Can some explain as I've never known

[Beckmum4]

If your midwife tells you your "?" 5ths engaged what dose it mean or how many 5ths do u go to??? Dose it mean anything important ???? Thank you I very confused mum (33weeks pregnant ) no idea how many 5th engaged Ian just wondering for the future xx

The maximum is 5/5ths engaged- though they'll usually refer to it as you being fully engaged.

Obviously there's five stages 1/5th, 2/5th, 3/5th, 4/5th and 5/5th- I'm on my phone so I can't see if you asked what this means so I'll explain anyway (and if you do know, sorry!).

It's basically how far down the baby's head is in relation to the cervix and pelvis. I'm sure there's a more accurate description!

And yes, it is fairly important- though it is a guide.

Basically the chances of you going into labour are increased when the head is engaged as it shows baby is ready to arrive

In second pregnancies it's common for the head to pop in and out of being engaged but usually in first pregnancies the head will just get more engaged until it's 5/5ths and then it will stay there (usually!)

Just to add as it caused me confusion earlier on, but midwives will often also refer to fifths palpable. This measures how much of the head is OUTSIDE the pelvis and hence is the opposite of engagement. (I.e. 1/5 engaged is 4/5 palpable, etc.)

Thank you so much ladies that's helped loads :) xx