is it normal if the baby 'drops' at 26 weeks?

Question

is it normal if the baby 'drops' at 26 weeks? also what do braxton hicks contractions feel like? also why does my belly get really tight when i go to the toilet

Answer 1

Chances are that the baby was in one position, like transverse (laying side to side across your belly) and then moved (perhaps into the ready-for-D-Day-head-down position), and that's why you feel like she's dropped.

Braxton Hicks contractions feel like your whole belly getting tight. They are generally not painful, but can be uncomfortable, particularly if they last a long time. It is normal to get them when you go to the restroom.

If BH contractions are bothersome, try drinking a large glass of water. They are typically caused by dehydration. Other "cures" are a short walk, eating something, going to the restroom, and lying down on your left side. One of these things will almost always make them stop. If not, take a warm shower.

I've had BH contractions that lasted for 4 and 5 hours - one single contraction. Ouch!! The shower worked, in that case.

Answer 2

my son dropped at 28weeks. was told this is normal,doesnt mean that you will go into labour early either!!! my son has been head firmly down ( engaged ) since about wk 32
braxton hicks for me feel as if someone is holding my belly really tight and letting go slowly some times i get a feeling that everything is being pushed "down there" but i think these vary from women to women

Answer 3

it is not normal if the baby drops at 26 weeks and braxton hicks feel like tightening of your belly that is most likely what you are feeling when you are on the toilet. i get them too

Answer 4

Shouldn't you be asking your doctor about this? How do you know your baby "dropped"? if you are just guessing that your baby dropped you shouldn't. Read below
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

How your life's changing:
Around this time, your blood pressure may beincreasing slightly as it returns to its normal pre-pregnancy range. (It was at a low from 22 to 24 weeks.) Though preeclampsia most often occurs in the last trimester, this is a good time to be aware of the warning signs of this dangerous condition that occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of all pregnancies. Signs you should be alert for include swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain (due to water retention), blurry vision, seeing spots before your eyes, sudden severe or persistent headaches, or upper abdominal pain. By checking for high blood pressure and protein in your urine, your caregiver will monitor you for preeclampsia at your routine prenatal visits, but call her immediately if you have any of these symptoms before your next appointment. Early identification of preeclampsia is essential for the health of you and your baby.

If your back seems a little achy lately, you can thank pregnancy hormones (which are loosening up your joints and ligaments) and your shifting center of gravity. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath — or cool compress — might bring relief. Or you may want to schedule a prenatal massage by a trained therapist. Use a pregnancy wedge when sleeping, to support your back and abdomen. Try to maintain good posture, which will help reduce the strain on your back, and always take care when bending and lifting. If you experience severe pain or numbness in any area of your body, call your practitioner.