do you know when the head is engaged?

[Ilovekittyelise]

Hi

wondering whether anyone had any particular indicators that the baby's head had engaged. Im 36+3 and hoping that the new level of pelvic discomfort over the past couple of days is at least a sign that hes getting ready to make an appearance (hopefully bang on 37 weeks...please little man....come out....)

thanks

[vigglewiggle]

I found I started to walk like John Wayne just before the M/W confirmed that DD1 was engaged. it was about 3 weeks before she appeared though!

Good luck. I hope baby is keeping an eye on the calendar

[nunnie]

I was never told either of mine were engaged so I have no idea. I can only guess they were at some point because they are both here.

This one is head down 34+4 but not engaged.

[mousymouse]

I new with both.
sort of felt like they were about to just drop out...
wasn't that easy, though.

[nannyl]

Im 36+2 today.

At my last midwife appt at 34+5 baby was 1/5 - 2/5 engaged (so had 4/5 - 3/5 written in notes)
Have to say at that point i hadnt realised but now i definitely know.... can feel baby up there between my legs... less than comfy, especially when she headbutts me down there!
I also know waddle rather than walk, as there is something between my legs type feeling lol

I definitely know now.

[Ilovekittyelise]

sounds promising - am definitely walking like john wayne at this point and can really feel pressure in the pubic bone...probably just wishful thinking, but i need the hope!!!

[Viagrafalls]

I feel like someone has put an anvil in my lower regions this morning but still have terrible heartburn - not had an appt with my midwife for over 3 weeks as we have had clashing holidays, am 38 weeks pregnant with my first so as unsure as the best of you!

[SaulGood]

DD engaged at 31 weeks and stayed there. The cannonball between legs feeling is unmistakeable. She stayed there for 7 weeks. It means nothing in terms of readiness for labour unfortunately.

This time round I'm at 35 weeks ish and the head's still free. Which is weird. I've never been this pregnant with a non-engaged baby and the heartburn is murder.

[firsttimer84]

SaulGood apparently some women don't engage until in labour second time around, something to do with the muscles not holding baby in place

[SaulGood]

I think most women don't engage until labour with subsequent babies. And they also like to engage and disengage for laughs. So heartburn one moment, cervix bashing the next.

It's a joy isn't it? Remind me never to do this again.

[Viagrafalls]

After it's all over and if I'm feeling 'nostalgic' for this feeling I'm thinking about going out on a mountain bike without a saddle for a hike.

[Ilovekittyelise]

so, basically, theres probably no point trying to over-analyse the varying levels of discomfort in varying parts of my body as whether and to what extent he is engaged means very little in terms of his intentions to come out, or otherwise. i thought i heard him laugh earlier as i leant to the floor to pick something up. i never used to drop stuff on the floor until picking it up became such an issue.

[SaulGood]

Not really any point no. But it passes the time.

[Bumpsadaisie]

Oh no - is that really true about second babies not engaging? I've been holding out for this one dropping down soon!!!

[SaulGood]

Some do. Some engage and then pop out again. But usually they remain pretty free until just before or even during labour.