The descent of the head of the fetus into the mother’s pelvis. In a woman’s first pregnancy, engagement usually occurs by the 37th week but in subsequent pregnancies it may not occur until labour begins.
The event during pregnancy when the presenting part of the baby, usually the head, moves down into the mother’s pelvis. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)
n. (in obstetrics) the stage of pregnancy that occurs when the presenting part of the fetus has descended into the mother’s pelvis. Engagement of the fetal head occurs when the widest part has passed through the pelvic inlet.
At a personal level, the engagement of individuals in decisions about their health and about the diagnosis, treatment and after-care of their illness, injuries and other disorders. At a public level, the engagement of all members of the public in the planning, provision and performance of their health-care services. Traditionally, at both personal and public levels, the patient has generally been regarded as naturally subordinate to the politicians and managers who plan and run the health-care system(s), and to health professionals and medical institutions who provide personal health care. The public and patients are increasingly unwilling to accept this traditional model and are asserting themselves, for example through patient help groups, complaints, litigation and local political action with the aim of securing changes in how health care is organised and a much greater say in their own care.... patient empowerment
A condition in which a pregnancy persists for longer than 42 weeks; the average length of a normal pregnancy is 40 weeks (see gestation). Postmaturity may be associated with a family tendency to prolonged pregnancy, or it may be a sign that the baby is unable to descend properly (see engagement). The risk of fetal death increases after 42 weeks because the placenta becomes less efficient. Postmature infants tend to have dry skin and may be more susceptible to infection.... postmaturity
n. the sensation experienced, usually after the 36th week of gestation, by many pregnant women, particularly those carrying their first child, as the presenting part of the fetus enters the pelvis. This reduces the pressure on the diaphragm and the woman notices that it is easier to breathe. Compare engagement.... lightening
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