Top BABY DROPPING Questions Answered in 5 Minutes

When the baby drops does it mean labor? This is the ultimate guide to baby dropping which is also called engagement or lightening.
#childbirth #birth #pregnancy #lamaze #childbirthclass #doula
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If you are pregnant and expecting a baby or work with people who are expecting a baby, then you are in the right place. I'm Alice Turner, doula and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and I work with people from pregnancy through the early newborn time. My mission is to help people have a positive birth experience.
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[@kristinezerebkina9383]

I love this rapid style ❤ to get the topics.

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you! I think I'll do some more of those this year.

[@hannahvelier]

I Iove this rapid style video! This’ll be a great quick video to send my husband.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yay! I’m working on another for next week. Make sure you are subscribed. 😀

[@blaqmermaiid]

I clicked so fast because I think my baby dropped or is dropping.. im not quite sure though, I'll look at some previous photos as reference to see the difference. Im anticipating every change that brings me closer to labor. Thanks for the quick Q&A!

[@birthtoolbox]

Exciting!!

[@motherwelldoula]

I LOVE THESE SO MUCH.

[@birthtoolbox]

So true Victoria!

[@amyellison1595]

About 30 years ago my pastor's wife was telling me when her first baby dropped. It shocked and scared her because it "dropped" so hard. She said she was out shopping with her mother and as they were approaching the car she felt the baby drop. She said it was so hard she expected to look down and see the baby laying there. She didn't have that experience with her other 2 children, just her first.

[@birthtoolbox]

Wow! That would be shocking!

[@MommyEmpire]

I’m currently 34 weeks, baby is engaged and ready to go. I’m also 2.5cm dilated. I’ve also never carried past 35 weeks with my previous pregnancies

[@xWHiiTx]

Hi love.. how did your pregnancy turn out?

[@MommyEmpire]

@@xWHiiTx I gave birth at 37 weeks! It was a breeze! ❤️ She was accidentally born at home lol

[@priscillarocha8128]

With my 1st pregnancy I felt my baby drop suddenly in the middle of night it was so intense it woke me up. I felt like he almost fell out of my butt lol didn't know how uncommon that was until my second pregnancy. This time I'm having a much harder time to get baby to engage. I'm currently doing the miles circuit & that has really helped.

[@birthtoolbox]

2nd babies often don’t drop until the start of labor!

[@DefinitionInfinition]

Omg I this was super informative especially because I’m nervous to bring up questions that are similar (“does w cause x, y? What about z?”) like this is rly reassuring- currently 33 weeks and noticed dropping in the past day or two because of photos taken fm last week and this week, so interesting!! (I’m a FTM :,) )

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so glad that you found this helpful!

[@marlicaph631]

The first time I felt my baby dropped was around 27 weeks. It was sudden and painful. I have marginal placenta previa and maybe it has to do something with the pain. It also felt like I'm about to pee or poop. Good thing that it isn't that permanent because I feel relieved everytime he go back up. Since that day, I experience a lot and painful lightning crotch with a series of contractions. I'm still 28 weeks now, I hope I won't go into preterm labor. My OB prescribed "tocolytic" BTW. This is my first baby. ☹️

[@birthtoolbox]

Hoping that you won’t have preterm labor too!

[@Shxdeeee]

Hi I’m the same but my happen over time. When did you have your baby in the end ?

[@MsMalina24]

I’m 37 weeks today and this is my second baby. I am almost sure my baby dropped last week on Thursday 😮because omg a definite change in shape and mild cramping they I almost mistook for the real deal but it was a false alarm. Also, hemorrhoids flaring back up and even more frequent bathroom breaks 😩. I scheduled for induction on the 22nd of September but I’m inclined to believe this baby will come before that especially since my first baby came at 37 weeks and he also had the same due date. We shall see 😅

[@birthtoolbox]

How exciting! I wish you all the best on the labor and birth of baby #2.

[@MsMalina24]

@@birthtoolbox omg thank you so much!!!! I also really enjoy your content!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so glad you found the channel and are enjoying the content. If you have friends/bump group where you can share that is always appreciated and really help grow the channel.

[@MsMalina24]

@@birthtoolbox yes I would love too! I’ll definitely spread the word ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you! That's amazing.

[@sisw4349]

I think u covered all the questions. I have a question that is not related to dropping. Is it normal for mom and baby’s heart rate to drop during contractions? When is it time for the medical staff to intervene?

