Baby dropping question

[usagi]

I'm 38wks along trying to figure out if my baby has dropped or if I have a looming bladder infection. The pelvic pressure is apparent but I still can't breathe normally and she still feels pretty high to me. I do have to urinate more frequently but only tiny amounts. I've been stuffing myself with cranberry extract just to be safe. As of last week my midwife said she hadn't dropped yet so I'm just not sure. I've had chronic UTI's in the past but have so far been very lucky in this pregnancy and not had any. The pressure is more severe after lovemaking. Thoughts?

Thanks!

[katelove]

Impossible to say without feeling your baby's position but the frequent, small urination could be the start of a UTI. Is it painful to pass urine? I would probably say, keep on with the cranberry, drink heaps of water and see what happens. If the symptoms are the start of a UTI they will either go away with the water/cranberry or get worse and then you'll know. If it's the baby then things will probably stay the same.

Can you contact your midwife and maybe get a quick urine dipstick done and/or get her to have a feel and see if babe has moved since your last visit?

[usagi]

Thanks for the response. I have an appointment with her on Wednesday so if things don't get worse I will wait until then. More cranberry! More water! I just wondered if anyone has had similar feelings and can easily just say "that's what the baby dropping feels like." It's not particularly painful to pee and usually when UTI's hit me they hit *hard*. The fact that it's been a few hours now and I'm not doubled over in pain makes me think this is all par for the course.

[Bluegoat]

It could be the baby dropping I think. I have had a similar response to that - the bladder just gets so squished, and it even makes a weird bladder pain, kind of a sharp pain. But I would still carry on with the anti-bladder infection procedures until you can rule out a UTI.

[HappiLeigh]

It could be the baby dropped, or maybe even the baby just shifted position, putting more pressure on your lower parts. When my first one "dropped" it was dead obvious, and the pressure in my upper chest left. (And lovemaking was no longer an option.) But I don't think it's always as obvious as it was for me. Wouldn't hurt to get checked for an infection just in case. Good luck!

[iamkari88]

if this is your first, it probably is the baby dropping. my first dropped 2 weeks before i had her and my other 2 didnt drop untill like the day before. be on the look out for labor signs!!! good luck.

[Gracerenee]

I am 34 weeks and about 12 days ago my LO either dropped or just changed positions and the pressure on my bladder was HORRIBLE. It lasted for a week and I was sure I had a UTI because I felt like I had to pee 24/7. I was getting up every 30 minutes all night long but unable to go more than a trickle. It was miserable. They cultured my urine but no UTI, so I guess it was just sweet boy's position. I am soooo glad that for now he has moved a little and I have some relief.

[smokeylo]

The easiest way to figure that out would probably be just to drop by your midwife's office and do a pee stick right then so you could confirm or rule out an infection. You don't want to mess with that since it's so uncomfortable and can cause BH and such. I'd find out for peace of mind!