How to Predict When Your Baby Will Drop and When You Will Induce Labor?

How to Predict When Your Baby Will Drop and When You Will Induce Labor?

If you are pregnant or have been through it, there are chances that you might have heard a lot about baby drops in pregnancy. But sometimes fail to understand and wonder what all this is about. So, for some mamas to be today, in this article presented by New Concept Clinic, a Gynaecology Hospital in Dubai, we will share all the possible information about baby dropping.

What is baby dropping?

Baby dropping, also known as "lightning in the context of pregnancy," means a natural occurrence that comes at the end of the third trimester. Baby dropping during pregnancy is considered as getting the baby ready for birth all by itself. The "drop" refers to the baby’s head moving lower in the pelvis area and settling into a position to move through the birth canal.

When does the baby drop happen?

The time of the baby's dropping varies from woman to woman, but in general, it happens between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy. On the other hand, for some women, the baby might drop into the position just before the onset of labor in a few hours.

What exactly happens when a baby drops?

As the word suggests, baby dropping, women often relate to the dropping of the baby physically and forever. But in reality, it is nowhere linked to any such activity. It is more about the phase of pregnancy when the baby starts to prepare for birth.

In early pregnancy for a baby, there is plenty of room to move around, but slowly, as the baby grows, it begins to run out of space. At some point at the end of the pregnancy, the baby starts to get into the position for labor with its head down and later moves down to the pelvis area for birth.

What are the signs to watch out for?

As soon as the child prepares itself for dropping or has already dropped down in the area of the pelvis, you will notice the following changes in the body.

  1. Changes in the abdomen: With the baby drops women can notice the belly hanging lower than it was before the baby dropped.
     

  2. Easy breathing: Baby dropping eases the pressure on the diaphragm, leading to breathing getting easier.
     

  3. Increased vaginal discharge: Baby dropping puts pressure on the cervix for dilation, which results in losing the mucus plug, a thick pink jelly-like discharge.
     

  4. Pressure on the pelvis: As the baby drops lower, a woman can feel an increased pressure in the pelvis.
     

  5. Frequent urination: When the baby drops down in the pelvis, the baby’s head exerts pressure on the bladder, resulting in the urge for urination. 

What can I do to make my baby drop?

  1. Indulge yourself in physical activities that can help you open up the cervix. 

  2. Sit with your knees apart and in a leaning forward position to move the baby down. 

  3. Perform squats to strengthen the pelvic muscles and open the pelvis.

  4.  Face your belly up as you float or swim. 

  5. Look for a doctor and talk about the condition, if possible.

If it is the end of your pregnancy and your baby has not yet dropped, then you may consider taking different steps, but first meet with your doctor and look out for the position of the baby. For treatment and further screening of pregnancy, you can contact Dr. Elsa for the Best Pregnancy Check Up in Dubai.