Do the 'fifths of the head' mean much?

[justanotheryoungmother]

Was told on Monday that the baby had 3/5ths of the head engaged; this was at 37+5, so now 38+1, but does that really mean anything? Does it sound like the baby will be here on time/early, or is it normally more engaged at this stage? Any help/insight appreciated

[Camnico]

3/5ths palpable is how much of babies head they can feel (5/5 would be all) your baby is in perfect position right now. All set to go! Good luck x

[Camnico]

Oh also I was 3/5ths at 37weeks, I had DS at 38+2

[justanotheryoungmother]

Thanks @Camnico

Had mw this morning and said she can now feel 2/5ths; when you said perfect position, did you mean perfect position for labour now or in a perfect position for coming at 40 weeks?

[Camnico]

Perfect position for coming out (not breech or anything) it can really happen at anytime, I had DS on the 30th (5:05am) at 11am on the 29th I felt a DROP and my waters broke 12 hours later that night. I was 3/5ths x

[SockQueen]

DS was 2-3/5 palpable from about 36 weeks, didn't arrive till 42!

[WantToGoingTo]

I was 3/5 palpable never got less than that and gave birth at 39+4! If you remain 3/5 palpable until birth can be indicator of baby not being in optimum position though (like mine). But perfect position for 37 weeks! All going well if you are 2/5 at 39 weeks :)