First pregnancy - do all babies engage?

Question

With a first pregnancy, do all babies engage?
If so, when does it normally happen, and how can you tell?

Answer 1

most first babies tend to start engaging from around 35 weeks though this differs from baby to baby but my first did not engage as she got her head stuck on my pelvis, fortunatly she managed to turn as i was in labour (i had to be induced as she was 2 weeks late) you can tell because the bump drops lower and when you have your examinations the dr or midwife will check the posisition of the head and tell you how far the head is engaged if it is

second babies tend to drop earlier but can start to engage then dis engage as they please and wont tend to fully engage untill right before labour (my second was engaged 2/5ths when i was around 34 weeks then 2 weeks later he was free again, im now 40+3 and hes engaged by 3/5ths!!)

Answer 2

no not all babies do, sometimes they dont until the last minute, which is usually more common with second pregnancies but can also happen with first. its common for babies to "drop" anywhere from 34 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, each woman is different. some women drop all at once and some drop very slowly, just a little at a time. you will know because you will be able to breath better and you will be carrying your baby lower. i am 37 wks and still have not dropped.

Answer 3

No they don't. my daughter did three weeks before she was born and i only found out when the doctor examined me.

my sister was told her daughter was engaged and when she went into labour they found out she was breach and she had to have a cesarean.

if they find out the baby is the wrong way round early enuf they can try and turn it. but sometimes this can lead to premature labour (its done quite late as it is) or the baby may just turn back again.

Answer 4

all babies to eventuley..some sooner than others....some ppls can tell but the dr told me mine did...i had no clue! mine was at 35 weeks but some keep you waiting longer!! Good Luck & God Bless!