Baby Drop

My Baby's Dropping!?

Many women in their third trimester experience a feeling of the baby 'dropping'. Here is what you need to know about this experience.

What It Means When Your Baby Drops

As your baby develops and prepares to be born, you will typically feel it drop into your pelvis during the third trimester, especially if it is your first pregnancy. This 'dropping' is known as engagement. When the baby engages, he or she will be situated in the pelvis. Because of this, you may experience a number of symptoms, including frequent urination because of the pressure that the infant is placing on your bladder. You may also find yourself feeling like you are waddling. This is due to your hips spreading farther apart in anticipation of delivery.

Dropping Helps Lungs Expand and Eases Heartburn

One of the things that may happen when your baby drops is that you may have an easier time breathing than you did before, according to childbirthsolutions.com http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/weeklypregcalendar/index3.php. Pregnancy is known for causing slight breathing difficulties because the growth in their stomach makes the full expansion of the lungs difficult. However, when the baby moves into position for birth, your lungs have more room. You also may find that any pregnancy-related heartburn you experienced has gone away at this time.

Preparing For Labor

This dropping typically takes place during the thirty-sixth week of the pregnancy. This is a sign for you to begin to prepare for labor. You can begin these preparations by going to classes that will teach you how to approach labor, such as Lamaze classes. In these classes, you can learn about how you breathe affects what happens in labor, and the positions you can hold yourself in to make the labor process easier for you. You should have a suitcase packed in the event you need to be rushed to the hospital to deliver. It is also important to exercise during this time, though you should avoid strenuous exercise.

The better shape your muscles are in, the easier labor will be for you. You should also speak with your obstetrician about what to expect during labor and ways you can make it go as smoothly as possible. It is also a good idea to think about what you want when you go into labor. Are you going to want an epidural or any other medications, for example? These details should be worked out and written down before you go into labor. You should also have everything ready to welcome your new baby home, such as diapers and bottles. Some women would rather give birth at home. If this pertains to you, make sure you have the supplies you need when the baby comes.

Problems with the Baby Dropping

Many women experience pain when their baby drops because of the pressure placed on the pelvis. Some of the most common symptoms associated with pregnancy may become more intolerable during this time. If your symptoms are very uncomfortable, your obstetrician may recommend bed rest until you deliver. If you experience an early baby drop, meaning that your baby drops well in advance of a month before your due date, this could be a sign that your baby will be born prematurely. If you experience this, you should contact your physician to be evaluated and to make preparations.