What does the size of your baby bump mean? Some experienced women say that the shape of the baby bump is one of the simplest ways to predict the gender of the growing foetus. Still have questions? Stretch marks are the tiny tears that form when the supporting layers under your skin get pulled tight as your belly expands. But there will be some differences this time around. When your baby's head moves down like this, it's said to be "engaged". This forces acid in your stomach into your oesophagus, ... the sudden spurt of energy you get in the days before labour starts (and the urge to clean out your kitchen cupboards) is often a not-unpleasant surprise. This is page 1 of 1 (This thread has 17 messages.). My bump dropped and kind of flattened over night! Im 24+1 so not as far as some of you but i honestly think it depends where he/she lays. Add message | Report. EVER since Meghan Markle revealed she was pregnant fans have been commenting on the size of the royal’s baby bump. I'm 38 +1 and have heard lots of stories about people's bump's dropping a week or so before they go into labour. Most pregnant women will agree that once their belly starts showing, everyone from their relatives, friends, work colleagues and even the greengrocer down the road becomes an 'expert' on pregnancy.. GentlyDidIt Mon 08-Jun-09 20:49:47. If there is a lot of blood, you should contact your GP or maternity unit, as this could be a sign that something is wrong. When this happens, you may notice your bump seems to move down a little. My bump seems to be a little smaller this week than last. trying to conceive pregnant parent Updated May 2017. My baby has been in the head down position since I was 25 weeks and at my last midwife appointment (2 weeks ago) my midwife said that his head had got lower. How true is this?? does rubbing your bump bring on early labour??? You often see a show a few days before labour … When to Induce Labor. This may make your bump appear smaller, even if your baby is the right size. Nah not true. It’s expected the 37-year-old will give birth to her first child in la… In the last weeks, some time before birth, the baby's head should move down into your pelvis. Couldn't believe it. My belly looks smaller at 38 weeks than it did at 37 weeks. Mines no where near that low so I was panicking this baby wants to stay in forever :-D. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. You will know yourself as you won't feel the constant pressure on your lungs and will find it a little easier to breath. Alison Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, says women may be more wakeful before they go into labour and some women find they can’t sleep – others, alternatively, reckon they sleep better. The baby is doing most of it's "internal" growth during the first months (brain, organs, developing skin, etc.) When your baby has dropped, your body begins to prepare itself for the labor process. So even a big baby does not mean worst labour and birth. From a GP in A&E was there for a check up and was rubbing my bump when she was filling in paperwork and she said you shouldn't do that! A show is usually a sign that labour is imminent and will happen in the next few days, although it can become dislodged a few weeks before labour starts. My first baby was fully engaged by 24 weeks, would you believe, and she was 41 weeks before being born. (Weird question - FTM!!) Mine didn't & I has hospital appt & told I was going to go overI went I to labour early hours of following morningEven the experts get it wrong at times! Well, there’s a pretty wide range for what is considered to be normal size for a fetus. For most subsequent pregnancies, and some first pregnancies, it happens during labour itself. I'm 38+4 now and everyone keeps saying I can't be close to labour as my bump hasn't dropped and I'm carrying really high.Is this true and if so how long before does that tend to happen? I had desperate period pains yesterday and now again today around my back and tummy. Bumps come in all shapes and sizes. No body knows when it will happen though. I was 24 wks at the time so I stopped - now am 39+3 so will start rubbing all night My second didn't drop at all until labour and was ten days over. Any one go into labour with … I’m definitely only having boy. This depends on the reason why he’s small. I've had the elastic band feeling too but mainly when I cough or move suddenly when lying down - been like that a good 8 weeks so am sure it's fairly normal, guessing it's just the extra strain on the muscles x Here are some ways to get … Baby seems to be getting his arse in gear at long last! So, is it normal for your pregnancy bump get bigger at night? Would you need to induce labor if baby is too small? Bump was high throughout. Does that mean I’ll have a small baby? and she's lined up in the middle prepared to come out! Does your bump get smaller/flatter sometimes? Measuring your bump. 10. My bump seems to be a little smaller this week than last. Find out when your doctor might decide it's necessary to induce labor. At the beginning of pregnancy, your midwife will work out your body mass index (BMI). If baby was previously transverse, posterior or