Understanding Baby Head Engagement: What You Need to Know

Question
I am 29, have 1 son and that date of past last period was 31st July 2003.
My question is, if the babys head was previously engaged can the baby move back so that it is no longer engaged. My Midwife had previously said that I was 4/5 engaged and yesterday a Student Midwife has stated that the head is now free. Why is this?

Answer
Once the head is engaged, it rarely will "unengage". Most likely, the first midwife was in error when she thought the head was engaged. Even though the second exam was done by a student midwife, it is difficult to miss a floating vertex. If there is any doubt, have the covering physician double check the exam.