Can you "encorage" Bub to Engage?

[Jakabella]

Bub is head down but not engaged as yet - well wasnt on Thursday.

Is there anyway that I can "encorage" bub to do so?? Bubs body, bum and legs are all bunched up under my ribs and there is so little room up there that the tops of my tummy is constantly stretched tight in lumps and bumps and it hurts! It cant be that comfy for bub either!

This bub is VERY active ALL the time - so I was wondering if I could encorage him / her down a bit then it might free up some room??

[Jellybean29]

I would love to know this answer, even though i'm not ready really to push out yet, just would love him out of my ribs!

[Heaven]

I wondered the same thing but after some reading decided not to do anything. Because you don't know exactly what position bubs is in and if their chin is nice and tucked then you don't want to make them engage before they're in the perfect position iykwim?

[Shanti]

You know what I would do? I would get on all fours and rock back and forth as often as you can, also standing up with legs wide apart (thinking "open and down"!) and rock side to side like I did in labour..... this may help bub to drop a bit lower.... I really think bub will engage when ready though, I don't believe there is that much we can do to help other than simple movements like that.

Remember it's your 2nd baby too, so bub may engage VERY quickly some point during labour if not before. Things happen differently 2nd time around I believe!!

Good luck, not long now, very excited for you!!

[LionsandBears]

Maybe try some belly dancing. Can't hurt

[Arimeh]

I don't believe there is much to be honest! If they engage they would probably pop out again anyway. Doesn't mean much, Eden never engaged until I went into labour, and she came out just fine

[Shanti]

Maybe try some belly dancing. Can't hurt

Yeah!!

[beckoes]

been trying to do this for the last month....now two weeks over due and bubs head is still floating around above my pelvis, at 5/5ths engaged!! Ive been walking, bouncing, squating. hands and knees, asking really nicley! I guess they just do their own thing! Good luck though! maybe yours will be more cooperative!

[Jakabella]

Thanks ladies! Ill try all of your suggestions - but I think this bub is just having to much fun in there to settle on one spot!

[MrsBexie]

Swimming froggy leg style helps open your pelvis which allows bubs head to drop in, also on all fours arching and relaxing your back.
Then sitting on your knees but with your legs open and leaning forward can help... And sitting in a squat position.