Need to be engaged???

[Yvonne]

Does anyone know if the head needs to be engaged before labour will start?

I am sure i have been told before that it doesn't and that contractions will push the baby down, BUT how does labour start if the head isn't pressing in the cervix?

I'm confused

My babies head is still "FREE" apparently

 

[michelle82]

I read that first time mums the head engages earlier than if this is a 2nd child and so on. Apparently some dont fully engage until labour starts dont know how it works. My midwife said she can still feel some of the head and rock it slightly but nearly there. I have a gym ball to roll about on and she said they were a good idea to help widen the pelvis.

 

[Layla]

my midwife said yesterday that Coby has moved from 3/5 down to 2/5.

she said thats as far as he will get and wont engage fully untill im in labour.

the head can engage and then come back out again right up untill the birth for second, 3rd, etc babies.

xx