Baby 5/5 engaged at 33 weeks

Sallyh87 · 2023-03-30T13:43:57+00:00

Just had a midwife appointment and the baby is fully engaged. Is that early? Could this mean the baby is likely to come early? It explains why my horrible heart burn has gone so that is positive!

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SpideysMummy · 30/03/2023 15:05

Did she say ‘fully engaged’? Or write 5/5? That could mean ‘five fifths palpable’ which is free in the pelvis.

I’m a (very experienced) community midwife and wouldn’t tend to check engagement (or even really worry about position other than to know where I’m going to find a heartbeat) at 33 weeks. Fetal heads are that much smaller at this point that I wouldn’t necessarily feel confident saying how much of the head I could feel.

rebecca100 · 30/03/2023 15:30

SpideysMummy · 30/03/2023 15:05

Did she say ‘fully engaged’? Or write 5/5? That could mean ‘five fifths palpable’ which is free in the pelvis.

I’m a (very experienced) community midwife and wouldn’t tend to check engagement (or even really worry about position other than to know where I’m going to find a heartbeat) at 33 weeks. Fetal heads are that much smaller at this point that I wouldn’t necessarily feel confident saying how much of the head I could feel.

I have recently had a midwife appointment at 34 weeks, she said baby was 4/5 engaged - what does this mean?! I was left with visions of him shooting out at any moment 🤣

Hadalifeonce · 30/03/2023 15:32

I was told the baby was engaged at 30 weeks, nobody seemed concerned, so I assume it's not unusual.

Original poster

Sallyh87 · 30/03/2023 15:44

Thanks @SpideysMummy , thinking back she said engaged not fully engaged and seemed surprised. Now I look at the notes it says 3/5 palpable (her writing is difficult) which I suppose suppose means it’s in there but can pop out?!

I had a moment of panic as I haven’t even packed a hospital bag or made the crib yet!

@rebecca100 and @Hadalifeonce , good to know it’s not just me!

OP posts:

rebecca100 · 30/03/2023 16:06

Sallyh87 · 30/03/2023 15:44

Thanks @SpideysMummy , thinking back she said engaged not fully engaged and seemed surprised. Now I look at the notes it says 3/5 palpable (her writing is difficult) which I suppose suppose means it’s in there but can pop out?!

I had a moment of panic as I haven’t even packed a hospital bag or made the crib yet!

@rebecca100 and @Hadalifeonce , good to know it’s not just me!

Definitely not just you! 💕