breech, moving into a new position can also cause your belly to shrink. At this it's probably likely that your bump has dropped. Okay in serious pain at the moment OWW! My second didn't drop at all until labour and was ten days over. Thanks! The same as prettyflowers, if mine dropped I definitely didn't know about it! How you carry your baby and therefore the shape of your bump depends on the position your baby is lying. Lightening is one of the major signs that labor is approaching. Only 8 to 10 percent of women will experience ruptured membranes before labor actually begins. I measured 2cm small towards the end and as my midwife was fine about it, I was reluctant to cause a fuss. Anyway how long did your bumps drop before labour? If the baby is engaged that's a good sign! I really wouldn't listern, your midwife has said baby has engaged and that's a really good sign that things are heading the right way. Jaidy Well-Known Member. Like babies, pregnant bellies come in all shapes and sizes. If your baby is small because you are, then there is no catching up to do, he’s just the right size for him. Enjoy Your Bump: using online tools to improve mental wellbeing during pregnancy Fiona Denison, Rebecca Reynolds, Chris Williams, Ailsa Corbishley Tommy’s researchers have developed a tool that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help expecting mothers stay happy and healthy throughout pregnancy. Posted 12/02/2013. In my case, it was all ok in the end but my baby was quite small, 6lbs 6oz born at 41 weeks. The position your baby’s lying in, and your own height, shape and tummy muscles can all affect the measurement too. You can sign in to give your opinion on the answer. Does that always happen before labour? I'm slightly confused as LO was transverse at my last MW appointment (week ago), however, woke up this morning and bump seems to have really dropped?! Even little things - like bending down to shave my legs has been noticeably easier. I started at 45-45.5kgs. I think I maybe imagining it as I've had enough lol. Second didn't until labour and pink bump hasn't this time either. Hiya lovely ladies, bumps and new babies, I was just wondering if you could help me...I was just in the bath and had a rather strange sensation down there! If I dropped during labour I was too preoccupied to notice! Is the hard bump a sign of labour approaching? Joined: Mar 10, 2011 Messages: 2,004 Likes Received: 0. But that doesn’t stop you panicking – especially if you’re told you’re small for dates. But it is not unusual not to feel the baby move everyday at this stage, they don't start to worry until your 28 weeks. I didn't really start showing until I was about 7 months (I'm 8 months now) and I am still wearing some of my pre-pregnancy clothing. Have them check if your water is leaking... That could be another reason for your belly to look smaller I just went through this and a midwife was able to answer my question... She said my water could be leaking and also that the baby has dropped ( engaged himself) for labor and yes it is normal.. What do you think of the answers? But at the 33-or 34-week mark, he or she will likely start to move permanently into the “head down” position to prep for labor, and descend further into your pelvis. I am 36 weeks pregnant and over the last couple of days my bump actually seems to of got smaller and changed shape. Stretch marks are the tiny tears that form when the supporting layers under your skin get pulled tight as your belly expands. It usually happens toward the end of the third trimester. If you’re experiencing extra pressure in your pelvis and need to pee more, this may be the case! Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Messages: 6,835 Likes Received: 0. That makes me feel better! opinions from other moms on your bump : Anyone else have the same experience? By your fourth pregnancy, you might think you’ve experienced it all. IF YOU HAVE A SMALL BABY BUMP, IT MEANS LESS LABOUR PAIN: An easy and smooth labour depends on a number of factors, for instance, the size of your baby. It has nothing to do with baby bump size. £200 voucher to be won, How do you feel about kids and gaming? DD was fully engaged at 31 weeks and born at 38. It is almost a daily occurrence when I’m out working because i chill at home otherwise. To use this feature subscribe to Mumsnet Premium - get first access to new features see fewer ads, and support Mumsnet. As most of you know its my due date today. Didn't notice any "drop". Does your bump size matter? The baby is doing most of it's "internal" growth during the first months (brain, organs, developing skin, etc.) Never happened to me. If this is your first baby, it's most likely to happen a few weeks before labour begins, at around 37 weeks, though it could happen later than this. Just like babies, bumps come in all shapes and sizes. Some womans bumps drop weeks before they go into labor. But it also makes you wonder these unfortunate ladies who have there babies really early, do there bumps drop and have any signs :s does your bump look sinked in at the top or round still thats usually a sign when labours near as your bump has dropped, and mum aswell as