How do you know if baby is engaging?

[*Princess Kylie*]

Sorry, bit of a silly question..

My OB has never mentioned to me about how 'engaged' BOB is, and I was just wondering how you would know?

Over the last two days I've been feeling heaps heavier at the bottom of my belly, and BOB's kicks have been lower too ... does that possibly mean that s/he is engaging?

Does that also mean that labour may come soon?

Thanks

[Karina]

I also felt less pressure in my ribs once Claire had started to engage.

I have no idea if it means you'll go into labour soon.

[PinkPalace]

Princess Kylie
Bub can be engaged for a long time prior to going into labour -
I asked my MW how engaged bub is at my last meeting and she said 2/5 down.
I havent had any dramatic change except that i feel my shape has changed a little and when i have BH i really need to pee heaps.
The Dr did show my how to feel for myself how bub is engaging but it is a little confusing to us who dont dont it a millions times a day you know.
When is your next appointment. I found the best way to find out is to ask them to feel bubs position. - it is a non-evasion technique.

[Ozziehoffy]

I felt a lot more pressure down lower once bubs dropped down and started to engage and lots more peeing as Princessmya said...cos bubs will be putting more pressure on your bladder. I also wasn't as breathless.

[teepee2]

Princess Kylie do you have your antenatal record card. If bubs is engaged your OB (or midwife) would have written a number between 5/5 to 1/5 in the "relation of P.P to brim" column.

[*Princess Kylie*]

I don't have an antenatal record card ... I think the Ob keeps it at his office. i've never seen him write anything like that down though.

Please please please let this be it though ... am so big and heavy I cannot wait for the little one to come out!!

[Alan]

Hi Princess Kylie
Some of the signs that your baby has engaged are
You need to pee more often but you only do a small amount
You find it easer to breathe
Your bump changes shape
You feel pressure in your vagina
You feel a little constipated

[*Princess Kylie*]

Thanks Alan - I've got all of those signs so looking good for the engaging!!

I am feeling more crampy though over the past couple of days, I'm assuming this is just the pressure that baby is putting on the cervix and the lower part of the uterus??

[luua]

Princess Kylie for me i knew Ella was engaged because there was just so much pressure "down there" and i was waddling everywhere.

I hope things start for you soon - waiting was the hardest thing...until bubs arrives...

Ann