Head "engaged?"

vvmarie1982

I had my 36 week appt with my dr yesterday, and my first internal exam.  She swabbed for strep b (or group b? i don't really know) and then did the exam...  "Oh, his head is right there.  Right up against your pubic bone. But you're still closed."  She scheduled me for an ultrasound next week, before my next appt with her, because she wants to see his size... She said it looks like he's grown overnight! I was wondering if anyone knew what this means in regards to actual labor.... I explained to DH last night that baby is ready to go as soon as my body is- once I start dilating, that is.  He wants more concrete answers (which I told him is merely a guessing game)- meaning "baby's head is engaged, which means he's about 2 weeks away" etc.  Anyone able to shed some light on the situation?? Thanks in advance!

busygal

I am pretty sure that many first time moms have their babies engage long before delivery...at my appt last week (33w) they did an internal and found that my baby is at -1 station, so almost fully engaged.  I'm also 50% effaced and soft but not dilated.

My understanding is that this doesn't actually mean anything about when you'll go into labor. But, it hasn't stopped me from freaking out. So, tell your DH it doesn't necessarily mean anything but it might, so he needs to take care of that honey-do list this weekend before he sits down to his football games, just in case!

EcoBaby

The short answer is that there is no answer. People keep harassing me about what my midwife said at my appts. about when I'm going to go into labor, etc. and really, no one knows. It happens when it happens.

My midwife told me that once the baby is "engaged," labor usually starts about 4 weeks later. However, that really doesn't mean anything. Usually means nothing when it comes to l&d as far as I've noticed.

There is just no way to predict it. My mom is like "get an internal so you know how far along you are!" Um - no! It all means nothing.

JARbaby

DD engaged 2 weeks ago and I have thinning. It could be today or I could go to my c-section on the 20th.

angelynn8411

my baby's head was fully engaged at my 34 week appt, and I am still pregnant 5 weeks later.