by Garden Gerty

Created on: August 18, 2011   Last Updated: August 24, 2011

Pregnancy: When Will the Baby Drop?

The doctor said that you are only waiting for the baby to drop. What does that mean, and when will it happen?

When the doctor says the baby will drop, it means that the baby will settle down further in your abdomen, going down into the pelvis, helping get your body ready for delivery. Every pregnancy is different, and this commonly happens anywhere from two to four weeks prior todelivery. Having the sensation that the baby has dropped is most noticeable in a first pregnancy and is not a hard and fast rule. Some babies do not drop until labor actually has begun.

At the time the baby drops he will descend into the pelvis. Your doctor may say that the baby is engaged. Ideally, the baby will be head down once he is fully engaged, as this is the preferred position for delivery Another term used is “ lightening.” When the baby drops you will find some pregnancy symptoms will lessen, while others will increase. The fact that these symptoms lessen is why it is called lightening.

Some of the symptoms that may lessen when the baby drops are difficulty taking deep breaths, feeling too full too quickly, and heartburn. On the other hand, you will feel more pressure in your pelvis, possibly be constipated, or develop hemorrhoids and need to urinate more often. There will be increased pressure on your pelvic floor, and perhaps you will feel that you waddle when you walk and that the baby is in danger of falling out.

It is important to note that if you are more than four weeks from your due date and you feel the symptoms of increased pressure in your pelvis you should see your doctor. It could be a sign that you are experiencing preterm labor.

When the baby drops within the last part of your third trimester, you can feel confident that your pregnancy is proceeding as it should. It is important to keep your prenatal appointments and follow the doctor's orders. This may include getting extra rest, eating healthfully, and doing gentle exercise. Walking is still the most highly suggested exercise during pregnancy, and at the end, the gentle movement and the force of gravity may help the baby to drop. Learn more from this website: http://www.livestrong.com/article/77215-signs-baby-d ropping-during-pregnancy/

The baby will drop as you near your due date. It is normal, and sometimes provides relieve from some uncomfortable symptoms. New symptoms such as pelvic pressure may occur. Noticing the increase pressure before about the last month of your pregnancy is a good sign that you should be examined by your doctor, just to be sure you are not in preterm labor. Take good care of yourself and your unborn baby by following the doctor's orders. Eat healthy foods, drink sufficient water, rest when you are tired and do gentle activities for exercise. Before you know it, the baby will drop, your miracle of birth will happen and you will be a proud parent.

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