How do you know if baby's head is engaged?

Question

Hi,
I'm 32 weeks and baby is head down.
I'm having some aches down there and wondering if its because my baby's head is becoming engaged?! xxx

Answer 1

Your midwife or doctor can tell you, though it really isn't any indication of how soon labor will begin or anything like that (could be days, could be weeks). :)

An experienced mother who's felt it before can often tell just by feeling. Not only the odd downward "pressure" that wasn't there previously, but also by external palpitation. Basically, if you push against the large round spot you know to be the head, and it bounces back, baby is not fully engaged. If it remains solidly in place, it likely IS engaged. Simple as that.

You can also have aches "down there" simply related to the muscles relaxing and stretching, however. Far more likely at 32 weeks than actual engagement.

All perfectly normal, however. ;) Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Usually when you become engaged, you feel like you can breathe again! Your belly looks lower, and you might get some increase in hip pain. It's very possible that you have if this is your first pregnancy...in first pregnancies you can "drop" weeks before you go into labor. Good luck!

Answer 3

It feels like the baby is going to drop out when you walk. Your bladder is squished and you feel like you have to pee every five seconds but when you try to go, only a trickle comes out. It sucks. And your pelvic bones hurt. Especially in the genital area, like they're holding up all the weight of the baby.

Answer 4

I am due feb 24th also. :-) I also feel aches and pains like these too. It's to early for the baby to start to try to come out now. But it is most likely that he could be getting ready to turn but the only way is to have your OB check it out.

Answer 5

i found when my baby dropped i couldnt cross my legs sitting down anymore, and it felt like i was walking around with a baloon inbetween my legs. good luck. x