midwifves have told me you cant shut your legs even when you walk or stand as you can feel the head pressing down. ‘If the bump is particularly small, it might be that the baby isn’t growing,’ says Lorna. Midwife said babys head was engaged last week. Sometimes the head does not engage until labour starts. It's hard to resist comparing bumps with friends. Yes but no more than a day or so before I went into labour. This is a pic of me yesterday (midwife told me last week baby's head was fully engaged... now I'm panicking I'm breach!). Would really appreciate responses to this. Get weekly updates on baby and your body. Heads probably engaged and that seems to make the bump appear smaller - it drops down. My first baby was fully engaged by 24 weeks, would you believe, and she was 41 weeks before being born. By Sharon Fullings and Tara Breathnach. Get the Bump App. threecurrantbuns Sat 17-Mar-12 19:13:57. You are very close to going into labour. When you see your OBGYN for your six-week postpartum visit, “we’ll check your stitches to make sure they’re all dissolved and healing well,” said Rosser. I've been told my bumps dropped for weeks but baby is not engaged (nearly 38 weeks) I really wouldn't of thought your baby would of flipped if it was fully engaged esp if it's your … (I am short statue too). Babies also grow at slightly different rates. One of the ways it does this is by thinning your cervix with pre-labor contractions. I’m going to cancel Christmas in my house. Your baby at 39 weeks. Does your bump always 'drop' prior to labour starting (12 Posts) Add message | Report. This is my sister at 37 weeks when she dropped, she then went into labour 2 weeks later. Wondering if it looks smaller when belly drops. Symphysis-fundal height. This just means that baby's head is engaged and is ready for delivery. I wish I had said more at the time. By Ashley Roman, MD. But once you begin showing, your belly will grow fast (and your skin may show it!). Although your bump "dropping" or descending into your pelvis isn't a predictor of when labour will start, it is a sign that your body's getting ready. I really wouldn't listern, your midwife has said baby has engaged and that's a really good sign that things are heading the right way. There are several reasons why your bump size might be a cause for concern, but thankfully these are fairly rare. Yet people frequently say you look small for your gestational age or ask if you're really eating enough. Ignore the nay sayers, all will be good and you'll meet your son or daughter very soon I'm sure ☺️, My friends bumps was very high when she went into labour, I don't think it's true for everyone. Baby bump also depends more on your body structure and baby’s placement in the womb. I didn't notice at the time, but looking at the pictures it's really obvious. And I haven't felt any itching or stretching for several days - and that's been constant for the last month. The bump was loads of water!!! Comment . Most women go into labour on their own within 24 hours. Many women look out for any signs of labour, especially during the last week of pregnancy. If you’re experiencing extra pressure in your pelvis and need to pee more, this may be the case! My bump never seemed to drop with dd! Does this always happen? How to get your bump size checked. It's a pinky-browny blob of mucus and can come away in one whole “blob” or a bit at a time. To be Freaked Out by Sainsbury's Doing This? Pregnant Kate Lawler, 40, covers her burgeoning bump in a stylish shearling coat as she joins fiancé Martin on dog walk in London. Chance to win £100 voucher, Talk widget showing discussions of the day & trending threads, Subscribe to Mumsnet emails direct to your inbox. Discussion in 'Pregnancy - Third Trimester' started by LittleMum, Oct 2, 2011. You may notice some physical changes after your baby descends. Your baby bump can reveal a lot of secrets about the unborn baby. Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters. started by Jaidy, Jan 5, 2007. Bumps can be pretty tricky to get your head around. Here’s what to expect. Is there a large possibility I’m pregnant? I'm 15 weeks pregnant and have another 5 long weeks to wait until my 20 weeks scan, and I just dont feel pregnant anymore. Your bump will be measured by your midwife during your routine antenatal appointments. Not sure what bump dropping is tbh. Baby dropping is when the baby's head faces downward in the womb before birth. She’ll ask you to lie down and will measure from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus using a tape measure. Sometimes your waters may break before you go into labour. I don't feel like the bump has dropped though or I can feel the head. advertisement. (7 Posts) Add message | Report. Bit … If your waters break before you go into labour. This new interest can make you feel very special or perhaps annoyed at having a great deal of unwanted attention. Here are ten things to expect in the week before labour. Or is my baby just awkward lol #1 RainbowDrop_x, May 4, 2010. My coworkers (both moms and not moms) and randoms i meet tell me that at 25 weeks my bump is big like I’m having twins. Your baby may appear small for a while