[ali2]

My bub has been engaged for weeks and feels so low in my pelvis that I’ve been thinking that I was about to give birth every day and night for the last 2 weeks but at my Drs visit at 40wks my cervix was firmly closed. I’m very worried that like my first pregnancy I will not go into active labour and hence will require another c-section.

First time around my waters broke at 40wks but I didn’t dilate more than a couple of cms even after waiting several days and then inducing, and so I’m concerned about this happening again.

Any tips on getting my cervix to dilate?

[ednaboo]

I took evening primrose oil and had acupuncture with #3 as I was wanting to avoid induction. (Induction would have meant I could not have the water birth I wanted) I started the acupuncture (and herbs) at 40 weeks, and the EPO maybe 38 weeks? DS2 was born at 41wks4 days after a stretch and sweep that day. I can't really say if the EPO and acupuncture helped as my other babies were born at 41wks 6 days and 41 wks, but I achieved my goal of avoiding induction so I was happy.

[soontobegran]

Your cervix can change in a very short space of time.
I wouldn't be worried by the fact it is still close at the moment, you still have some time for it to ripen.
I would suggest sex, squatting and EPO are a good place to start but even so if you're not ready then it may not make any difference.
I went from a long and sacral cervix at term with #2 to fully effaced and 4 fingers dilated on 2 days and I wasn't in labour.

[*Finn*]

My cervix was tightly closed at my 39 week appoint and I went in to spontaneous labour at 39 weeks 5 days. DD was born at 39 weeks 6 days. I did not experience Labour with DS so had nothing to compare. I was so hoping for a Vbac with DD so was extremely upset to be told I didn't look like labour was close at all at 39 weeks. And 5 days later contractions started. I had a drug free relatively short labour. Don't lose hope OP!!!' all the best.

[ms flib]

You need to be patient! The best way to have a VBAC is to go into spontaneous labour.

It's worth it!!