Pregnancy is a special condition 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 unlimited love and the desire to meet the baby as soon as possible.
Delivery soon?
Especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, women begin to pay close attention to their stomach. If he descended, then it is believed that childbirth is already very close. But how to understand that the stomach is dropping?
The reasons why the belly falls in a pregnant woman
Most women in an interesting position have one and the same question: why and how much does the abdomen fall before childbirth? Of course, finding the 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 birth.
By the 38th week of pregnancy, the baby is considered fully formed and ready for birth. The body of an unborn person can already function independently. The baby's lungs completed the formation process, after birth with the first breath they open and begin to work fully. The heart, like the entire cardiovascular system, is ready to support the vital functions of the body. The baby’s gastrointestinal tract is already capable of digesting food and removing digestive waste from the body. Thus, starting from 38 weeks, the body of the expectant mother is gradually prepared for childbirth. The process of such preparation is often accompanied by the fact that the abdomen falls.
Timing of changes in the position of the abdomen and determination of the date of birth
Usually, by the 37-39th week, the belly of the pregnant woman begins to fall, 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 water volume, they still continue to be updated, but already much more often and faster.
So, the stomach went down, after how many births? Timing depends on many factors. For example, whether a woman gave birth before or not. When the abdomen falls in primiparous women, then presumably the moment of birth 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 delivery. Nevertheless, it is almost impossible to determine the exact date of birth by the position of the abdomen.
Does the belly of a pregnant woman always drop?
Quite often, gynecologists and obstetricians are faced with the fact that the abdomen of a pregnant woman did not fall, although childbirth is already close. There are many reasons for this. For example, multiple pregnancy often does not allow the stomach to fall. And this is understandable, because there are not so many places in the mother in the womb for two babies.
It is noted that in expectant mothers who were not friends with physical activity both during pregnancy and before its onset, the stomach may not fall at all. Weakened or underdeveloped muscles are not able to maintain the uterus in tone, therefore, 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 specialist conducting pregnancy in time.
How to understand that the stomach is dropping and soon the birth?
If you go to any women's forum dedicated to pregnancy and motherhood, you will surely find many records on how to understand that the stomach fell 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. Mom’s stomach space is very small for a man, he becomes cramped, 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 compressing the internal organs. A lowered belly allows the stomach to regain its usual volume and begin to function normally. As a result, the heartburn of the expectant mother goes away or is minimized;
- frequent urination. If the mom’s stomach is now feeling great, then the bladder has a hard time. And this is understandable, because on top of it several kilograms press: the weight of the baby and amniotic fluid. Therefore, expectant mothers are increasingly experiencing the need to visit the ladies room;
- decrease or stop in weight gain associated with a change in the amount of amniotic fluid.
Verification Method
We already talked about how to understand that the stomach is dropping, 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 don’t have to measure your stomach with your palms, like in a cartoon about a boa constrictor, or threaten a gynecologist to try out the exact date of birth. All you have to do is put your palm or fist between your stomach and chest (stomach area). If your hand fits without any problems and it’s easy enough for you to take a deep breath in, then this indicates that your tummy has lowered. Just a little patience and you can finally get to know your future son or daughter.
Calm, only calm!
Your stomach has lowered, and the date of birth is rapidly approaching. What to do?
First of all, you need to calm down and overcome the inner excitement, 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 pleases you. Do you like hiking? Feel free to go to the city park and enjoy the fresh air. However, be aware that childbirth may begin suddenly. When leaving the apartment, take with you all the necessary documents: exchange card, insurance policy, contract with the clinic (if you give birth for a fee). Your gynecologist who is pregnant will tell you about the necessary documents. When leaving for a walk, do not forget to bring a charged mobile phone with you. So, in the event of a birth, you can call an ambulance.
Many expectant mothers really like to buy things for the baby. If you do not believe in signs, then prepare a dowry for the baby before it even appears. You are guaranteed a great mood!
From the 37th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother is strongly recommended to prepare a bag in the hospital. Check back several times. It’s best to make 3 lists according to which you will put things together. One list will contain everything you need for your stay in the hospital. In the second list, write everything that you need for the baby in the first few days (clothes, baby care products). Devote the third list to an extract from the maternity hospital. Having collected 3 different packages, do not forget to show the place of their storage to your husband or person who will visit you in the hospital!
Enjoy the pregnancy!
Just a little more and you will become a mom. Your pregnancy is coming to an end. Ahead of you are waiting for childbirth and a meeting with the baby. Soon you will be remembering your stomach with a smile. Perhaps you will be telling a friend expecting a baby how to understand that her stomach lowered during pregnancy. Therefore, enjoy your position enough. Tune in to the very best. Imagine how soon you will pick up your baby, how you can hug him and whisper about your boundless love. Even during childbirth, think about the baby, 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 dropping, what it means and how much more to wait for a meeting with the baby. Let your birth pass quickly and easily.