Is this the head engaging?

[BananaPie]

I'm 38 weeks and I'm getting occasional shooting pains low down, with a fair amount of pressure. Could this be the head dropping? Not quite ready for the baby, so hoping there's still a chance it'll stay put for a couple of weeks!

I was apparently fully engaged at my 36 week appointment, even though I didn't feel any different. It's only been in the last week that I've started to have similar signs to those you mention (I'm 38 weeks tomo). Sorry that's probably not much help though, so hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge and experience can advise you

Thanks! I think it's happening when the baby moves rather than at the same time as braxton hicks, so hopefully just a sign that it's getting in position rather than a sign of imminent labour. I've still got a few more days at work to get through.

Hopefully the last few days of work will go smoothly for you, I finish at the end of this coming week too. Just thinking about it, I have a friend who was engaged from around 30 weeks and she went overdue, so don't think the two are that connected. Fingers crossed your little one won't make an appearance till you're sorted :)

Thank you. All the best for your last week at work and safe arrival of the baby!

Sounds like it. I've had this too (also 38 weeks) and at my appointment on thurs the midwife said I was three fifths engaged. Apparently the pains are the baby's head putting pressure on the cervix/getting into position. She also said that the head may pop in and out over the coming days. Apparently my baby has her hands by her face and may be pushing back!

Lots of first time mums are engaged for several weeks before giving birth so I don't think it's any indication that things are imminent.

Thanks BananaPie :)

Yes, sounds like your baby is slowly moving down. I had these sharp shooting pains a few weeks before birth. Came and went.
The night before my waters broke (waters broke first, contractions started a few hours later) I felt the same pains + baby wriggling everywhere and it wouldn't stop so I went to bed.
Hope that helps. Good luck.

I've been engaged for about 3 weeks (I'm due tuesday) with all the sharp pains down below and feeling like baby has been doing head spins on my cervix. All completely normal apparently, which is fine but I'm hoping he'll make his appearance soon!