How to understand that the stomach has dropped before childbirth

Feelings from the process

Pregnancy is a happy stage in a woman’s life. But it is associated with significant stress on the body. Specific changes in well-being, not always pleasant, are associated with the fact that all the strength and capabilities of the female body are spent on maintaining a new life in it. The first noticeable symptoms are heartburn and shortness of breath.

They arise due to the increasing pressure of the uterus on the diaphragm and stomach. The expectant mother may feel weak, get tired and tired quickly. Often in the last stages there is a lack of appetite. But at some point the woman realizes that the unpleasant symptoms have disappeared - a sign that the process of abdominal prolapse has begun.

In rare cases, changes in well-being do not occur when the abdomen drops - this must be taken into account in the later stages of pregnancy so as not to miss the moment.

But not only easy breathing and normalization of the stomach make it possible to check whether the fetus has dropped or not. The following symptoms may be observed:

frequent urination
associated with increased pressure on the bladder;
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loose stools
caused by the effect of the uterus on the intestines;
mucous discharge
accompanying increased uterine tone;
unexpected weight loss
of up to -3 kilograms.

In addition, the woman notices that the child has become calmer

, does not show the same activity. The phenomenon is due to the fact that the fetus has reached a fairly large size, and there is no longer enough space for the previous scope of actions.

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Increased frequency of urination and defecation

The urge to urinate becomes more frequent as pressure on the bladder increases. Under the influence of biologically active substances produced in her body towards the end of pregnancy, a woman's intestines cause some stool liquefaction and acceleration of peristalsis, which leads to diarrhea and mild abdominal cramps. This condition is comparable to “bear sickness,” which is well known to many students and occurs before an exam. It is believed that the appearance of frequent soft stools is no coincidence: this leads to cleansing of the mother’s intestines, and at the same time frees up space in the pelvis to facilitate the passage of the child. Sometimes this process is so pronounced that it causes serious panic, as women mistake it for food poisoning. So, if there were no significant reasons for digestive disorders, then you can confidently perceive such a disorder as a harbinger of childbirth.

Discomfort during descent

When the belly drops before giving birth, a woman experiences tremendous emotional and physical relief. But at the same time, the expectant mother is faced with unpleasant manifestations of the process. This period may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

pain in the lower abdomen;
lower back pain;
disturbance of stool and urination;
duck gait.

Abdominal and back pain are associated with changes in fetal position. If previously the diaphragm took the brunt of the impact, now the abdominal organs and spine are under pressure. Active preparation of the uterus before childbirth causes unpleasant sensations reminiscent of premenstrual pain.

Soreness after the abdomen has dropped may be due to pressure on the pelvic bones.

Indigestion can manifest itself not only in the form of loose stools, but also constipation. Urination becomes more frequent, and sometimes it is difficult for a woman to control herself when laughing, coughing and other sudden actions.

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Duck gait in pregnant women occurs due to the position of the baby - its head is directed towards the pelvis. At the same time, the expectant mother may experience difficulties in performing any actions that previously did not cause trouble. Many women face sleep disturbances: they find it difficult to find a comfortable position.

Breathing becomes easier

Immediately after the baby begins to descend deeper into the pelvic area and the pressure on the chest, diaphragm and internal organs decreases, the mother experiences relief: it becomes much easier to breathe. Most often, heartburn goes away because the space for the stomach increases and the contents from the stomach do not flow back into the esophagus. However, this increases pressure on the lower abdomen and makes sitting and walking a little more difficult. It is also possible that after the fetus is displaced downwards, the expectant mother will have difficulty sleeping, since at this time it is difficult to find a comfortable position. In addition, numbness in the legs is possible, which is caused by the lowering of the baby's head, which can compress the nerve endings - the numbness can go away when lying on its side.

How does the woman feel?

The following signs help to understand that the pregnant uterus has begun to descend into the pelvis, except for external changes:

Disappearance of heartburn
. The freed organs of the gastrointestinal tract begin to function better and bile is no longer raised by the pressure of the uterus from below;
Easier breathing
. The shortness of breath that has been tormenting me for several months finally goes away and the opportunity to breathe deeply again appears;
Frequent urination
. Now the pelvic organs, in particular the bladder, are having a hard time. The pressing uterus after prolapse does not allow the bladder to be completely filled with incoming urine, so calls to empty the bladder become more frequent;
Painful sensations when walking
. The pressure of the uterus on the nerve endings causes discomfort when walking or sitting. And also pain can be felt in the lumbar region. The gait resembles that of a duck - it waddles, shifting the center of gravity with each step.