and then have a growth spurt. Does your bump get smaller when belly drops ? Is this a sign of labour coming? I've been told my bumps dropped for weeks but baby is not engaged (nearly 38 weeks) I really wouldn't of thought your baby would of flipped if it was fully engaged esp if it's your first baby. How soon after bump dropping does labour normally happen?? I'm wondering if this is because my bump has dropped? Start by selecting which of these best describes you! Is this normal, i dont remember that happening in my last pregnancy (but he never engaged so maybe thats why). If you are 18 years old do you have to tell your parents or used to be guardian that you are sexually active? I was just wondering if bumps change shape before you go into labour or in the lead up to it? Many women recognize when it happens because there’s an almost immediate sense of relief: The constant pressure on your stomach and lungs might suddenly lift, and you might get a break from heartburn and shortness of breath . 'Mums-to-be are forever comparing bumps,' says Bird. I have an anterior placenta and haven't felt any obvious movement now at 21+2 (which I know is normal, but still not reassuring). Your body begins to change, as it gets ready for your baby to be born. Make the most of it! If this doesn’t happen your midwife will offer to induce labour and you’ll be advised to give birth in hospital, if you’re not there already. That labour had no tearing and was easy peasy. I'm 39 weeks and am sure my bump is quite a bit smaller than it was. Get answers by asking now. Mine didn't either and I went into labour at 40+2. I get this but I've been getting it for weeks, I'm also 39 weeks. Was it my waters breaking and if so how on earth will i know? My stomach which was blooming 2-3 weeks ago seems to be getting smaller. If the movements have reduced then I suggest you get them checked out. I had a midwife appointment the day I went into labour (two hours later, and no sweep or anything) at 39+6 and baby wasn't engaged at all. But once you begin showing, your belly will grow fast (and your skin may show it!). I would get it checked out just to put your mind at rest. DS never engaged and was born at 36 weeks. When a baby engages into the birth canal (which can happen anywhere from 25 weeks to mid labor) the belly often shrinks as the baby moves down into the pelvis. My bump didn't drop until I went into labour and ds was born 4 hours after. You're eating well, exercising, and getting regular prenatal checkups. How your pregnancy bump drops when your baby’s head is engaged – in pictures. For the first time you can remember, you’re happy to see your belly get bigger. Pre labour question about bump! There are multiple factors that can affect how big or small a bump looks. By Ciara Farmer For Mailonline. A few days after that I started experiencing very sharp … So chances are, your bump won’t start to show until you hit the 3-month mark — when your baby is about the size of a lime. so it's normal not to have a very large bump. Thanks how much jail time for refusing a paternity test? “We’ll make sure that the uterus has gone back down to an appropriate size," as well as the vulva, perineum, vaginal canal, and cervix—"we want to see that everything goes back to its original approximate location.” My bump is still quite high, I'm due to give birth in 2 weeks - does your bump have to drop for labour to happen? I hate to be the bearer of bad news but bump dropping does not necessarily mean labour is imminent - of course, it can mean that but it's not something to set all your hopes on. However, people are just starting to notice but telling me how small … I could tell before that because my stomach was no longer flat, and I have gained about 14-16 pounds so I know some of it is weight, and I am also very very bloated so some is probably that too. Contact your doctor if you notice a gush or even a trickle with any of the other signs. I never had the preggie lady waddle and was able to run down my local high street on my due date with no problem. udar Thu 18-Mar-04 09:53:27. I don't want to panic you as this can be normal too. Discussion in 'Ask a Mum!' I've noticed that my bump is a little bit flatter; my non-pregnant tummy did the same if I ever managed to grab more than 8 hours in bed. I heard this too! Start by selecting which of these best describes you! 10 Bump Has Dropped LittleMum Mum to 22 mth old and ttc. Yet people frequently say you look small for your gestational age or ask if you're really eating enough. However big your bump, if you keep yourself healthy in pregnancy and take regular gentle exercise, there’s no reason why it should put too much strain on your body. And as for the size of your bump, even now at 33 weeks, i still get up some mornings and think my bump isn't as big as yesterday! Your partner can find out more about supporting you during pregnancy and labour by reading about pregnancy, birth and beyond for dads and partners. You said it yourself! tell you what's happening as your baby is being born if you cannot see what's going on; Your birth partner may be able to cut the umbilical cord – you can talk to your midwife about this. It felt