? - baby dropping in 2nd time moms who haven't labored

papagena

I know it is common for babies of 2nd timers not to drop until very close or during labor, but wonder if anyone knew if that was different for those who hadn't really experienced labor?  Or, if you know why that changes for 2nd time moms, I'm curious!

ShansBride

I have nothing scientific, but I never went into labor with DS and DD didn't drop until I was in labor (or at least I never really felt her "drop" but I wasn't checked until I felt the urge to push so technically I suppose she could have droppped earlier).

Maybe it is because the cervix needs less pressure the 2nd time around?  I really have no idea!

MAprincess

I actually didn't really follow the norm.  I did labor with DS before I had my CS.  With DD (my VBAC baby) she was engaged and dropped for WEEKS and then I still had to be induced.

Strawberrywine

I asked my midwife about this b/c it's a huge fear of mine. My kids have never dropped or become engaged. She number one said not to worry about it, that it did not increase/decrease my chances of a successful VBA2C.  Two, second and 3rd time moms, etc, don't always experience engagement/dropping b/c the pelvic floor muscles are so stretched out that they can't effectively hold baby in place.

 When I asked my doula/birth coach/hypno instructor about this, she couldn't confirm or deny it.  She said to stop worrying about it and visualize baby becoming engaged etc.

 At this point, I'm trying to just go with flow, but this is definitely a worry of mine.

 

lorryfach

Strawberrywine:

 At this point, I'm trying to just go with flow, but this is definitely a worry of mine.

If it makes you feel better, at 40 weeks, my midwife remarked Bug was "waaaaay up there" but labor started less than 24 hours later and she was born at 40w2d, no issues.

roxnyc

I don't get on the bump very often, but like to check on the VBAC board.

DD was a C-section at 39w1d due to breech position.  She never dropped, and I had no labor signs when I went in for the scheduled C.

With DS, he never dropped either.  At my appointment at 40w1d, he was still very high.  My OB stripped my membranes that day, I went into labor that night, and my son was born via VBAC the next afternoon.

Strawberrywine

lorryfach:

Strawberrywine:

 At this point, I'm trying to just go with flow, but this is definitely a worry of mine.

If it makes you feel better, at 40 weeks, my midwife remarked Bug was "waaaaay up there" but labor started less than 24 hours later and she was born at 40w2d, no issues.

 

This makes me feel way better!

jen5-03

DS never dropped even though I went to 41wk 2 days. Several hours into labor he was still -1. Honestly it was pretty discouraging. But in the end he decided to move on down and was a successful vbac.