In first-time mothers, the pregnant belly drops earlier, a month before giving birth, but sometimes this happens 2-3 days before the birth of the child. Multiparous women notice a drooping of their abdomen about a week before the baby is born, but it happens later, and some do not notice that their belly has drooped at all until the birth.

Signs of prolapse

An obstetrician-gynecologist can accurately determine abdominal prolapse during an examination by measuring the height of the uterine fundus with a centimeter tape: as a rule, it decreases by 4-5 cm compared to previous values, and the abdominal circumference, on the contrary, will continue to increase.

In addition, there are a number of signs by which a woman herself can determine the prolapse of the uterus:

Disappearance of shortness of breath and easier breathing
. In the third trimester, at 35-36 weeks, the uterus is significantly increased in size, its bottom puts pressure on the diaphragm, thereby significantly complicating breathing. Expectant mothers at this stage very often complain of shortness of breath, which worsens when lying down; when the abdomen subsides, such symptoms will disappear;
Disappearance of heartburn and belching
(also associated with a decrease in the pressure of the uterus on the organs of the digestive system);
Discomfort and pain in the pelvic area
. Due to the pressure of the child on the pelvis, a woman may experience discomfort in the lower abdomen, heaviness, and pain in the pelvic bones. Movements become increasingly difficult, especially associated with lifting the lower limbs;
Frequent urination.
Due to the pressure of the fetus on the bladder, the woman begins to notice frequent urination, and the portion of urine may be insignificant. In addition, at this time, urinary incontinence may occur, especially when coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion, so a pregnant woman must strictly monitor sexual hygiene and, if necessary, use special urological pads;
Tendency to constipation.
Violation of the act of defecation towards the end of pregnancy is associated with pressure from the child and the uterus on the rectum. To prevent constipation, it is important for the expectant mother to normalize her diet by completely eliminating foods that have a strengthening effect. If necessary, you can use laxatives after consulting your doctor (for example, Lactulose);
External changes in the abdomen
(can be noted not only by the woman herself, but also by her relatives and friends);
Change in gait.
Due to the pressure of the child on the pelvis, a woman’s gait can change significantly: walking becomes difficult, the pregnant woman begins to waddle (the so-called “duck walk”);
Sleep disorders.
First of all, this is due to the fact that it becomes uncomfortable for a woman to lie down and it is difficult to choose a position for comfortable sleep.

Recommendations from experts

A belly that has already dropped is a predictor of an imminent birth. For some, in a month, for others in half a month, a long-awaited event will happen. It is important to adhere to the following recommendations in recent weeks:

To prevent edema, in late pregnancy, women are recommended to rest by lying down 2-3 times a day for half an hour.
Night sleep should last at least 8-9 hours.
It is recommended to shower daily.
Hot baths and baths should be avoided so as not to provoke premature labor.
Visit the dentist and get your teeth in order.
Avoid long walks.
Get plenty of rest, don't overwork, don't lift heavy things.
The motorist is better off becoming a passenger.
Airplane flights are contraindicated, since childbirth on board is not the most pleasant consequence of such travel.
Prepare a bag for the maternity hospital. Have everything you need ready so you don't have to run around and pack your bag when contractions have already begun.
Do not eat heavy, fatty foods, or overeat. In the last month, when the stomach has already dropped, it is undesirable to gain weight.

Before giving birth, a woman does not need to be nervous, worried, or worried. Tune in to a positive outcome of the birth, be calm. Very soon the baby who was under your heart will be snoring peacefully in your arms.

What to do

There is no need to worry too much about whether your stomach has dropped or not. These are very individual characteristics of each woman. The sign itself is nonspecific, and general readiness for childbirth can only be judged in combination with other symptoms and only after a vaginal examination by a doctor.

If a woman notices that her stomach has already dropped, she should be even more vigilant about her own well-being, not travel far from the place where she is going to give birth, prepare an “alarm suitcase” and be ready to go to the maternity hospital at any moment.

We recommend reading about why the stomach feels tight during late pregnancy. From the article you will learn about the obstetric causes of pain in the lower abdomen and the prevention of pain.

And here is more information about polyhydramnios during pregnancy.

Abdominal prolapse during pregnancy is more often observed in primigravidas than in repeat pregnancy. It is usually not difficult to notice for yourself that this has happened. The time of lowering of the abdomen is individual, it is even possible that this can occur with the onset of contractions and the breaking of water. This is only an indirect sign of close birth.

