39+4, head engaged. What to expect?

[cherrybby]

FTM here, so apologies for the silly thread.

I'm just wanting to know what to expect from here out. I had my midwife app at 39+1 and she told me baby boys head was engaged. Since then I just have this overwhelming feeling of fear that I'm gonna drop this baby at any moment.

Is there things I should be looking out for? Kicks and movements are like a little nippy when they're low down now. I think I'm just petrified of giving birth

FTM, 38 weeks and been told the same. Midwife did remind me that the head can engage weeks before labour starts, or literally during labour…sadly all very vague and doesn’t give any indication of time frame.

Would be interesting to hear others experiences tho.

Good luck - you got this @cherrybby

Don't apologise, it's a good and valid question

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the head being engaged doesn't mean labour is right around the corner! Basically it just means the baby can't move into a different position now (eg breech) because the head is too far down into the hips. So it's basically stuck until it comes out

My first was engaged quite early (around 36 weeks) and he came 5 days before his due date. I'm now 35+4 with number 2 and at my last appointment (which I think was 33 weeks or something...) midwife said he was almost engaged but not quite there yet. The only difference I'd say I noticed was that it was a bit heavier on my pelvic floor (those horrible lightning sensations!) and a bit more waddling currently experiencing the same with number 2 so won't be surprised if they tell me he's engaged at my next appointment on Monday...

Good luck!! And remember it's also normal to be nervous about the birth - but the moment DS was placed on me I literally felt like superwoman because of the insane feat my body had accomplished. Focus on that