Engaged?

[Tatum29]

I had my 36 week antenatal today - all was fine, baby is still head down but baby's head is still "free", as in not engaged yet. When does baby usually engage? I also have a son who is almost 6, but I can't remember when he engaged, but I had a normal delivery with him.

Should my baby's head be engaged by now, or is head down ("ceph") and free okay at this point?

 

[dannii87]

I'm not hot on things like this as this is my first baby and I've no experience myself!

I do know that babies sometimes don't get engaged until labour!

I am pretty sure it's absolutely normal for baby's head not to be engaged at this stage xx

 

[Tatum29]

I'm not hot on things like this as this is my first baby and I've no experience myself!

I do know that babies sometimes don't get engaged until labour!

I am pretty sure it's absolutely normal for baby's head not to be engaged at this stage xx

Thanks! As I said my son is almost 6, so I've forgotton when he engaged etc - all too long ago! lol The MW didn't really comment other than to say baby was still head down - it was only when I checked my notes that I saw the "free" part, so I know baby isn't engaged. I'm not worried as such, just wondering about the engaged bit and when it may happen.

 

[sarah2807]

My baby wasn't engaged at 36 weeks either-I was panicking today before my MW appointment cos it didn't feel like it had budged from under my ribs and I was thinking I'm sure it should've happened by now!!

The midwife said baby had started to engage 4/5 (so only just) but at least it's a start.
Hopefully it won't be long for you...maybe at your next appointment.

 

[Tatum29]

My baby wasn't engaged at 36 weeks either-I was panicking today before my MW appointment cos it didn't feel like it had budged from under my ribs and I was thinking I'm sure it should've happened by now!!

The midwife said baby had started to engage 4/5 (so only just) but at least it's a start.
Hopefully it won't be long for you...maybe at your next appointment.

Thank you! Hopefully baby will be engaged (at least partly) when I go for my 38 week antenatal.

 

[abcd1234]

TBH even at that stage they can engage and unengage still. Mine had started at last weeks apointment but this week she's found my ribs (never been on them before) so i think she's popped back out again.

I'm wouldnt be too concerned, i'm pretty sure 2nd babies can engage much later anyway.

 

[fuffins1981]

I have been told that babies tend to engage in the first pregnancy earlier. In subsequent pregnancies they can engage very late or not at all.

 

[Tatum29]

Thanks all

 

[xJuliex]

well i'm 41wk+1, 4/5 palp and 2cm dialated and hoping to go into labour sooooooooon!

babys being awkward!