Visual cues

External changes will also help you understand that the fetus has begun to descend. Usually they can be recognized immediately, since all mothers actively monitor the condition of the abdomen. The most common visual signs are:

the stomach takes on a pear shape, clearly protruding forward;
its position becomes below the line of the hip bone;
the number of stretch marks increases sharply.

firm to the touch.

and
hard
. For many mothers, a waistline begins to appear, which was out of the question in previous weeks. The tummy itself looks heavy, widened towards the bottom.

The most popular way to understand that the belly has dropped is to place your palm between the tummy and chest: if it fits freely, you will soon meet the baby.

We must not forget that the listed changes are standard, and each woman’s body is unique. The process of abdominal prolapse can only be indicated by an improvement in well-being and a change in the position of the fetus, which a visit to the gynecologist can reveal.

Symptoms during re-pregnancy

There are some differences here. Abdominal prolapse during pregnancy in multiparous women may not occur until labor begins, and this is also considered normal. This is due to the following reasons:

The frequency of large fetuses is higher and the size of the fetus does not correspond to that of the woman’s pelvis.
The anterior abdominal wall in multiparous women is usually stretched (due to previous pregnancies, excess body weight and lack of physical activity). This leads to the fact that the baby tends to “go forward”, where there is less resistance, rather than trying to “crawl” into the narrow pelvic passage.

However, this does not always happen and abdominal prolapse, and the appearance of all symptoms can occur in the same way as in first-time mothers.

Approximate dates

It all starts in the last trimester, in the last weeks. Not a single gynecologist can name the specific date when the stomach begins to drop. The process always proceeds individually, and its terms vary from 36 to 39 weeks.

Often mothers are interested in how long it takes for the belly to completely lower. On average it lasts about a week. Some women notice a complete change in the shape of their abdomen in just a couple of days. In some cases, the stomach usually may not drop at all or may do so several hours before the onset of labor:

the presence of two or more fruits;
weak abdominal muscles;
large size of the child;
a narrow pelvis in the expectant mother;
transverse recumbency of the fetus.

There are differences in the timing of abdominal descent in women who have already given birth and those who will become mothers for the first time. In multiparous women, the first signs are observed earlier, even before the 36th week. For first-time mothers, the moment may drag on until 2-4 weeks before giving birth.

Before the second or subsequent births, the stomach may not drop at all due to weakening of the abdominal wall muscles.

It is noteworthy that not only the descent of the fetus, but also birth in second-time mothers can occur a little earlier - at about 38 weeks. This is not considered a pathology and should not cause panic.

What does a drooping belly look like during pregnancy?

External signs of abdominal prolapse are also individual features of the structure of the pelvic bones. However, if there is no pathology of the narrow pelvis, then almost all expectant mothers may notice the following changes when the fetus descends into the pelvis:

Previously, the stomach, which was evenly round in shape, becomes more angular, acquires roundness in the lower part, it seems to hang over the pelvis.
The woman notices changes in the form of stretch marks on the sides and lower abdomen, which have become more noticeable and visible. There may be itching in the lower abdomen, which indicates muscle overextension.
When lowered into the pelvis, the child should already roll over. Therefore, the mother feels strong tremors in the sternum area, the child tries to straighten his legs, play with his hands, but there is not enough space.
It is difficult to sit or stand for a long time. It is especially difficult to sit in a sitting position when the abdomen is drooping. If your mother has not yet gone on maternity leave before this date, then you should hurry up. After all, childbirth will soon occur, and excessive pressure on the pelvic arteries provokes oxygen starvation of the baby.

Why is this happening

The process of fetal development in the womb is complex, multi-stage and lengthy. As the baby grows, the fundus of the uterus rises, moving closer to the diaphragm. At approximately 36 weeks, the size of the fetus reaches the point at which the female body gives a signal: the time for childbirth is approaching. The uterus begins to decline - to 4-5 centimeters.

The average values of the level of the uterine fundus in the last weeks of pregnancy look like this:

A week	DM height
34-35	32-33 cm
36-37	32-37 cm
38-39	35-38 cm
40-41	34-35 cm

The decrease in the position of the uterine fundus is due to the fact that the baby is in a position suitable for childbirth - its head is adjacent to the pelvis. This leads to lowering and further dilation of the cervix.

All data on changes in the position of the uterus are recorded by an obstetrician-gynecologist

in the woman's medical record.

The fetus should remain in this position until labor begins. At the same time, it prepares for the process of birth: it groups and becomes less active.

