Lowering of the Belly During Pregnancy

The body of the expectant mother undergoes changes during the 9 months of pregnancy. Many symptoms arise, which are related to the development of the baby in the womb. One of the typical signs of pregnancy is the growing belly. However, many women notice that their belly drops before labor. Find out why the belly drops during pregnancy.

Why does the belly drop during pregnancy?

As the baby develops in the womb, the belly of the expectant mother gradually grows. The increasing size of the belly is influenced not only by the baby but also by the placenta and the amniotic fluid produced. In the following weeks, the fundus of the uterus rises. In the past, when ultrasound scans were not widely available, the stage of pregnancy was determined by the position of the uterine fundus. It was believed that the fundus, for example, would be at the level of the belly button in the 24th week of pregnancy and would reach its highest point in the 36th week, rising up to the ribcage. The belly drops in preparation for childbirth. The baby needs to position itself correctly in the birth canal to be born naturally. In a multiple pregnancy, the belly often does not drop, as the babies need more space. Similar to preterm labor, the dropping of the belly is also considered one of the signs of impending birth.

When does the belly drop during pregnancy?

The fundus of the uterus gradually moves away from the pubic bone as the weeks of pregnancy progress. The belly of a pregnant woman grows until about the 36th week. During this time, many expectant mothers notice the dropping of the belly. As a result, the uterus exerts less pressure on the abdominal organs, so symptoms like heartburn or shortness of breath may decrease. On the other hand, many pregnant women report a feeling of pressure on the pubic bone and the birth canal, which leads them to visit the bathroom more frequently. In a head-down position, the baby’s head enters the birth canal to allow for a natural birth. Many expectant mothers, especially those with a higher estimated fetal weight, do not notice the dropping of the belly at the end of pregnancy. Therefore, this is a very individual and quite subjective matter.

Does the dropping of the belly during pregnancy mean that labor is imminent?

The dropping of the belly during pregnancy can be one of the signs of impending labor. However, it is not a definitive symptom. It usually occurs about a month before the due date. Other signs that may occur shortly before childbirth include:

• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Loss of the mucus plug
• Diarrhea, vomiting
• Rupture of the amniotic sac