like I was weeing but I had no control at all, it felt quite cool in my hot water. If the doctor is measuring your belly at each appointment and the baby is measuring fine, I wouldn't worry about the showing part. 2. Comments (4) rebeccaw011. Over the last week or so ive been thinkin my bump looks smaller than the night before but then later when i mentioned it to my OH (other half) he was like 'no its not' and then i looked down and it looked bigger than it had earlier. The baby starts growing larger quickly in the last few months so that's when you'll probably start showing more. How long did each of your labour and deliveries last for each one of your children? ), very little water. A show is your mucus plug coming away from the neck of the cervix. Thanks! Also, as a previous posted mentioned, if your baby is resting on your back (you have a lot of pressure on your back / spine) you won't show as much because she is not "out there" as much. Good luck and congratulations! No wonder I was in so much pain yesterday! It happens when the baby’s head literally “drops” lower into your pelvis, becoming engaged within your pubic bones. Hi, I am 34+5 weeks with second child and today been havng more cramps than usual. There are many other things that can be predicted about the unborn baby by just looking at your … However, many people have commented that my bump is still 'too high' for baby to come anytime soon as its not gone low enough. OB-GYN. I was just reading today that with first pregnancies sometimes the bump doesn't drop until you are in labour! 2. PrayinForBaby Haley's Mommy =) Joined: Nov 7, 2009 Messages: 4,431 Likes Received: 13. i dont know much about it since this is my first baby, but maybe her head is engaged?? It's nothing to worry about, but if there's lots of blood with it or you have any concerns, tell your midwife. If you have had previous pregnancies your muscles will have already been stretched which is likely to mean that you show your pregnancy bump sooner than if it's a first pregnancy. I don't think I in labour and my work mate ... Read more on Netmums Is it a gush or trickles or a combination? Also, i feel like bruised down below. 38.5 weeks waiting for labour to start (although fully expecting it will be a while). You may notice a dull aching pain in your lower back. This is known as the symphysis-fundal height measurement, and is used to monitor the growth of the fetus. If you are concerned or simply curious, speak to your midwife. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but bump dropping does not necessarily mean labour is imminent - of course, it can mean that but it's not something to set all your hopes on. Here are some ways to get comfortable after baby engages. And before you start panicking about birth weight, bump size is no indication of your baby's weight either. A change in your sleep patterns. I’m underweight. Your midwife will talk about your baby engaging or being engaged to describe the same thing. But don't fret if yours doesn't measure up - the 'right' size doesn't exist Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; Share on Pinterest; Share on Whatsapp; Share on Reddit; Share on Tumblr; This competition is now closed. Your doctor or midwife is monitoring your child's size in relation to your due date and the size of your pregnant belly with regular screenings, including measuring your abdomen at every visit once you reach 15 weeks to 20 weeks . If your husband would have a bullet to his head if he even punched your kid as a form of discipline like a man punch at young age would you. 2. I’m 54.4kgs and Just under 5 foot. Hi I'm pretty sure that I'm being neurotic but, my stomach seems to be shrinking. My third baby, I had a smaller bump than my second, but baby a two pounds heavier and overall bigger (fatter!!!! Baby's have quiet days. Mine hasn't dropped yet so does that mean I have to wait until the bump drops before I can even think labour might arrive. My friend bump dropped the same day as she went into labour. Lower back pain. If I hold my stomach in, its completely flat!! So chances are, your bump won’t start to show until you hit the 3-month mark — when your baby is about the size of a lime. I have spent quite a lot of today in bed due to feeling particularly shite. Or he could be lying sideways, which can make your bump look very wide. Even little things - like bending down to shave my legs has been noticeably easier. so it's normal not to have a very large … ... “Most people don’t show before around 16 weeks or so, but everyone is going to be different,” Kirkham said. The last stage of pregnancy is when the bump drops slightly so from your perspective it seems smaller. As your bump grows, your baby will push your stomach upwards. You at 39 weeks Midwife is very to the point and said when I asked she said "no and she doesn't have to either". Win up to £500 worth of clothes: Share what you would buy from Zalando, How have you shown your appreciation for the NHS? And I haven't felt any itching or stretching for several days - and that's been constant for the last month. It is a sign that your baby has engaged and your waters have moved down ready to burst.