How come a baby only drops during the first pregnancy, and not ones after?

Question

Just curious

Answer 1

Each woman and each pregnancy is different so it is not entirely accurate to say that only first babies "drop", which is also called "lightening". Actually, all babies born vaginally will drop at some time. It's just more likely that during a first pregnancy the dropping may occur up to 4 weeks before delivery while subsequent pregnancies may not have the baby dropping until labor begins. Basically this term just means that the baby has descended into the pelvis. It's hard to say why additional babies don't drop as early as first babies, but there is some speculation that your body is just more familiar with the labor and delivery process. It's kind of like the first time we do something new, we plan ahead and get ready early. The next time we don't fret as much. I have had 4 babies and didn't have any noticeable dropping with any of them, not even my first. I have seen other moms who you can look at and know that the baby has dropped because you can see how much lower she is carrying the baby.

Answer 2

That is not the rule by any means. It may be more common for the first to drop earlier than subsequent pregnancies, but that's just on average.

My second dropped. Did he ever...

Answer 3

My second baby has just dropped at 33 weeks...I know it doesnt always happen, but it happend for me.

I think its because the muscles are already relaxed, so it doesnt need to drop as soon to ready the cervix.

Answer 4

What does that mean? I love this site i will check back for answers