A baby drops when their head moves lower down into the pelvis ready for labor. Several signs can show if a baby has dropped, such as a lower belly, pelvic pressure pain, a frequent need to urinate, and more.
Also called lightening, baby dropping is a sign that a baby is nearly ready to be born. Before dropping, the baby may rotate, so the back of its head is toward the front of the tummy, head facing down. Health experts may refer to this as the occiput anterior (OA) position or cephalic presentation. Then, the baby may drop down into the pelvis.
When the baby has settled in the pelvis, doctors describe it as engaged. This means it is ready for birth.
During labor, a fetus will undergo positional changes known as cardinal movements. This refers to movements a baby makes while attempting to get into the best position for birth.
Generally, the best birth position is known as the occiput anterior (OA) position, also known as head-first presentation. This describes when the baby is lying head down in the womb and is facing the birthgiver’s back.
Generally, most babies will settle into their final position somewhere between 32 to 36 weeks gestation. When the baby’s head moves head down into the pelvis, this stage is known as engagement. The drop that occurs during this process is known as lightening.
However, precisely when it happens is different for every pregnant person. There is no set day or week that a person should expect their baby to drop. For some people, it may happen a few weeks before labor begins. For others, baby dropping happens just as labor starts or a few hours before
Baby dropping might happen closer to labor for those who have had babies before. This is because their body has been through labor before, so their pelvis may need less time to adjust to the process.
If a person thinks their baby has dropped, they should contact a doctor. The doctor can check the position of the baby, which helps them estimate when labor may begin.
Every person’s experience of baby dropping is different. Some people may notice a sudden, noticeable movement. Others may not notice it happening at all.
When lightening, or engagement, occurs, it can free up space in the abdomen, which can cause the abdomen to feel lighter. This is due to lower positioning of the baby in the pelvis.
As a result, some people may now feel it is easier to breathe, have an increase in appetite, and reduction in symptoms such as heartburn. However, some people may notice that they need to urinate more frequently and walking may become more difficult.
There are many potential signs a person may notice that could indicate lightening. The following signs suggest a baby may have dropped:
- Lower belly: A person’s pregnancy bump may look like it is sitting lower when the baby drops.
- Pelvic pressure pain: As the baby drops into the pelvis, the pressure in this area may increase. This may cause a person to feel like she is waddling when she walks.
- Pelvic pain: When the baby drops, some people may experience flashes of pelvic pain. This may be due to the baby’s head pushing against ligaments in the pelvis.
- Easier breathing: There is less pressure on the diaphragm once the baby has dropped. This may make breathing easier.
- Hemorrhoids: After the baby drops, its head may put pressure on the nerves in the pelvis and rectum. This pressure may cause hemorrhoids.
- More discharge: Baby dropping increases pressure on the cervix. This causes it to lose the mucus plug that sits at the top of the cervix until the end of pregnancy. It is there to stop bacteria from entering the uterus. After baby dropping, the mucus plug may exit the vagina as jelly or yolk-like discharge.
- Frequent need to urinate: When the baby sits lower in the pelvis, its head may put pressure on the bladder. This may make a person need to urinate often.
- Back pain: Baby dropping may put additional pressure on the muscles in the lower back. This may cause back pain.
- Feeling hungrier: When the baby drops, it may reduce pressure on the stomach. This may ease heartburn and increase hunger.
If a person thinks their baby has dropped, it is advisable to contact the doctor. The doctor can work out what position the baby is in using a fetal station scale.
The fetal station scale refers to different systems a doctor can use to determine a baby’s position and movement through the birth canal. This method typically divides the pelvis above and below the ischial spines into fifths. The ischial spines are bony protrusions present in the pelvis.
A doctor will measure the station of the baby’s head by how many centimeters (cm) it is above or below these ischial spines. For example, when it is 2 cm above the ischial spines it is at a -2 station. When the head is level with the ischial spines, it is at 0 station. When it is 2 cm below the ischial spines, the head is at a +2 station. The head is usually at a +4 or +5 station at birth.
If a person’s due date is imminent, but the baby is yet to drop, they can try specific activities to encourage the baby to descend. However, before trying any of these methods, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional
Ways to help encourage lightening may include:
- walking
- sitting on a birthing ball
- squatting
- abdominal lifts and pelvic tucks
- certain stretches, such as a figure-4 stretch
These activities all help to open the hips and stretch the pelvic muscles. This may encourage the baby to drop down into the pelvis.
It is normal to experience some pelvic pain after the baby drops. That said, some types of pelvic pain may need investigating.
Consult a doctor if pelvic pain is constant or regular. Or if it is accompanied by:
- bleeding
- loss of fluids
- fever
Baby dropping typically happens towards the end of pregnancy. It may occur as labor starts, hours before, or sometimes a few weeks before. It is more likely to happen weeks before labor for people who are pregnant for the first time.
Baby dropping may feel like a sudden, noticeable movement for some people, while others may not feel it happening. Baby dropping, or lightening, may make it easier to breathe and increase appetite. This is because there is more space in the abdomen and less pressure on organs.
When the baby drops, pressure on the pelvis may cause some pain. If the pain is continuous or regular, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor.
