Cervical Shortening & Baby Dropping at 29 Weeks: What to Expect

Question
I am 19 years old and pregnant with my first child. I am on bed rest because I have shortening of the cervix. I am having a high risk pregnancy and been having complications since I got pregnant. On Wednesday I will be 29 weeks pregnant and I am already dropping. Should I be concerned? Does this mean I will go into labor very soon?

Answer
Dear Cheryl,

When you say you are already dropping, that can mean that you are noticing that your tummy is lying a bit lower - which can be from a change in position for the baby just a bit lower in the abdomen.

However, the baby settling deeper into your pelvis is also called lightening. When this actually happens, the baby's new position may give your lungs more room to expand, making it easier to breathe. On the flip side, increased pressure on your bladder may send you to the bathroom more often.

For a first pregnancy, lightening may occur weeks or days before labor begins. For subsequent pregnancies, it may not happen ahead of time at all. For some women, the changes are obvious while others may not notice anything. However, this does not necessarily change when your baby will be born. Lightening can happen weeks before labor actually begins.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda