Can you tell when baby engages?

[purpleaura]

That's about it really- I'm expecting my little one to shuffle down any day now (currently 36+6, 1st baby). I know that he's head down as the midwife told me, and I'm just wondering if I will be able to tell as he begins to engage? Can any mums shed some light on the matter from experience?

Thanks

Ooh yes you will def know! Your bump will drop and appear much lower. The pressure on your ribs will ease. Movements will be felt lower and change. And you will feel like the baby is going to fall out. Huge pressure down there and for me lots of BHs.

I actually couldn't tell at all. For ages I'd been feeling like he was lower, but I was told he wasn't engaged. When they eventually said he was engaged I wasn't feeling any different at all. My bump also didn't look noticeably lower. But then I may be the exception to the rule on that one.

Thanks wallace, it sound like it will be really apparent. Can I ask what 'pressure down there' feels like? Is it pressure in your bum, like you need to do a big no. 2?! Or pressure in your fanjo? Sorry for the detailed questions, I'm just intrigued!! Ta :)

Oooh- interesting soursweets! Not obvious to everyone then. Hmmm.

I had huge panic at 24 weeks when baby engaged. Could not tell at all but maybe it was too small to tell. Am now 32 and although the rib kicking is painful I sincerely hope baby stays up as long as possible!

Erm, sort of both but more in the front. You expect to be able to feel a head hanging out. Obviously it isn't

I certainly remember the feeling in my fanny bones. Kinda like the bones of the baby's skull grinding on your bones. Nice.

I couldn't tell when my baby was about to pop out. Thought I had early labour pains till the midwife shouts 'I can see the head'. This was 30 secs after I walked through the doors of the hospital.

None of mine did until I was in labour. With my 1st I had an X-ray to check all was well at 40 weeks. long time ago so may be different now.

Thanks wallace, what a peculiar sensation! The thought of grinding bones sends a shiver down my spine saucy! Pretty amazing story Betty :) Seems like people really feel it in different ways, or not at all. Not sure which I'd rather to be h!

My first pregnancy I had no clue as it didn't feel any different when she did, however in this pregnancy :o yes, I woke up one day stood up and honestly thought she was going to fall out.. I can no longer sit with my legs crossed lol

Also yes you constantly feel like you need a huuge no2 :s