Is c-section a must if baby's head is not engaged by 37+ weeks

[shw29]

Hi,

I am 37 weeks & 3 days pregnant with my first baby....I always wanted a natural delivery...but got a shock when y'day my doctor examined my belly by hands & told me that I won't have a natural delivery as baby's head has not engaged ..my pelvis is small..case of CPD..I should be ready for a c-sec & any time now I may be in labor pains...also if the pain doesn't start by 38 weeks sharp, I should get admitted in hospital for a c-sec but theres no way I will carry up to 40 weeks or so.

I am scared &  disheartened too..but is this normal . I am not  lean  & as per my last scan at 35 weeks 4 days, baby's weight  & other particulars were all in normal range..Any comments?

[schultz1124]

If baby is not engaged head down then the doctor can manually turn baby into that position. It hurts like hell though. I haven't had it done personally but my friend did and screamed the whole time.

[solemomma6]

With my last, I was induced because my fluid was a low and she NEVER dropped. Normally they won't let you deliever if they baby never drops into the pelvis, but my doctor never questioned it and I still had her naturally so I believe anything is possible.  Maybe get a second opinion if it is something you would want to try and avoid.

[shw29]

I was also told that my LS is stretched. Don't know what does that mean.
But I am nervous & planning to go for a c-sec on Monday or should I wait till I get any signs of labor?

[Bakingbaby2]

How did they diagnose CPD? My 1st baby didnt engage til I went into labour at 41 weeks. She was a big baby at 9lb 6 n I'm tiny! The drs never questioned the size of my pelvis tho even tho I was scared i wouldn't get her out. Was all fine tho.