The baby dropping usually occurs a few weeks to a few hours before labor. For first-time mothers, the belly typically drops about 2-4 weeks before labor begins. This is a sign that the baby has moved down into the pelvis and is preparing for birth. To learn more about how long after the baby drops labor starts, and what mothers need to be aware of when the baby drops, let’s take a look at the following article from AVAKids’ Pregnancy section!

1Image of a Dropped Belly

The appearance of a dropped belly varies from person to person, but the following characteristics are signs of a dropped belly that mothers can easily recognize:

• When the belly drops, expectant mothers may notice a larger gap between their chest and belly.
• Expectant mothers may feel they can breathe easier as the pressure on their lungs decreases. The lower part of the abdomen, near the pelvis, may protrude more.
• The belly may look “heavy” at the bottom and the feeling of pressure in the pelvic area increases.
• The expectant mother’s posture and stance may also change when the belly drops. She may feel the need to lean back to maintain balance due to the weight concentrated in the lower part of her body.
• When viewed from the front, the belly may look smaller or less protruding than before it dropped, especially in the upper part.

Image of a dropped belly, a sign that the mother is about to give birth

2How Long After the Baby Drops Does Labor Start?

There is no definitive answer to the question of how long after the baby drops labor starts because it depends on many factors. This requires the mother to listen to the changes in her body so that she can be prepared in a timely manner.

According to experts, the baby dropping varies from mother to mother, and the time of delivery also varies. Therefore, it is impossible to know in which week the fetus drops. However, the fetus being in a favorable position and the belly dropping lower will be good conditions to help the mother prepare for the birthing process.

For first-time mothers, the belly drops about 2 to 4 weeks before the due date. For mothers expecting their second child or more, the belly will drop as soon as the body begins to experience contractions.

The belly drops about 2 to 4 weeks before the due date for first-time mothers.

3Why Does the Belly Drop?

The dropping of the belly is one of the joyful signs that labor is approaching. The fetus has moved lower, and signs of the baby descending into the pelvic cavity are gradually appearing. A dropped belly means the fetus has descended into the mother’s pelvis and is preparing to meet her.

When the baby in the womb begins to reach the stage of birth, the mother’s body will change to create the best conditions for the baby to easily exit the uterus. The first step is for the baby to move down into the pelvis. This process stretches the muscles, making it easier for the mother to give birth.

A dropped belly signals impending labor

4Signs of a Dropped Belly

Signs of a dropped belly are what expectant mothers from 7 months onwards are most interested in. You can quickly recognize it by observing the change in the position of your belly compared to before. The belly is about to drop if the mother has the following signs:

4.1. Frequent Urination

As the baby moves down, the weight of the fetus puts significant pressure on the bladder, causing the mother to urinate more frequently.

4.2. Pelvic Pressure

The mother will feel pressure on the pelvic area as the baby moves into this region. The feeling will be more pronounced when walking. As the due date approaches, the mother’s gait may become more waddling, slow, and heavy.

4.3. Increased Appetite

Pregnant women in their third trimester often experience an increased appetite as heartburn subsides. In the first and second trimesters, due to the uterus and stomach pressing against each other, the mother often experiences heartburn. However, once the fetus drops lower into the pelvis, the mother’s stomach has more space, ending heartburn and increasing appetite.

4.4. Easier Breathing

As the fetus moves down, the mother’s lungs will also have more space, so she will no longer be short of breath as before.

4.5. Changes in the Appearance of the Belly

If you look closely, you will notice that the belly has dropped lower, further away from the rib cage. This is the clearest sign that the baby is about to be born.

4.6. Hemorrhoids

This is the most unpleasant thing when the baby drops deep into the pelvis. Many mothers experience constipation and severe hemorrhoids during this stage. At this time, mothers should try to eat foods rich in fiber to reduce the severity of the condition.

Images of the pregnant belly through each stage of pregnancy

5Is it a Problem if the Belly Drops Early? 

A belly dropping early can be a normal or abnormal sign, depending on the timing and accompanying symptoms.

Normal:

Late pregnancy (weeks 36-40): A dropped belly is a sign that the baby has moved down into the pelvis, preparing for birth. This is completely normal and usually occurs a few weeks before labor, especially in first-time mothers.

Abnormal:

• Early or mid-pregnancy: If the belly drops early, especially before week 36, it could be a sign of preterm labor or other problems such as:
• Preterm labor: Early dropping of the belly accompanied by symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, or changes in fetal movement can be a sign of preterm labor.
• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): If the belly drops early and is accompanied by leaking or gushing of amniotic fluid, go to the hospital immediately.
• Other problems: Early dropping of the belly can also be related to problems with the placenta, umbilical cord, or fetal development.

What to do if your belly drops early?

• Contact your doctor immediately: If you notice your belly dropping early, especially before week 36, or if it’s accompanied by other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for evaluation and advice.
• Monitor fetal movements: Monitor your baby’s movements regularly and inform your doctor of any changes.
• Get plenty of rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities.

A dropped belly at 7 months pregnant could be a sign of premature labor

6What to Do When Your Belly Drops?

If you think your baby has dropped, check your calendar to see if you’re near your due date. If you’ve reached your due date and have other signs like mild to strong and increasingly frequent uterine contractions, water breaking, bloody show, or an unusual amount of mucus, then you’re definitely about to give birth.

At this time, you need to prepare the necessary items for hospitalization and be mentally prepared for a successful delivery to welcome your beloved baby.

If you notice the fetus dropping before week 30 of pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately to prevent the risk of preterm labor.

Preparing for baby’s hospital bag

AVAKids hopes the above article has answered mothers’ questions about how long after the baby drops labor starts, so they can best prepare for their delivery. Note that AVAKids articles are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.