[Terriann89]

Im 38 weeks pregnant and my midwife said my baby's head is 3/5 engaged! What does this mean and does anyone know how long it will be till I go into labour with my baby being engaged!

Please reply x

[J_9]

There is no way to tell when you will go into labor. I get asked this same question several times per night when I am at work.

You will go into labor when your body produces enough of the hormone called oxytocin. We cannot predict when that will happen as every woman is different.

[Terriann89]

What does the 3/5 engaged mean? Is it good or bad? And would u say that labour is near or not! I know baby will come when ready but I'm really uncomfortable and just wondering!

[J_9]

It means that the baby is 3/5 engaged into your pelvic outlet. You still have 2/5 way to go. It's good, it means you are getting close.

Is labor near? Yes, probably within the next two weeks or so. To help this process along, since 38 weeks is considered full term, you should be walking a lot. You can even try having intercourse as stimulation to the cervix from the penis can cause a release of oxytocin.

Just remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not a train. LOL... the end is in sight, but how close is anyone's guess.

[Terriann89]

:D Aww Thank You! This really helps! Excited Now xx

[J_9]

Are you having a boy or a girl? Is this your first pregnancy?

I am a labor and delivery nurse and I get excited when my patients get this close. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[Terriann89]

Having a little boy! First pregnancy, getting really nervous but excited lol!

I know its ganna hurt but I don't want to think about how much it will hurt! IM scared of needles and I hope they don't stab me with them lol

But I'm a little worried now, because I live in Nottingham and on 27th ( next mon) were going skegness for the day! Hope he don't come them lol x

[J_9]

What is your due date? How far is Nottingham from Skegness? I'm from America, so I'm not sure about the practices there.

If you are having the baby in a hospital, most likely you will have to encounter a needle or two, but it shouldn't be too bad.

[Terriann89]

Due date is 2nd sep, but been having lots of pain in my tummy and had belly ache for weeks ( with lose bowels), I can go to the toilet 2-4 times a day! (sorry tmi)

Oh sorry, erm its about 2 hours drive away! X

[J_9]

I wouldn't recommend travel that far so close to your due date. Since you are having loose bowels, it's possible that labor could be right around the corner.

[Terriann89]

Ok thank you! I really appreciate your help and advice! X :)

[J_9]

Good luck to you, and please keep me posted on how everything goes!