Baby head down & engaged at week 34.

Question

hi! ive been advised by my gynae that my babys head is down and engaged at week 34.5, with a slightly shorter than expected cervix length too. i am currently on bed rest now, except when peeing, pooping, showering and eating. im also taking utrogestan vaginally. would like to see if there are other mummies in a similar situation as me and baby managed to stay inside till after week 38? 😀 also, any other tips for me? thank you!

Carla Perlas · Answer

Oh goodness, I really feel you on this, being on bed rest at 34 weeks with so much uncertainty must be so stressful, but you're doing all the right things and that already counts for so much. From what I've heard, quite a few mums in similar situations with short cervix and vaginal progesterone (same as your Utrogestan) did manage to hold on till 37, 38 weeks, so it is very much possible! One thing I've come across is the Trendelenburg position, basically lying with your feet slightly elevated above your head, which some mums found helpful to take the pressure off the cervix during bed rest. A friend of mine who had a similar situation also said staying really well hydrated made a difference, as dehydration can sometimes trigger contractions. Hang in there, you're doing amazingly, but do run any of these tips by your gynae first since every pregnancy is different!