when the head engages

[RedCardinal]

Any advice on how long contractions/labour will be once the head has engaged? I'm still waiting for this to happen but just wondered if it meant things would kick off once this happens.

The head can be engaged for some time before labour starts and it's not an all-or-nothing thing for most people - it slowly goes from 4/5 (1/5 engaged) down.

It can be weeks in a first pregnancy. The head being engaged is no indication that labour is round the corner. I got quite excited when DCs head was engaged but MW said labour could still be weeks off. Baby is just preparing. Apparently subsequent pregnancies, the babys head tends to engage later on and just before labour.... So depends if this is your first or not. HTH.

yes, what they both said! head engaging isn't a sign of impending labour

Also a head might never fully engage as in my 1st labour as DS was OP with his head flexed so if I was relying on that as an indicator of labour starting then I'd still be here waiting!

DD engaged from 32 weeks - nothing happened until 40 + 3!

Thanks everyone, I was hoping this would be a sign but obviously not, I'll try to forget about it and just be patient!