I'm 37 weeks pregnant and my baby who was very, very low the whole pregnancy, suddenly is up really high. I'm still unsure of her position, although I think it's her feet that are kicking my ribs. Why hasn't she dropped yet and when should I expect her to?
2007-02-07 12:18:07 · 5 answers · asked by hollywollyd 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Im assuming this is your first pregnancy. Babies usually engage (drop) in your pelvis around 36 - 38 weeks in a first pregnancy. There are several reasons why she may not have engaged, these may include a change of position (from changing from your right or left anterior to being in a posterior position) or possibly that her head is not as well flexed as it was. A flexed babys head means the the chin is down towards the chest meaning the narrowest diameter of the head will be pointing down. However if the head is deflexed she may be looking up with her chin away from her chest meaning a larger diameter is trying to engage. At your gestation there is little to worry about and you may find the head engaging soon and even if it doesn't it may do once labour starts. The birth canal is shaped so that in the majority of cases as you have contractions the head flexes and descends. You may notice what some women describe as "sharp stabbing pains" between their legs and this is a sign that the head is trying to engage.
2007-02-07 18:19:07 · answer #1 · answered by dave s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most women can't actually feel their baby drop but if this is your first pregnancy or even any after that...your baby doesn't necessarily have to drop until labor!
2007-02-07 20:26:09 · answer #2 · answered by jule9104 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the baby won't drop intil the last minute, meaning the on set of labor. Don't worry, you still have plenty of time.
2007-02-07 20:25:19 · answer #3 · answered by veronica c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it probably seems like its high because the head is at the bottom and the legs and bum seem bigger. if its kicking you in the ribs thats good. doesnt feel good i know but it is! mine never really 'dropped' that i noticed. i dont think theres much u can do, ask ur doc at ur next visit.
2007-02-07 20:25:36 · answer #4 · answered by zimba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son didn't engage until he was on his way out - even at 8cm dilated he still wasn't fully down! Your body makes it happen though so don't worry, I had a fully natural straight forward labour :)
2007-02-08 08:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