38 weeks and head not engaged

[splendide]

Just that really! I'm getting really worried now. The baby is head down (and has been pretty much always) but bobbing about quite high and there doesn't seem to be anything I can do.

I know it's dangerous if my waters break before he engages and it's my first so he really should be there by now!

I'm bouncing on my ball, walking everyday, avoiding the sofa as much as possible. Any other tips?

Why do you think 'he should be there by now'?
You're 38 weeks pregnant, not 40 and not 42 - there's plenty of time.
Many babies heads only engage in labour.
Most women don't have a sudden gush of 'waters going'.

I think, yes, keep active and bide your time.
Your baby, like all others, will come when its ready.

Good luck when the time comes

Both of mine have not engaged until I was in labour .

Neither of my dcs' heads were engaged before I went into labour, probably nothing to worry about. Good luck

My DD's head didn't engage until the day I went into labour-she was born at 39+6. Also head down. And waters had to be broken for me once I was 8cm dilated. I wouldn't worry at all if I were you. I did yoga, swimming and walking (one per day in a little cycle) and also was quite active round the house (Apparently scrubbing skirting boards is a good position to encourage labour). I also mowed the lawn the day before I went into labour, not sure if that did anything! Best of luck xx

The midwife seemed concerned and said she'd expect a first baby to be engaged by 36 weeks. I don't mind him staying put for a good while yet, I feel fine and only just finished work, but i feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks Orange, that's encouraging

Mine wasn't engaged at 38 weeks but was at 40. Now 41 and feels like my pelvis is being ground into powder with no sign of baby, but that's another story!

Thanks petit, I probably should be careful what I wish for. I know it's neurotic but I was lying awake last night thinking that his head must not fit in my pelvis.

I was exactly the same as you splendide - I'm sure you and baby will be fine!

My first only got to 1/5 by 40 weeks. My midwives were utterly unconcerned.

My dc1 didn't engage until I went into labour. Don't worry about it.