32 weeks 'fully engaged' what does it mean?

[RedRobin1]

I had my midwife appointment today and she said baby's head is fully engaged. What does this mean? Will I go into early labour? She didn't seem too concerned - just said its normal for babies to go into position.

I have had some sharp pains in my pelvis and she said that was the baby's head engaging low down. She said it's very low and I am just panicking slightly if baby will come early?! Has anyone else experienced this? Also can some one tell me what this means on the 1/5, 2/5, 3/5 etc scale??

It means the baby's head is fully down in the pelvis. In fifths, that means 5/5 engaged I.e. none of it palpable on examination. It doesn't really mean anything much as it could possibly pop up again, or you're in for a bit longer of the 'bowling ball between the legs' sensation. Try not to worry!

My DS was fully engaged at 32 weeks, arrived on his due date. It has no impact on when they arrive :)

On the 1/5 etc scale it would be 5/5 I think as the baby's head is fully inside your pelvis.

It doesn't necessarily mean early labour as the head can move out again. It's also more common in subsequent pregnancies.

Dc3 was fully engaged from around 30 weeks and was 6 days late.

OTOH dc2 was only 2/5 engaged at 38 weeks and was born 3 days later.

Whew! I am relieved - it's interesting to hear it can still pop out of the engaged position...

I just haven't prepared enough for this baby to come early! I am due in Jan 2014 so hoping it stays put!

'Head between legs' doesn't sound comfortable - I feel fine to walk an not even waddling yet. Just hearing 'fully engaged' spooked me out a bit