Please or to access all these features

Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Do the 'fifths of the head' mean much?

6 replies

justanotheryoungmother · 27/04/2017 20:52

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 Smile

OP posts:
Camnico · 28/04/2017 09:57

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 · 28/04/2017 09:57

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

justanotheryoungmother · 28/04/2017 09:59

Thanks @Camnico Smile

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?Smile

OP posts:
Camnico · 28/04/2017 10:06

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 · 28/04/2017 15:16

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

WantToGoingTo · 28/04/2017 16:03

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 :)

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.