What does "baby dropping"/"lightening" feel like?

KGsky · April 2010

I have no frame of reference.? Even though I started going into labor before my c-section with G, the doctor practically pulled her out of my ribcage.? I remember her saying it would take her a while to get to the baby because she was so high up.?

This time, I'm really looking for the signs that this baby is descending and the doctor keeps asking me if I'm "feeling anything different." Uh...no.? Little feet in my ribs (last time it was G's head right between the two sides of the ribcage b/c she was breech).? I'm really bummed because the only chance I have for a VBAC is if I go into full-on labor before the 24th, but so far...nothing!? No effacement, no dilation, no "lightening."? I know it's early, but the doc's asking me really has me concerned that stuff should be happening. Phooey!

cbwm · April 2010

You'll know when it happens.

When DS dropped, it was like the elephant got off my chest and I could finally breathe again!

Unfortunately, I went from not being able to breathe to having the most insanely horrible tailbone pain ever because he was so low!

Kateysomething · April 2010

Wish I could help, but DD also was pretty high up. Even after pushing for 2 hours in full on labor she hadn't descended. Hmph.

Holy crap, 37 weeks. Also, have I mentioned I love Tiberius Cole?

MrsG2B07 · April 2010

I didn't "feel" any different, cause the horrible reflux lasted til the end. But, I did have people telling me that I looked like I had dropped.

jewelbride07 · April 2010

around 36 wks i could suddenly breathe. i hadn't really even noticed that i hadn't been able to breathe until it happened. try bouncing on an exercise ball. i did this and she was sooooooo low by the time i was in labor. it'll help open up your pelvic bones to allow your body to help the baby drop. can't hurt to try it plus it feels great!

KGsky · April 2010

Kateysomething:
Wish I could help, but DD also was pretty high up. Even after pushing for 2 hours in full on labor she hadn't descended. Hmph.

Holy crap, 37 weeks.? Also, have I mentioned I love Tiberius Cole?

I know! (re: 37 weeks).? It snuck up on me too!? One minute I was like, 22 weeks,? next thing I know, it's April! LOL? Thanks for the love on Tiberius Cole.? I have gotten soooo many negative reactions to his name (positive ones too, to be fair) it's nice to hear that I am not crazy for liking it, or for letting DH pick out the first name (Cole is all mine

)? We call him Ty (or Tybee, if we're being cutesy).? I can't wait to see him, and AW him allll over the bump LOL!??

In any event re: dropping, were you able to push her out eventually or did they have to do a c-section?

KGsky · April 2010

jewelbride07:
around 36 wks i could suddenly breathe. ?i hadn't really even noticed that i hadn't been able to breathe until it happened. ?try bouncing on an exercise ball. ?i did this and she was sooooooo low by the time i was in labor. ?it'll help open up your pelvic bones to allow your body to help the baby drop. ?can't hurt to try it plus it feels great!

I'll try anything!? Thanks! Big Smile

MrsG2B07 · April 2010

KGsky:
jewelbride07:
around 36 wks i could suddenly breathe. i hadn't really even noticed that i hadn't been able to breathe until it happened. try bouncing on an exercise ball. i did this and she was sooooooo low by the time i was in labor. it'll help open up your pelvic bones to allow your body to help the baby drop. can't hurt to try it plus it feels great!

I'll try anything! Thanks!

I did lunges and squats (as well as I could pregnant) as per my L&D teacher. I also took some brisk walks days leading up to DD's birth. She was born at 38 weeks and I went into labor.

la79al · April 2010

I love Tiberius also. I actually tried to steal it Embarrassed

but DH nixed it.

Kateysomething · April 2010

KGsky:

I know! (re: 37 weeks). It snuck up on me too! One minute I was like, 22 weeks, next thing I know, it's April! LOL Thanks for the love on Tiberius Cole. I have gotten soooo many negative reactions to his name (positive ones too, to be fair) it's nice to hear that I am not crazy for liking it, or for letting DH pick out the first name (Cole is all mine ) We call him Ty (or Tybee, if we're being cutesy). I can't wait to see him, and AW him allll over the bump LOL!

In any event re: dropping, were you able to push her out eventually or did they have to do a c-section?

I ended up with a c-section. Sigh. Though, to be fair, I had been in the hospital/in induction for 53 hours at that point, and was given the option to keep trying or opt for the section. I was so you name it (exhausted, defeated, frustrated, etc etc) that I just needed it to be over.

destea1 · April 2010

Yeah you'll know it - you'll suddenly be able to take deep breaths, there'll be a little more slightly visible space between the bottoms of your breasts and the top of your stomach (probably, anyway), and yay - tons and tons of pelvic/vagina pain ooor you'll kinda feel like there's a head between your legs because things feel that swollen

Don't stress yet, it could happen any time!

KGsky · April 2010

la79al:
I love Tiberius also.? I actually tried to steal it but DH nixed it.?

Hahaha Name Stealer!? I almost wish you had, since, while I'm glad there will not be 3 other Tiberiuses in his kindegarten class, I don't want him to be the only one in the world! LOL

Kateysomething · April 2010

..a friend of mine was on board with Tiberius until she realized her DH was trying to sneak a Star Trek name in there, lol. Then she vetoed on principle.

KGsky · April 2010

Kateysomething:
..a friend of mine was on board with Tiberius until she realized her DH was trying to sneak a Star Trek name in there, lol. Then she vetoed on principle.

LOL.? You can't let Star Trek be a deterrent!? There are a lot of really cool names on that show.? Of course, I swore I'd never use any of them, but I also swore I'd never date a New Yorker (married one) raise a kid in NYC (will be raising 2) or have kids past the age of 35...so....yeah....I'm pretty much 0 for 4 on that stuff.? Some Star Trek gems:? Kira, Jean-Luc (I personally love that one, DH nixed it b/c he liked Captain Kirk better), Wesley, Jacob (before it was en vogue), Kassidy/Cassidy...I think a LOT more husbands have gotten a few over on their wives (or vice versa) than people realize!?