[@birthtoolbox]

It can be normal for baby's heartrate to drop a bit during contractions, especially if the baby is very low and/or mom is pushing. It's hard to say when the care provider becomes concerned. A lot depends upon how long the heart rate drops and how low the heart rate drops.

[@corrierose6985]

37 and 4, baby has definitely dropped and it feels like her shoulder is also trying to find a way out. No contractions, but is it ever a thing where baby REALLY settles into the pelvis?

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes!! Baby can be super slow!

[@lalunaraggio31]

The question of whether if baby head down means baby has dropped was not properly answered, please consider answering it again? Thanks

[@birthtoolbox]

Head down does not mean that the baby has dropped.

[@SWNelson7]

I dropped at 32 weeks. It was over a period of 2 days that I noticed a definite shift in everything. I had every single symptom of dropping (I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that it happened) and I'm 36 weeks now. Should I be concerned that it happened so early? This is my second baby.

[@birthtoolbox]

No, there is a wide range of normal. Congratulations on baby # 2!

[@brittanyslifeinmotion4749]

I've dropped at 33 weeks and I'm praying we make it to her due date or closer than now ! 🙏 😩 it has been extremely painful for me !

[@Enchantressofthecards]

I think my baby dropped too.32 wks. I felt sudden pressure and felt her head moving down and while pressing my bladder I got lightening pain and near peed myself also felt something running out of my vagina but it was just discharge🫣 is it means she dropped?

[@delmafernandes36]

I m 32week i feel too much pressure at night and discomfort as well some pain past 2dys and pee alot i have no idea what exactly this is the pressure is so much that emotionally i get into tears and this is my 3rd pregnancy.

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so sorry about the unusual pressure. You might consider seeing a chiropractor.

[@Erinxduh]

31 weeks and my 2nd pregnancy baby already dropped! Confirmed by my doctor

[@birthtoolbox]

Wow! I am curious if baby will stay engaged or will pop back out before too long. Sometimes that happens too.

[@amaninahamid8059]

Thank you!!! 😍

[@birthtoolbox]

You're welcome!!

[@khushboo102]

38 weeks stil no dropping 😮‍💨 I walk approx 1hr everyday Still no dropping.. doctor recommended to come for induction next week..I am scared 🤕

[@birthtoolbox]

It is very common for the baby not to have dropped by 38 weeks. Do you have an option to wait for labor to start on it's own?

[@MaddyErickson]

Being that I'm a Teen and currently 32 weeks pregnant and still in HS when I go to workout what would you recommend me doing besides squarts? Thanks for your advice!

[@birthtoolbox]

My favorite exercise for the third trimester is walking. If you are able to get in a walk a few times a week that would be great.

[@MaddyErickson]

@@birthtoolbox thanks and I do and what about swimming also and why is it that I feel so more nervous than scared or excited for this or is it because I'm 17?

[@birthtoolbox]

Swimming is great for pregnancy!

[@MaddyErickson]

@@birthtoolbox I was thinking about that but why is it that I feel nervous and scared more than excited? Is it because of me still being in HS!

[@pinkyhazarika9143]

Hi mam..watching your vdo i feel like my baby has dropped. Currently I am 32 weeks pregnant and 5 days ago i suddenly felt back pain and that accompanied by pressure in lower abdomen. However i don't feel the pressure while sleeping and i feel completely fine but once i stand the whole pressure comes to the pelvic area which make me difficult to even walk . Is this a sign of baby dropping and what can i do to get rid of the discomfort.please please rply

[@birthtoolbox]

The baby could be engaging (dropping) and then disengaging (popping back up). Just a thought!

[@chandanab4163]

I'm 38+ weeks, first baby, no engagement yet😢. Is this normal? Been exercising and walking as much as I can.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes!!! Very normal!! Many people go into labor after their due date and dropping can happen even during labor.

[@MyChannel-eg9fw]

Hi, could you please guide after how many weeks of baby dropping labor will start?

[@birthtoolbox]

There isn’t a set amount of time. For first time moms it is usually within 2 weeks.

[@afrozaashrafshaikh1664]

Ohh you explain very well Thank you dear These is my 35 week but baby is large according to gestational week so doctor suggested me to stop eating sugary food and fruit.and say to do more exersice bcs my baby is not engage yet now. What can I do plz suggest me

[@birthtoolbox]

You can really change the size of the baby right now, but eating a low sugar diet is usually recommended. It isn’t common to have a baby engage at 35 weeks. But, here is a video that shares some ideas for getting baby to engage. Birth Ball Exercises to Induce Labor Naturally (Step-By-Step) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHmvZmRvmc17fZI

[@madhuripulapakura612]

Can i know the tips of baby dropping in 37 weeks of pregnancy

[@birthtoolbox]

Do you mean how to encourage your baby to drop into your pelvis?