What to do after abdominal prolapse

Prolapse of the uterine fundus is still a harbinger of childbirth, so a woman should begin to prepare for the upcoming event:

Notify your obstetrician-gynecologist about changes in your abdomen
. This fact will help the specialist finally determine the expected date of birth and, if necessary, the time of the woman’s prenatal hospitalization in the hospital;
Decide on the choice of a maternity hospital and a specialist
who will conduct the birth;
Prepare all the necessary things for the woman and child to stay in the maternity hospital
.

How long does it take for the stomach to drop?

Starting from the 7th month, the location of the stomach changes, as a result, the expectant mother experiences heartburn, and in some cases she loses her appetite. Before childbirth, in the last weeks of pregnancy, the body gradually rebuilds and intensively prepares for childbirth. The size of the fetus increases every week, and the uterus also grows.

The baby occupies the correct location in the uterus, convenient for leaving the womb - head down, and with it the uterus in the pelvis also descends, below its usual position that it occupied during pregnancy, by about 4-5 cm. In this position, the fetus will remain until birth.

A woman notices that her stomach has dropped during pregnancy, she has become more comfortable and begins to worry about the most important question: when is the birth?

The abdomen, that is, the enlarged uterus, begins to descend in the third trimester; it is impossible to determine a certain period and the exact week of pregnancy. How long does it take for the belly to drop before childbirth is an individual question for each pregnant woman. Some women notice that their belly began to sag already at 29-30 weeks of pregnancy, long before giving birth, while others claim that their belly sank only at 39 weeks - 2-3 days before giving birth.

According to gynecologists, despite the individual characteristics of each expectant mother, fetal formation occurs from 2 days to 4 weeks in pregnant women preparing for childbirth for the first time. During subsequent births, the belly will drop much earlier.

Is a drooping belly a sign of imminent labor?

If a woman notices that the position of the abdomen has changed, and accompanying signs have also appeared, then there is no need to panic and worry that labor will begin ahead of schedule. A cause for concern is leakage of amniotic fluid and early discharge of cork mucus. The drooping of the abdomen before childbirth itself does not indicate the imminent appearance of the child - it is just the beginning of a new and final period of pregnancy.

It is worth noting that in many women the stomach does not drop at all, or this happens before the baby appears with the onset of contractions. If a woman with a change in the location of the uterus begins to be bothered by severe pain or unusual discharge, then it is worth visiting a doctor for an examination.

What to do

Sagging belly

- a sure sign that you won’t have to wait long for the onset of labor.
And therefore, it’s time for the expectant mother to start preparing for the process. From now on you need to:

inform the doctor observing the pregnant woman about the event;
pack an “emergency” bag for departure to the maternity hospital;
complete preparations in the children's room;
adjust yourself morally, maintain a positive mood.

After abdominal prolapse, it is recommended to rest more and get a good night's sleep. This will allow you to gain strength for the upcoming test. The sleeping position should be as comfortable as possible, but not half-sitting - such a position can provoke premature birth.

To make you feel better while sleeping and find a comfortable position, it is recommended to avoid pillows, uncomfortable blankets, and hard bedding.

Communication with a doctor at this stage is mandatory, since he will be able to predict the exact date of birth of the baby. In addition, the gynecologist will detect possible alarming symptoms that will require the woman to be immediately sent to the maternity hospital for preservation.

It won't hurt to purchase special urological pads. They will provide comfort when the discharge begins, and will also help the woman out in an awkward situation associated with incontinence.

When there may not be

Some features of gestation suggest that abdominal prolapse does not occur, since there is a mechanical or other obstacle to the movement of the fetus. In many cases, birth occurs by caesarean section one way or another. Most often such cases include:

transverse or oblique presentation of the fetus;
central placenta previa;
with polyhydramnios;
with multiple births;
with a short umbilical cord;
with a large and gigantic fetus;
when a woman has a narrowing of the pelvis or the presence of bone growths or deformities;
pathologies and abnormalities of fetal development - most often the head or pelvic end.

Expert opinion

Daria Shirochina (obstetrician-gynecologist)

Whether or not the abdomen prolapses and the presenting part is inserted into the pelvic outlet can be judged only by a doctor, based not only on an external examination of the pregnant woman, but also on a vaginal examination. The tactics of labor management in each case are built individually.

Cause for alarm

Gynecologists note that in a situation with abdominal prolapse, there is only one alarming reason - if the process began earlier than 35 weeks. This is a serious threat of premature onset of labor, which can have an unpredictable impact on the health of the child and the woman in labor. In such a situation, urgent consultation with a doctor is required.

If you suspect, but are not sure, that your stomach has dropped, it is recommended to consult your obstetrician.

