Women who are pregnant for the first time may find that baby dropping occurs some days or weeks before labor. This may be because their pelvic muscles need to adjust to the birthing position before labor can begin.
When will my baby drop? If you're a first-time mom, your baby will probably drop two to four weeks before labor, perhaps even earlier. If you've had a baby before, your baby may not drop until your labor starts. It's impossible to predict exactly when this will happen, because each pregnancy is unique.
This feeling of ample space in the abdomen region is why baby dropping is also referred to as lightening. This makes a woman feel like they're waddling whenever they're walking with a feeling of carrying a ball between their legs.
The word "drop" is kind of misleading: It suggests a sudden downward movement, but in fact a baby dropping typically is a gradual process. It's unlikely you'll feel your baby drop, but you will notice any or all of various signs that it has happened.
In most cases, you will notice your baby drop at least 2 weeks prior to your delivery, yet some mom may experience that as early as 4 weeks in advance.
Your baby's head is engaged in your pelvis
Once your baby "drops", you may feel larger rolls — along with every move of baby's head on the cervix, which may feel like sharp electric twinges down there. But you'll still feel baby moving every day when all is well.
Even more interesting, some women will have their baby drop between 35-36 weeks but then move back up closer to their due date. In almost every case, this is not something you should worry about, but if you feel concerned you should contact your doctor.
Gently bouncing on an exercise ball to induce labor not only encourages baby to move down and in turn assist with cervix dilation, but it can also soothe baby, Green says.
Movement and Kicking in the Pubic Area
But don't worry, fetal movements in the pubic area are normal and very common, if not annoying. Call your doctor if you feel any kicking in your vagina, as a vaginal kick could indicate a rare but serious complication called cervical insufficiency.
Sometimes, tragically, babies are dropped by tired new moms while they are still in the hospital. National figures show that between 600 and 1,600 newborns are dropped every year.
Pelvic pressure is a common sign during the later stages of labor. You may feel pressure in your rectum too. Moreno describes it as a feeling “similar to needing to have a bowel movement.” Get ready, because this means that baby's really on the way!
If your baby is head down and facing your back (OA position), you'll probably feel kicks under your ribs. You'll also be able to feel the hard, rounded surface of your baby's back, which will be on one side of your belly.
Cephalopelvic disproportion is a rare childbirth complication. It occurs when your baby's head doesn't fit through the opening of your pelvis. It's more likely to happen with babies that are large or out of position when entering the birth canal. The shape of your pelvis can also be a factor.
If your baby's head has dropped down into the pelvis to prepare for delivery, they may be less active. Your baby is too small for their movement to be felt regularly. This is common in the second trimester.
When the baby drops into the pelvis, your abdomen may feel lighter, and your appetite may improve since you no longer feel full. Apart from these symptoms, there is no way to check at home whether the baby's head has engaged.
Some pregnant women find that stretching their arms above their heads or adjusting their posture to lengthen their back helps relieve rib pain. It may give your baby more room so the kicks don't always land on your ribs. You can also try standing up and moving your hips in a circular movement.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms before your 37th week of pregnancy, you may be experiencing preterm labor: Change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or bloody) or more vaginal discharge than usual. Pressure in your pelvis or lower belly, like your baby is pushing down. Constant low, dull backache.
Symptoms not to ignore when you're 36 weeks pregnant
You have a persistent headache or visual disturbance. If your feet/ankles/hands or face are unusually swollen. You experience vaginal bleeding. You have an unusual coloured discharge.