Baby Is Engaged - How long til Labour Approaches?

[childondaway]

Had my 38wk appt today and the baby has moved down and is in the engaged position, how long can I expect to wait until labour approaches?.

My groin area has been really sore and painful and I get sharp uncomfortable pains that really really hurt. Is there anything I can do to make this a little more comfortable until labour begins?

Many Thanks in advance for your advice and comments

[Mildez]

There is no way of telling for sure when labour will commence after your baby engages. Back 20years ago they said with a first baby it was 3weeks from the time the baby engages until its likely to be born however think this was more an old wives tail as women go into labour when bubs head is not engaged so its not an accurate meassure but certainly reassuring that its ready to go anytime.

As for getting comfortable I found the bath great for comfort during the day. Also bean bags are good if you have one. You can put your tummy in it and kneal and lean over it which might help and plenty of pillows in bed for between your legs.

Unfortunately at this late stage in pregnancy it can be very hard to get comfortable until after baby is born. I hope you don't have long to wait

[~Trish~]

Yeah, sadly there is no way of knowing when your bub will arrived based on them being engaged. My DS2 engaged at 36 weeks (I felt it happen, ouch!) and he was born at 40+5 weeks. I was uncomfortable for a VERY long time LOL!

I used a heat pack a lot which helped with the discomfort. Hopefully your bub is not too far away

[MrsFabuloso]

My baby engaged at 37wks, then unengaged, then engaged.....he was born at 40+3. I also had prelabour for about 2 weeks too....so it could be a while yet! But it could be soon too. Everyone's body is different. I hope it's sooner rather than later for you though, good luck.

[Visitor7]

Nina started engaging at 32 weeks, born at 37+5 weeks.
Emily started engaging at 36 weeks, born at 40 weeks.

Hopefully it won't be too far off, but it may be still. Good luck with the impending labour.

[mbear]

1ST babies normally do engage prior to labour...subsequent bsbies are more often known to become engaged during labour....your in the home stretch now, and bubs is doing exactly wot its supposed to.....
Positive thoughts and being well rested (i.e not stressed, tired, rundown) are good preps 4 labour....4 me anyway.

GL...

[childondaway]

Thanks for all your feedback. Very encouraging.

Hopefully we will meet our lil bundle of joy very soon.

[tellytubby]

Off topic, lol. Lilias your little girl is just too cute!