Contents:
- Medical Video: Childbirth Stations of Presentation
- Understanding baby's movements down to the pelvis
- What can be done to help the baby go down to the pelvis?
Medical Video: Childbirth Stations of Presentation
The baby's movements in the womb start to drop down is one of the first signs that your body is preparing for labor. However, what happens when it is nearing labor but the baby has not yet fallen down to the pelvis? What can a prospective mother do? Check out the tips below, yes.
Understanding baby's movements down to the pelvis
When the body begins to prepare for labor, the baby will drop down to the pelvis. This baby's movement that drops down to the pelvis is calleddropping orlightening. This movement means that the baby is turning his body to position his head so that it is nearing the birth path. Babies need to reach the optimal position in the uterus to pass through the birth canal.
Baby's drop can occur several weeks before labor actually begins, between weeks 34 and 36 of pregnancy. However, for some women, the movement of a baby in the womb can occur just hours before labor begins.
If you feel that your baby has gone down, the doctor can check the baby's position and predict when labor will begin.
Every pregnancy is different. For some women, the delivery time is not too far away when movements in the womb have dropped. However, others may still have a long distance. Some other prospective mothers may never really feel the baby in the womb going down until the final seconds before labor.
What can be done to help the baby go down to the pelvis?
If the baby doesn't seem to go down to the pelvis even after 36 weeks of pregnancy, you can do the following.
- Pamper yourself with mild physical activity to open the cervix. For example, walking and squats. However, don't get involved in activities that are too heavy.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged because it can push the baby back in. Sitting with your knees open and leaning forward can make the baby move down to the pelvis.
- Using a gym ball for pregnant women (birth ball) to help move the baby to the pelvis and also reduce back and waist pain.
- Squat helps in opening the pelvis and strengthening the pelvic muscles. This helps move the baby closer to the pelvis. However, avoid squatting positions.
- Lie on the left side with a pillow between your knees.
- Swim with your stomach facing up. Avoid breaststroke if there is pelvic pain.
- If your job makes you sit or stand for a long time in one place, be sure to rest and move in a balanced manner. If you have been sitting too long, stand up and take a walk for a few minutes. If you have stood too long, take a break and find a seat.
Talk to your doctor before trying one of the tips above or if you suspect that the baby is not moving to the pelvic area.
