wks. I wouldn't do an induction w/o a medical reason for it. If you go late, they just need to keep an eye on LO and make sure your placenta is still functioning well and that your amniotic fluid level is good.

courtneyklv · January 2012

My friend went in Monday night to be induced...wasnt engaged or dilated...needless to say..it took until Wednesday for her to go in labor.

Indiechixor · January 2012

Damn, you read my mind with this thread! I was looking all over Dr.Google because my son is still up in my ribs and I was shocked to find out 2nd-time babies don't generally engage until later in labor....

Regardless, i'll see how I've progressed on Wednesday and if still nothing, i'll get mine scheduled...my OB has a limited schedule so it'll probably be like another week out.

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