| Some women notice that their belly all of a sudden is | | | | lungs. You may eat easier or feel hungrier since the |
| lower, or feels lower, this usually means you've | | | | uterus is not pushing on the stomach as much. Some |
| dropped in preparation for labor. It's also called | | | | woman also say they feel like something is stuck |
| lightening and just means that the baby has moved | | | | between their legs and are uncomfortable walking, |
| down lower in the pelvis. | | | | this is just because the baby is much lower now and |
| If you experience this dropping it does not mean you | | | | is getting in position for labor and delivery. |
| are going to be in labor in x amount of time. It just | | | | If you don't feel any of these "symptoms" you may |
| means that your body is preparing and it could | | | | still drop without noticing and your doctor may tell |
| happen tomorrow or in 4 weeks. It is more common | | | | you during one of your exams. In fact, she may tell |
| to drop early with your first pregnancy and drop | | | | you that the head is engaged, which means the head |
| really close or while in labor for subsequent | | | | is parallel to the ischial spines, or bony bumps on your |
| pregnancies, but that is not guaranteed. | | | | pelvis. This is also called zero station and is often |
| Some woman experience lightening but don't feel the | | | | thought to be a very good place to start labor. |
| difference of the position of the baby. However, | | | | Throughout labor the babies head will continue to |
| there are other indicators that you have dropped or | | | | descend in the pelvis until it makes it's debut. Then |
| are dropping. You may feel you can breather easier | | | | with some pushing your child will come out and you |
| since the baby is no longer putting pressure on the | | | | will finally be able to see him or her for the first time. |