[@melaninqueen948]

Love this video

[@birthtoolbox]

Yay!!! I’m so glad.

[@MuhammadAhmad-ku2gi]

Perfect answers, thank you

[@birthtoolbox]

You are welcome! Please share if you know anyone who would like the info too. ❤️

[@LastBrainCell01]

im 29 weeks today(1st pregnancy) and i felt like my breathing got easier overnight...like i can breath better...i dunno if its my baby dropping or just me getting used to not being able to breath deeply or what...

[@birthtoolbox]

I doubt if the baby is dropping that early. They might just be getting into a different position.

[@SholanEngland]

I am 28 weeks pregnant with baby #5. All my others I was over due and induced Lately over the past week I get off and on cramps like period cramps and today out of no where sudden lower back pain that hasnt gone away. Could baby be engaged already?

[@birthtoolbox]

My guess is that baby is in a different position which is causing that pain. Make sure you are staying hydrated. Dehydration can lead to cramping and even preterm labor.

[@shivangi1274]

Earlier there was gap between from where my baby bump started and from where pubic hair starts. But now my baby bump starts from the point from where pubic hair starts. Does this mean the baby has engaged?

[@birthtoolbox]

Not sure! Are you noticing any of the other signs?

[@rosea164]

I'm almost 38 weeks I don't have any signs of baby dropping I spend a lot of time in bed Maybe that is why! This is my first baby and I wish she was born before 40 weeks

[@birthtoolbox]

It’s very common for babies to drop after 38 weeks.

[@shughes8080]

I noticed baby dropped last week, but now I’m getting cramping, is this early labour or baby getting comfy 😬 this my first pregnancy

[@birthtoolbox]

My guess is that it is your uterus getting some practice in before labor starts. If the cramping is regular then it could be the start to early labor. Wishing you all of the best for your birth journey ahead.

[@revathivenkatesh2899]

Hi Ma'am, i am currently 37 weeks and my height is 4'10. My baby's head is not yet engaged but in cephalic position. Is my height causing baby to not get engaged or should i keep exercising? Also what are the possibilities of having a normal delivery?

[@birthtoolbox]

Hello! Many babies won’t engage until 40 weeks. I don’t believe your height effects this. Also women under 5 feet have vaginal deliveries every day!! Don’t let this be a worry to you. 😀👊you got this.

[@revathivenkatesh2899]

@@birthtoolbox Thanks a lot for your positive response, helped in calming my nerves!! 😄

[@birthtoolbox]

You are welcome! Keep that positive mindset.

[@wewuzairene489]

Did have a virginal delivery

[@zenscustoms5537]

Im 37 weeks 5 days and just left the growth doctor smh . She is very low they couldnt get a head measurement that good. Idk when im going into labor. Due the 24th of august

[@birthtoolbox]

Wishing you all the best!

[@MuhammadAhmad-ku2gi]

If baby drops in pelvix 28 weeks does it means that premature birth will happen, I am in hospital and watch this video today

[@birthtoolbox]

No, not necessarily.

[@azrahmaryam19]

Hi, for my first pregnancy, i had c sec evn after 10cm dilation. The reason was, baby wasn't descented through birth canal. And i am going through second trimester now for my second pregnancy, where i wanted to try a vbac, will that be possible. While watching the video, now i came to know that, i didn't experience baby dropping and my belly hasn't changed its shape. And it wasn't an induced labor as well. Can you explain

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes, you should be able to try for a VBAC, but it is important to find a doctor that is very supportive of VBACs. The doctor can make all of the difference. It’s okay that you didn’t see your baby drop with the first. Many people don’t notice that.

[@JaspreetKaur-nx8sj]

Hii i am 39 week +5 days pregnant, no complications, my due date is 5 Dec. 23,stil chance for normal delivery?

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes!

[@princesskhan1234]

Plz tell me u dilver normal or not

[@seradoxa3537]

Thank you for this video. I am a few days shy of 33 weeks. Baby has dropped and part of my mucus plug has also made an appearance. Is it same to assume these indicate baby arriving earlier

[@birthtoolbox]

Actually, it could go either way! Some babies drop and then come back up and out. It’s hard to predict!

