Dropping questions

[poep]

Okay, so I'm sure this isn't the first or the last thread we will have about dropping, but I thought I would turn to you lovely ladies with my questions rather than make up the answers for myself (or go by everything I read )

How do you know if your baby "drops?" Do you have to drop to go into labor? I've heard for first pregnancy it is supposed to happen in advance of the birth (possibly weeks) and for subsequent it doesn't usually happen until labor begins.

I don't think I've "dropped" yet, and when I saw my OB last Thursday (at 38wks) he said that I am high and closed and doesn't think I'll have this baby for a couple of weeks. That is all fine, for now. I'm not particularly uncomfortable, I'm enjoying being pregnant and I'll gladly take a couple more days to relax before baby comes. However, I fear once I get past my due date, my OB may start to talk induction. (Mind you, I'm jumping to conclusions: he has not said ANYTHING re: induction thus far and has been laid back and very happy with where I am at.) If it does come up, I know I can refuse, but I just don't want to get to that point (who needs that stress?).

Anything I can do to help the baby drop? I've been sitting on the birthing ball and I'll still very active (working out, walking, etc.) But, I feel like this babe is never going to come out.

[timneh_mom]

Hello

I could really tell when I dropped with DS, because my whole shape changed. Are you taking weekly pictures or anything like that? If you are, you'll notice it. I thought he was kind of low, but sometime between 39 and 40 weeks, he got REALLY low! You will probably feel less heartburn and shortness of breath, but more pressure on your bladder, etc.

If all the walking, etc. that you are doing is going well, you're tolerating it, and it feels good, I'd keep at it! I don't know that you can make it happen before it's time for it to happen, but all of these things will help you stay in shape for the big day.

[umami_mommy]

i don't think anyone has stayed pregnant forever!

you're babe will come when he/she is ready. babies are born in their own time, or at least they were before the advent of OBs.

[mamabear&babybear]

If I remember right, my biggest clue that dd dropped was feeling the head hitting my cervix on a regular basis. I knew this baby had dropped because I could again feel the head against my cervix, I could breathe easier, and my coat suddenly fit better. I wouldn't stress too much. Having the baby drop doesn't mean you will go into labor soon. Both of my babes dropped around 36 weeks and dd wasn't born until 39weeks and 5 days. On the other side of things I'm sure it's normal for some first time moms to drop shortly before labor. Hang in there, it will happen when it's meant to.

[stretchmark]

For me the only sign was a bigger appetite. The baby has always been on my cervix.

[libragirl]

I didn't, and haven't, noticed anything internal - my yoga instructor was the one who pointed out that the baby dropped (sometime between my Wed. and Sat. classes!), I didn't really see a change until people pointed it out! the baby has been low the whole time but I don't feel it on my cervix.

anyway, hang in there!