Best Amazon Prime Day deals: Mumsnet favourites

Best Amazon Prime Day deals:
Mumsnet favourites

Shop now

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

What does 4/5 engaged mean at 38 weeks in pregnancy?

2 replies

NewOchreSeal · 03/06/2026 09:08

Hello! So I’m in the UK and I just had my 38 week midwife appointment. My last appointment (38 weeks) she felt everything said he was low (which he’s been for a while as the ultrasound tech also said this at about 34 weeks) but on my badger notes app after said “not engaged”. This time she felt about, i asked and she said he’s engaged. On my app it says under engaged: “4/5” as far as I seem to fathom, that doesn’t mean he’s engaged much? In a bit confused though because ChatGPT tells me the opposite. Can someone confirm does that mean he’s still 4/5ths out of my pelvis as opposed to in? Im 38+2 today and I’m doing everything to try move him down but I’m worried I’m gunna be late and have to be induced. Especially as he’s got a big head (99th percentile head!). I’ve attached my badger notes picture of my 38 week appointment notes encase I explained that badly!

thank you!

What does 4/5 engaged mean at 38 weeks in pregnancy?
OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Jellybunny98 · 03/06/2026 09:52

It means that 4/5 of the babies head is still above the pelvis, only 1/5 has entered the pelvis.

I really wouldn’t put too much thought into it at this stage though OP as it doesn’t mean much! My first baby was almost fully engaged by 38 weeks and yet took an induction, LONG labour, forceps etc to come out. My second baby wasn’t engaged at all until my labour began and only took 4 hours and no issues at all!

NewOchreSeal · 03/06/2026 12:00

Jellybunny98 · 03/06/2026 09:52

It means that 4/5 of the babies head is still above the pelvis, only 1/5 has entered the pelvis.

I really wouldn’t put too much thought into it at this stage though OP as it doesn’t mean much! My first baby was almost fully engaged by 38 weeks and yet took an induction, LONG labour, forceps etc to come out. My second baby wasn’t engaged at all until my labour began and only took 4 hours and no issues at all!

thank you was getting worried!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page