When do babies engage in second pregnancies?

[littlelamb]

I had a midwife check today that ended with me going to the hospital as my blood pressure was high and there was protein in my urine (am 34 weeks) They are going to be keeping a close eye on me, so I feel reassured by that, although I feel generally a bit under the weather. I woke up this morning convinced that my bump had dropped, and I have lots more pressure in my bits. My notes say baby is 3/5 engaged, and measuring a week ahead of dates. I know none of this is an exact science, but would this indicate that the baby could be early? I was feeling so overwhelmed with all the other tests they were doing on me that I didn't even look at my notes until I was home. Sorry for rambling post

[vicsta]

No help sorry as on my first. Interested though as I am 34 wks and feel as if my bump is in a significantly different place now. Hopeful its baby turning into position as its been transverse forever. Hope someone more knowledgable comes along soon to reassure you.

[ImightbeLulumama]

babies often don;t engage until labour is underway in a second or subsequent pregnancy.

my second was 3/5 from around 34 weeks and arrived on her due date !

it is not, as you say an exact science .

try not to worry too much , it is good you are being kept a closer eye on, hope things settle down x

[whomovedmychocolate]

Babies can engage at any point in second pregnancies and some babies are 3/5 engaged for a loooonnng time (with DD she popped down to rest her head securely on my bladder at 32 weeks and was finally evicted at 44 weeks

If you have more than 2 pluses of protein ++ in your notes then you should be concerned but if it's just a trace, don't be overly worried. BTW your blood pressure will probably go up near your due date anyway. I had pre-eclampsia last time and I had protein from week 30 and hbp from week 32. Still managed to make it to term before things went awry