How many weeks of gestation is it normal for the baby to engage (enter the pelvis)?

It is normal for the baby to engage (drop into the pelvis) around 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, although this timing varies from person to person. First-time mothers usually experience earlier engagement, typically between 36 and 38 weeks, and may notice more obvious symptoms. In contrast, women who have given birth before often have looser abdominal walls and rectus muscles, so the baby may not engage until closer to the onset of labor. After the baby has engaged, pregnant women may feel a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen and increased urination—these are normal physiological changes and generally not a cause for concern. However, if a pregnant woman experiences abnormal fetal movements or vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy, she should seek medical attention promptly. It is recommended that pregnant women undergo weekly fetal heart monitoring in the third trimester to ensure the baby's well-being.