How to understand that the stomach is lowering? How long until childbirth if the stomach dropped?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pregnancy is a special state for every expectant mother. Often the process of bearing a child is accompanied by unreasonable fears, feelings, but at the same time, a feeling of boundless love and a desire to meet the baby as soon as possible.

Having a baby soon?

Especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, women begin to pay close attention to their belly. If it sank, then it is believed that childbirth is already very close. But how do you know when your belly is sinking?

Reasons why a pregnant woman's belly drops

Most women in an interesting position have the same question: why and how long does the stomach drop before childbirth? Of course, finding an exact answer to this question is quite difficult, because every pregnancy, like every human body, is unique. Nevertheless, there are average statistics that will help the expectant mother determine the approximate date of delivery.

By the 38th week of pregnancy, the baby is considered fully formed and ready to be born. The body of an unborn person can alreadyfunction independently. The lungs of the child have completed the process of formation, after birth with the first breath they will open and begin to work fully. The heart, like the entire cardiovascular system, is ready to support the vital activity of the body. The gastrointestinal tract of the baby is already capable of digesting food and removing digestive waste from the body. Thus, starting from the 38th week, the body of the future mother is gradually preparing for childbirth. The process of such preparation is often accompanied by the fact that the stomach drops.

The timing of the change in the position of the abdomen and the determination of the date of birth

Usually, by 37-39 weeks, the belly of a pregnant woman begins to sink, and this is primarily due to the fact that the baby, turned head down, takes the correct position, and the amount of amniotic fluid decreases at the end of the third trimester. Despite the decrease in the volume of water, they still continue to be updated, but much more often and faster.

So, the belly sank, after how many births? The timing depends on many factors. For example, whether the woman gave birth before or not. When the belly drops in primiparous women, then presumably the moment of childbirth occurs in 2-3 weeks. In women who have already experienced all the delights of motherhood, a lowered belly may indicate that there is very little left. Just a week before the birth. However, determining the exact date of delivery by the position of the abdomen is almost impossible.

Does a pregnant woman's belly always drop?

Quite oftenGynecologists and obstetricians are faced with the fact that the belly of a pregnant woman has not dropped, although the birth is already close. There are many reasons for this. For example, multiple pregnancies often prevent the belly from dropping. And this is understandable, because there is not so much space in the mother's uterus for two babies.

It has been noticed that in future mothers who were not friends with physical activity both during pregnancy and before it, the stomach may not drop at all. Weakened or underdeveloped muscles are not able to keep the uterus in good shape, so the contraction of the walls of the uterus begins only during childbirth.

Sometimes a high belly in a pregnant woman may indicate the development of pathology. Therefore, never neglect the advice of a doctor and visit a pregnancy specialist on time.

How to understand that the stomach drops and labor is coming?

If you go to any women's forum dedicated to pregnancy and motherhood, you will definitely find many posts on how to understand that the stomach has dropped during pregnancy. And now let's talk about it.

For some mothers, this process is accompanied by a number of positive factors, such as:

• decreased activity of the baby. There is very little space in the mother’s stomach for the little man, it becomes crowded, so the number of movements is reduced. The child, as it were, calms down and prepares for the complex process of being born;
• disappearance of heartburn in a pregnant woman. In the process of growth and development of the fetus, the size of the uterus increases in the abdominal cavity of a woman,thereby squeezing the internal organs. A lowered belly allows the stomach to return to its usual volume and begin to function normally. As a result, heartburn in the expectant mother passes or is minimized;
• frequent urination. If mom's stomach now feels great, then the bladder has a hard time. And this is understandable, because several kilograms are pressing on him from above: the weight of the baby and amniotic fluid. Therefore, expectant mothers increasingly feel the need to visit the ladies' room;
• decrease or stop in weight gain associated with a change in the amount of amniotic fluid.

Check method

We have already talked about how to understand that the stomach is lowering, now let's talk about how to check it. One of the most reliable ways to check the height of the abdomen is the palm or fist of a pregnant woman. No, you do not have to measure your belly with your palms, as in a cartoon about a boa constrictor, or threaten a gynecologist in order to find out the exact date of birth. All you have to do is place your hand or fist between your stomach and chest (stomach area). If your hand fits without any problems and it is easy enough for you to take a deep breath, then this indicates that your tummy has dropped. A little more patience and you will finally be able to meet your future son or daughter.

Calm, only calm

Your belly is down and your due date is fast approaching. What to do?

First of all, you need to calm down and overcome inner excitement, and perhaps your own fear. Remember that childbirth is a natural process that is currently under the supervision of experienced doctors. Restore inner harmony. Do what brings you pleasure. Do you love hiking? Feel free to go to the city park and enjoy the fresh air. However, remember that childbirth can begin suddenly. When leaving the apartment, take all the necessary documents with you: an exchange card, an insurance policy, an agreement with the clinic (if you give birth for a fee). Your gynecologist who manages the pregnancy will tell you about the necessary documents. When you go for a walk, do not forget to take a charged mobile phone with you. So, in case of labor, you can call an ambulance.

Many moms-to-be love shopping for baby stuff. If you do not believe in omens, then prepare a dowry for the baby even before he appears. Great mood guaranteed!

From the 37th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother is strongly advised to prepare a bag for the hospital. Check everything several times. It is best to make 3 lists on which you will add things. One list will contain everything you need for your stay in the hospital. On the second list, write down everything you need for your baby in the first few days (clothes, baby care products). Dedicate the third list to discharge from the maternity hospital. After collecting 3 different packages, do not forget to show where they are storedyour husband or the person who will visit you at the hospital!

Enjoy your pregnancy

A little more and you will become a mother. Your pregnancy is coming to an end. Ahead of you are waiting for childbirth and a meeting with the baby. Very soon you will remember your stomach with a smile. Perhaps you will tell a friend who is expecting a baby about how to understand that the stomach has dropped during pregnancy. So enjoy your position to your heart's content. Tune in for the best. Imagine how very soon you will take your baby in your arms, how you can hug him and whisper about your boundless love. Even during childbirth, think about the child, try to support him with your positive attitude and then your birth will pass quickly!

Now you know how to understand that the stomach is sinking, what it means and how much longer to wait for a meeting with the baby. May your birth be easy and fast.