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Home › Articles › Labor Preparation › Has Your Baby Dropped?

Has Your Baby Dropped?

A Look at What Happens During the "Lightening" Phase of Pregnancy

By Renee Roberson

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How Will You Know?

After months of indigestion and heartburn, most women can tell when lightening has occurred because they feel relief from some of their most aggravating pregnancy symptoms. But the antacids you've been depending on might be replaced with extra trips to the bathroom.

"Heartburn will decrease, your appetite will return and your organs will be less crowded," says Dr. Villanueva, a specialist whose private practice focuses on the latest fertility methods for diagnosis and treatment. "However, once your baby drops, you will need to urinate as often as every 45 minutes, because the weight of your baby will put considerable pressure on your bladder. You may also experience rectal discomfort and constipation due to pressure on your intestines."

So don't worry if you can't tell if your baby has dropped or not during your last few weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to tell if your baby is getting into position during your physical and vaginal exams, and help you answer any other questions you might have about your impending labor and delivery.

"No matter how you feel physically, though, lightening is an exciting sign that your baby is getting into position for birth," Dr. Villanueva says.

Preparing Your Pelvis for Labor

Dr. Benito Villanueva offers expectant moms these tips for helping encourage the baby to drop into the pelvis:

"Squats can help open up your pelvis, and should be done several times a day," Dr. Villanueva says. "For your safety, squats should only be done while holding on to a sturdy chair. Keep your back straight, and then bend down with your knees spread apart. This position will bring relief from back pain now and from the pain of labor later on. In fact, Ancient Egyptian women gave birth in the squatting position over a pot of steaming water, which was believed to ease labor."


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