02/04/2026
What is fetal engagement?
It’s when the widest part of your baby’s head (biparietal diameter) descends into the pelvic inlet, the first bony level of your pelvis.
This “dropping” or “lightening” signals baby is settling in for birth, often in an optimal head-down (cephalic) position.
How is fetal engagement measured?
Healthcare providers use fetal station, scaled from -5 (high in pelvis) to +5 (crowning).
Engagement typically occurs around -2 to -1 station. Signs include easier breathing, lower belly, more pelvic pressure, and frequent bathroom trips, your body is preparing beautifully!
Slide 3: Late pregnancy movements to boost engagement!
Incorporate gentle, effective routines like the Miles Circuit (open knee-chest, exaggerated side-lying, asymmetrical lunges/walking) and birth ball exercises (hip circles, figure-8s, forward leans, wide-leg sitting). These create space in the pelvis, encourage optimal fetal positioning, balance your body/nervous system/mind, and help baby engage at the first bony level—no fancy gear required!
Slide 4: Early & active labor moves for positive engagement!
Try upright and forward-leaning positions like hands-and-knees rocking, side-lying releases, exaggerated side-lying, abdominal lift & tucks during contractions, birth ball hip circles, or walking lunges. These open the pelvic brim, promote descent, ease progress, and help baby settle deeper into the pelvis naturally, perfect for home or hospital settings.
Your body knows how to do this, support it with these simple, powerful movements! Save for your third trimester toolkit, tag a mama-to-be who needs this, and comment 👶 if you’re adding these to your routine.
