One of the signs that you’re getting closer to labor[1] is when your baby drops. Don’t take it to the bank, though, since it’s not the most reliable of signs.
After all, labor can still be weeks away even after baby has dropped … or baby might not drop at all until you’re well into labor. Here’s what you should know about when baby drops and what it feels like.
What does "lightening" or "baby dropping" mean?
When your baby descends lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth, it's called "lightening" or "baby dropping." Lightening is a sign that your baby is gearing up for labor soon and is usually in the head-down position, though it sometimes can be the feet or bottom dropping into the pelvis (breech position) or, rarely, other parts of the body.
When does baby drop?
While it’s different for every mom-to-be, babies will usually drop around two to four weeks before delivery in a first pregnancy, though it doesn't necessarily mean labor is about to begin.[2]
In subsequent pregnancies, your baby usually doesn’t drop until you're in labor. There’s a theory why that’s the case for so many second timers: It could be because your body already knows what to do, so your pelvis needs less prep time.
Does baby always drop before you go into labor?
Your baby won’t necessarily drop before labor begins — whether it's your first pregnancy or a subsequent one. If yours doesn’t, don’t worry. When or whether baby drops and you experience lightening will have no impact on your labor. Plenty of moms sail through childbirth even if their babies didn’t drop before labor began.
What does lightening feel like?
It isn't always noticeable when your baby drops. That’s because lightening isn’t a sudden process, but rather one that occurs gradually, over time.
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What’s more, a lot depends on how you're carrying. For instance, if you've been carrying low throughout your pregnancy, you might not be able to tell the difference after baby drops.
If you've been carrying high, however, you're more likely to notice that lightening sensation — both because of how you look (a lower belly bump) and how you feel (more room in your lungs, more pressure on your bladder).
Signs your baby has dropped
What will clue you in to the fact that baby has dropped and you're experiencing lightening? Here’s what to look for:
- A lower belly position. You might notice that your baby bump seems lower and tilted farther forward than it did before.
- Better breathing. Once your baby drops, there’s less upward pressure from the uterus on your diaphragm and you'll be able to take bigger and deeper breaths — which means you’ll be able to breathe easier … literally.
- Easier eating. Decreased pressure on the stomach from your uterus may mean that lightening has occurred and your stomach won't be so squished anymore, making eating a full meal more comfortable. And it may not be accompanied by a side of heartburn and indigestion anymore, either. Bonus!
- Increased need to pee. Pressure on the bladder thanks (or no thanks!) to a baby who has dropped lower into the pelvis may send you to the bathroom more frequently.
- Pelvic pain. With baby lower in the pelvis, you’re likely to feel more pressure and pain down below. This could come in the form of sharp shooting pain (similar to lightning crotch) or pressure in the perineal area.
- Changes in your gait. With baby pressing on your pelvic joints, you may find it harder to walk, or you may find yourself waddling more than walking. Your sense of balance may also feel off — likely due to the fact that your center of gravity has shifted yet again.
- Back pain. With all this new pressure lower down, you didn’t think your back would be spared, did you? When baby drops, that cute (now lower down) noggin may put more pressure on the joints and muscles in your lower back, resulting in (more) back pain.
- Hemorrhoids. More pressure on the veins of the rectum (due to baby dropping) may worsen hemorrhoids or cause them to appear for the first time.
Tips for helping your baby drop
While there’s no scientific data that points to a proven way to get your baby to drop before labor, there is plenty of anecdotal advice that may help you feel more comfortable. Here’s what you can try:
- Walking. Walking can relax the pelvic muscles and open the hips. That, plus an assist from gravity, may help the lightening process along.
- Squatting. If walking opens up the hips, imagine how much more so squatting will. Use a birthing ball to help you maintain the squatting position, or try gently rocking on it.
- Pelvic tilts. A rocking motion can also be achieved through pelvic tilts. A great way to do them late in pregnancy is on your hands and knees. Gently tilt your pelvis forward while relaxing your lower back. Repeat a few times.
Your baby dropping down in the pelvic cavity is just one more sign that he's gearing up for delivery day. Exciting times ahead!
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