Baby Dropping: When Does It Happen And How To Know

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When does the baby drop? Women are often curious to know the answer. The baby usually drops into the pelvis in the final weeks of pregnancy, but some may drop just a few hours before birth. Baby drop is an indication that the body is ready for labor and the baby is taking its final position in the uterus before passing through the birthing canal which leads to the relaxation and effacement of the cervix. Predicting the actual time of the baby’s birth may be difficult, but the baby’s descent is a good sign for mothers to prepare for their delivery. Knowing the sign of this occurrence before going into labor can help ease your anxiety and help you prepare for childbirth.

You may read this post to understand the signs of baby drop, how the baby changes its position to move towards labor, and what you can do to ensure the baby gets into the right birthing position.

When Does The Baby Drop?

Baby dropping, also called lightening, happens between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy (1). While many believe that the baby dropping means that the labor has started, it is not the case. Baby dropping usually indicates that your labor is approaching. In some women, the baby may get into the position just a few hours before the onset of labor. Baby dropping is more common in the first pregnancy than the subsequent ones. If you feel that your baby has dropped, then check with your doctor about the position of the baby.

A mother and blogger experienced baby dropping in several of her pregnancies. She says, “Today I went to my 34-week appointment… Last Wed, my baby dropped. I could feel the pressure, especially when walking. It is routine for me, so I won’t get excited that it means he is coming soon. He still needs to grow some before he comes, anyway. My last several babies have dropped at 34 weeks, leaving me to waddle like a duck for six weeks before they come into the world (i).”

Keep reading, and we’ll tell you in detail how your baby’s position changes as you prepare for delivery.

Quick fact

In first-time mothers, the baby dropping usually happens two to four weeks before the delivery in first time mothers (1).

How Does A Baby’s Position Progress Towards Labor?

Usually, babies assume different positions inside the womb, but towards the due date they settle down into the pelvis in a head-down position

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A baby’s movement into the pelvis is described based on stations, which is a standard measurement in gynecology (1). The stations at which the baby’s head is positioned range from -3 to +3.

• The highest station is -3, which indicates that the baby is not engaged in the pelvis or its head is above the pelvis.

• +3 indicates that the baby is right into the birthing canal, with the head starting to emerge from the birthing canal.

• The 0 station indicates that the baby is fully engaged, with the head at the bottom of the pelvis.

But how would you know if your baby has dropped? Read on to know.

What Are The Signs Of Baby Dropping During Pregnancy?

Florida-based physician Dr. Matthew Casavant opines, “Baby dropping is one of many signs that labor is approaching. However, only about 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Labor typically begins when the baby is ready, usually within two weeks of the due date for a first pregnancy.”

As the baby drops down, you can notice the following changes in your body.

1. Visible change in the abdomen: You can notice your belly hanging lower than it did before.

3. Breathing gets easier: As the baby eases pressure on the diaphragm, breathing gets easier.

4. Pressure on the pelvis: You can feel an increased pressure and pain in the pelvis as the baby drops lower.

5. Increased vaginal discharge: As the baby gets fully engaged in the pelvis, it puts pressure on the cervix for dilation, and you lose the mucus plug, which is a thick, pink and jelly-like discharge. This mucus plug keeps the cervical opening blocked during pregnancy to prevent any bacteria from entering the uterus.

6. Frequent urination: With the baby’s head exerting pressure on the bladder, the urge for urination increases.

7. Backache: Extra pressure on the lower back muscles causes the pain.

8. Increased appetite: With the baby dropping down, the pressure on the stomach and heartburn ease and your appetite increases (2).

9. Hemorrhoids: They are caused due to the pressure applied by the baby’s head on the pelvic and rectal nerves.

10. Braxton Hicks: During the third semester, you may start getting uterine contractions.

In the case of frequent or constant pain, fluid leak, or bleeding, go to the doctor. Sometimes, even with the due date nearing, the baby may not drop into the pelvis until labor begins, and this can be perfectly normal. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns about your baby’s position or labor progression.

How Can You Make Your Baby Drop?

If the baby doesn’t seem to drop into the pelvis even after 36 weeks of pregnancy, here is what you can do (3):

• Indulge in physical activities to open up the cervix. But avoid engagement in strenuous ones.

• Avoid sitting cross-legged as it can push the baby back. Sitting with the knees apart and leaning forward can make the baby move down into the pelvis.

• Using a birthing ball helps move the baby to the pelvis and also reduces back pain.

• Squats help in opening the pelvis and strengthening the pelvic muscles. This helps move the baby closer to the pelvis. However, avoid deep squats.

• Lie on the left side with cushions between the knees.

• Swim or float with your belly facing upward. Avoid breaststrokes in case of pelvic pain.

• If your work needs you to sit for long at one place, make sure to take breaks and move around at regular intervals.
• You may also see a certified chiropractor.

Research finds

According to a study, using evening primrose oil during pregnancy can help ripen the cervix, which can ease the lightening and labor process. Seek your OB-GYN’s approval before using the oil (4) (5).

What Should You Do When The Baby Drops?

If you feel that your baby has dropped, visit the doctor first. Your doctor can track the development and let you know about the tentative date for labor. You should also start preparing for labor and discuss a birth plan. It is important to note that the signs of baby dropping before 30 weeks of pregnancy may indicate preterm birth–seek immediate medical attention to prevent premature delivery in such a case.

Infographic: Baby Dropping: Be Prepared For The Labor And Delivery

Baby dropping, also known as ‘lightening,’ is one of the signs that indicate your little ones’ arrival is nearing. Scour through this infographic to learn about the helpful tips to prepare yourself for labor and delivery procedures.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Baby Dropping: When Does It Happen And How To Know

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Feeling pressure in your lower abdomen? Learn how to tell if your baby has dropped in your pelvis. Get tips on when can you expect this change during your pregnancy.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Stuart J. FischbeinMD

Dr. Stuart J. Fischbein is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a lecturer, and a published author (Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife, and A Mom; Homebirth With an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births; Breech Birth at Home: Outcomes of 60 Breech and 109 Cephalic Planned Home and Birth Center Births).

Read full bio of Dr. Stuart J. Fischbein

• 
  Dr. Matthew CasavantPhysician, Ob/Gyn Dr. Matthew Casavant is the founding physician of South Lake OB/GYN & Advanced Surgery. He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and completed his residency as an Ob/Gyn at St. Vincent’s /Mercy Hospital in Toledo, OH. Dr. Casavant also holds a BS degree in Micro and Molecular Biology.
  
  Dr. Matthew Casavant is the founding physician of South Lake OB/GYN & Advanced Surgery. He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and completed his residency as an Ob/Gyn at St. Vincent’s /Mercy Hospital in Toledo, OH. Dr. Casavant also holds a BS degree in Micro and Molecular Biology.

shreeja pillaiMSc

Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company.

Read full bio of shreeja pillai

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz