Baby Dropping During Pregnancy – Everything You Need To Know
Do you feel unprepared as your pregnancy due date nears? Are you looking for more information on the last stage of a pregnancy? If yes then you may find reading this article informative and useful to you.
Read on to know what baby dropping means and how you can use this knowledge for your well being during your pregnancy.
What is Baby Dropping?
Baby dropping mean the fetus has settled lower into the mother’s pelvis. It happens in the last leg of the third trimester. Dropping is also known as lightening. The term ‘dropping’, in this context, is called so as the baby’s head ‘drops’ into the lower part of the abdomen. The term ‘lightening’ can indicate a decrease in the abdomen pressure after the baby drops.
Dropping is considered a sign that labor is near. But its timing may differ for women who have been pregnant before and for women who are pregnant for the first time. For first-time pregnancies, dropping may occur between two to four weeks prior to the delivery. In other cases, dropping may occur right before the beginning of labor [1].
Signs of Baby Dropping:
There are many signs that may indicate to you if your baby has dropped [2].
- As the baby drops lower into your pelvis, you may be able to notice changes in the shape of your abdomen. Your belly will hang a little lower than it did earlier.
- When the baby drops you can breathe more easily. During pregnancy, as the fetus develops, it puts more pressure on your abdomen, rib cage and lungs. This makes breathing difficult for most women. As the baby settles lower into the pelvis during the last stages of the third trimester, there is no more pressure on your lungs. So, you may be able to breathe a little easier.
- Your breathing might ease a bit but now the fetus puts greater pressure on the bladder. So, you may feel the urge to urinate more often once your baby drops.
Is Baby Dropping a Sign of Labor?
Baby dropping is certainly one of the signs that your labor is near. There are more definite signs to indicate that you are about to deliver your baby. Most often, these other signs will occur after the baby has dropped [3].
So, after your baby drops, you can watch for the following signs:
- Bloody discharge from your vagina may mean dilation of your cervix. It can mean labor may happen any day now.
- Decreased fetal movement is also a sign that labor is near. But you may need to closely monitor your baby’s movements after the lightening stage as it can also indicate a serious problem. If you notice that your baby is moving very little, do consult your doctor about it to rule out any complications.
- Nesting is also a term often used in terms of labor. Scientists can’t explain the reasoning behind it. But when the labor is near, many women feel the need to create order around the house, clean the baby’s room or the entire house and generally ready the house for the baby’s arrival.
- Diarrhea is also an indication of labor. As the labor nears, you may have frequent bowel movements.
- The most well-known of all signs of labor is water breaking. It actually means the breaking of the amniotic sac. When the sac breaks, the protective fluid it contains to protect your baby, leaks out of the vagina. Labor may begin within hours or in a short while after this process.
Significance of Baby Dropping during Pregnancy:
Baby dropping is a good indicator that you are about to deliver your baby. It may take a few weeks to a few days once the baby drops to your lower abdomen. But when you know for sure what happens after the baby drops, you can revise your food and fitness plans to fit this last stage of your pregnancy.
- Once the baby drops, the process could ease your meal times. Since now there is less pressure on your stomach and lungs, you won’t experience as many heartburn episodes as you did earlier. You may be able to satiate your appetite properly now. But if your heartburn or indigestion persists, ask your doctor about the cause of the problem. It could be nothing to worry about but frequent heartburn after baby dropping may indicate a problem [4].
- Baby in the lower abdomen may also mean increased pressure on your rectum. It can be very uncomfortable for you and also lead to some health problems like constipation. Prolonged constipation can also cause hemorrhoids (swelling in anal veins). Since you can eat more easily now, you can counter your constipation with a fiber-rich diet. Also, increase your water intake. If you notice rectal pain or bleeding during this stage, seek immediate medical attention. [5][6]
- Since the baby’s head now rests in your pelvis, you may feel pressure in the lower part of your abdomen. This might make walking difficult for you. You may find it difficult to stand for too long. Put your feet up on a stool whenever you feel the pressure on your legs. Short walks may also help to reduce greater pressure on your ankles and feet. If you experience unusual pain in your feet or sudden swelling, immediately tell your doctor about it. [7][8]
Baby dropping is a necessary stage in the pregnancy cycle. It prepares the body for the labor. But it can also help you better plan for your delivery. You may want to finish last-minute shopping for your baby or put finishing touches to the nursery.
But your baby may drop just a few days before the start of your labor. So, perhaps it is a good idea to finish all your pregnancy prep before your third trimester. And to use the baby dropping stage just to put your feet up and relax a bit before the arrival of your sweet baby and those endless sleepless nights. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health after your baby drops.
Did your labor start soon after your baby drop? Did you feel your breathing ease up after the baby dropping? How was this experience for you?
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