If you detect signs of a drooping belly ahead of time, you need to:

immediately contact a gynecologist;
do not be nervous or panic;
maintain a comfortable position.

Severe painful sensations associated with increased uterine tone should also alarm the expectant mother. To correct the situation and allow the baby to spend its full term in the womb, the woman is prescribed special drugs that weaken the muscles of the uterus.

Some tips

When a woman's stomach drops, it becomes a little easier. Shortness of breath and digestive problems disappear, the baby stops painfully pressing into the ribs. But along with this, other troubles appear, described above. For example, many women are concerned about urinary incontinence. When laughing or coughing, it becomes difficult to control oneself, which can cause complexes in the expectant mother. To prevent this from happening, you should wear a pad from the moment of prolapse, which will protect you from possible troubles.

With prolapse of the uterus, discharge from the genital tract often appears. They are considered normal if they do not have an unpleasant odor or strange color. Normally, the discharge is white, odorless, and does not cause discomfort. If deviations occur, you should consult a doctor. The fact is that the penetration of infection is very dangerous for the fetus and this can happen at any time. A woman’s body is very susceptible to various viral and bacterial carriers, and with a change in the position of the uterus, the risk of infection increases significantly. Therefore, doctors recommend abstaining from sexual activity 2-3 weeks before the upcoming birth.

If abdominal prolapse before childbirth is accompanied by severe pain in the pubic and hip area, then bed rest is recommended. In this case, the woman needs to lie on her side - this way the weight from the stomach is transferred to the other side, giving the organs the opportunity to rest a little.

It is very useful to take baths with the addition of soothing herbs to relieve pain. Medicines in the form of tablets or ointments are usually ineffective and can only be used with the permission of the supervising physician. Unpleasant sensations will pass without a trace immediately after the birth of the child.

Why isn't this happening?

If your due date is approaching, but your belly still hasn't dropped, there's no reason to worry. Each woman’s body is unique, and the absence of abdominal prolapse cannot indicate the presence of any abnormalities. In many cases, the prolapse of the abdomen can only approximately predict the date of birth, and nothing more.

According to statistics, this phenomenon is absent in multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios, or if the child is large enough.

Such factors may prevent him from taking the correct position, but this does not mean that the birth will be complicated. Everything is purely individual. When the stomach has already dropped, there is no need to do anything. By the last month of pregnancy, pack all the necessary things for the maternity hospital and wait for contractions to begin.

Don't forget about m

minimal physical activity, since without it severe pain in the lumbar region and other discomfort may occur. If your stomach drops during pregnancy, this is a harbinger of an imminent birth. But even if this does not happen, there is no reason to worry. Abdominal prolapse does not occur in all women and cannot indicate the presence or absence of pathological processes. The main thing is to pack your things for the maternity hospital and don’t get nervous, especially over trifles. Labor will begin soon, whether you notice the prolapse or not.

When pregnant women's belly drops

Abdominal prolapse during pregnancy definitely occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, not earlier than 36 weeks. If such prolapse is noted ahead of schedule, it is worth telling the gynecologist about it. The body behaves a little differently during a multiple pregnancy, when the weight of two babies is excessive in order to hold it in the desired position. However, births during multiple pregnancies occur prematurely in 85% of cases.

Important.
Multiple pregnancy is considered a complication in which the mother's body experiences increased stress. An obstetrician leading a pregnancy with twins or triplets will prescribe vitamins and minerals in the final stages. Which help normalize the condition of the pregnant woman, which prevents premature birth.

It is worth talking about the norms of abdominal prolapse only in the case when the pregnancy was natural, there is one fetus in the uterus, and the woman has not given birth more than 2 times. Otherwise, we can talk about individual characteristics that do not make it possible to generalize the symptoms.

Prolapse rates are 37-40 weeks. However, there are often cases when the stomach does not drop until contractions occur. This happens quite often in primiparous women, as well as in women in labor with a narrow pelvis. Depending on the degree of narrow pelvis, we can talk about the external manifestations of the abdomen in prolapse.

During a multiple pregnancy, or during a pregnancy that was maintained hormonally, it is not normal to talk about prolapse until the 38th week. In this case, there is no prolapse until birth, or premature prolapse at 34 weeks. Any condition should be monitored by an obstetrician, and an examination should be carried out to determine the degree of expansion of the child’s lungs. If there is a risk of premature birth, then the mother is given drugs that penetrate the placenta and promote the safe opening of the lungs. In case of early appearance, the child is already protected and can breathe on his own.

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