[@seradoxa3537]

@@birthtoolbox thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Just one more, is there a way to identify which part of baby is engaged without an ultrasound? The kicks/movements I feel under my ribs get so big and strong that I sometimes think its a head.

[@birthtoolbox]

@@seradoxa3537 that sounds like a head, but hard to tell. I would ask your doctor or midwife at your next appointment. Head would be good!

[@lunanacho]

my baby dropped at 31w exactly. Is that too early? Will I still make it to 37w? My first pregnancy was PE induced at 37w but I was not dilated at all, so if it wouldn't have been induced, I would have made it longer

[@birthtoolbox]

31w is pretty early for the baby to engage, but it might drop and then pop back out again. Wishing you all the best!

[@theonorthcraft4558]

But what does “engaging” mean?

[@birthtoolbox]

When the head settles down into the pelvis.

[@sanamom2064]

I m 39 weeks + cephalic position. But i didnt feel back pain..i have only onevweek to delivery .. This is my second delivery.. First delivery was vaginal delivery.... I m so scared pls explain why am not feel back pain pls reply

[@birthtoolbox]

Not everyone feels back pain. Your baby’s position and size and engagement in the pelvis can all impact the sensation that you feel.

[@mayajimenez3422]

So I’m 24 weeks and 4 days & today I found that baby girl head has dropped already. Also I couldn’t get no pictures today for the simple fact that the Baby is in my pelvic area. So is this normal & health for the baby head to drop this soon?????

[@birthtoolbox]

Often when the baby drops into the pelvis early they will eventually pop back out of the pelvis. It could be the case that baby stays engaged until birth. It's hard to know. I would ask your care provider for more information to ease your mind!

[@hasmal5049]

You are so amazing … I want to ask i am in 36 week of mine … I had first baby in 2014 and they injected me pains which I was not trained to deal and breathing of baby was little affecting so they asked me if I should go for c section or still want to try normal … then we decided for c section … now after 8 and half years I am going to deliver second baby and my baby is 3100 gram , I have gestational diabetese which I am managing with insulin … they checked my stitches , they are fine for normal delivery … still I saw that they said if I go to them with natural pains , I can initially try normal birth and if it does not work they ga e me 23.3 for c section … I want to know your kind opinion … should I try for normal with insulin injection and being 39 years old right now … what kind of risks I can have

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm sorry I can't answer your question. Your doctor or midwife would be the best person to advise.

[@kendraharold7797]

Can the baby drop and cervix still be high ?

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes, the baby's head can engage before any changes happen in your cervix.

[@kendraharold7797]

@@birthtoolbox whew I was worried I been doing a lot of working out and cervix high

[@atiasultana5868]

​@@kendraharold7797did u have a normal delivery dear? My cervix is also high and i'm 39+2 wks now 😢

[@dijanazdrnja3997]

At which age pelvis is tottaly developed? I had to go to emergency C-section at age 16y.old. Dr said to me its because i had tiny pelvis (like develope wasnt yet how it can be). So i am 32 y.old now and I wonder if my pelvis is still small or it developed more over the years?

[@birthtoolbox]

Great question! Your pelvis grows just like all of the bones in your body. Also, it isn't easy to predict the size of a pelvis or how a baby will make their way through. I hope that helps!

[@gayatrimuttalli1085]

Hi Alice, I had first c section delivery. This is my 37week second baby. Does baby dropping depend on my previous stiches ? Does dropping cause any complications or delay in dropping caused because of c section?

[@birthtoolbox]

Hello! No, baby dropping doesn’t depends on your stitches. We do see babies dropping closer to labor after a first pregnancy. So second pregnancies tend to see baby dropping just a few days before labor or during labor.

[@gayatrimuttalli1085]

@@birthtoolbox thank you Alice.

[@tanyalancasterbeisert8244]

Interesting that second+ babies drop later than first time babies!

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes, second babies often drop right before labor begins!

[@jcrader5677]

Can baby dropping cause weird tingling sensations in the vagina?

[@birthtoolbox]

It could!

[@kristennereidy4879]

One of my cousins said she needed an emergency c section because her babt did not drop during labor. Does that sound reasonable?

[@birthtoolbox]

The baby not dropping through the pelvis can be a reason for a csection, but it's not usually an emergency csection. True emgergencies happen if the baby is not tolerating labor and fetal heart rate drops. That might have also happened with your cousin, but it doesn't always happen if baby doesn't descend. Many people think that their csection was an emergency when it was not a true emergency situation. That might be the case with your cousin or it could have been a true emergency. I hope that helps!