a quick question

In primigravidas (first preg), the baby tends to drop before the onset of labor. With subsequent pregnancies, babies usually drop during the onset of labor although that does not mean you are in labor now. You would probably know since you have experienced labor contractions before. It may mean that you need to be more aware of the onset of uterine contractions and if you feel them before you are term that you need to see your midwife right away. AND then, it may mean nothing at all. Did your midwife perform a lady partsl exam to see if your baby's head has engaged into the pelvis? I'm not sure what it means by "the head is free" unless it means "not engaged." With each successive pregnancy, the uterus tends to become more "lax" and some mom's report feeling fetal movement earlier and more general discomfort. For the most part, you probably don't need to be overly concerned unless you begin preterm labor, in which case you should call your midwife right away. Signs might include: Uterine cramping (even menstrual-like pain), back pain, bloody show from the lady parts, etc. If you are very concerned, make an another appointment to discuss this with your midwife. That is what she is there for. Good luck!

It's normal if you are not contracting or having other problems along with feeling this sensation. If you contract more than 6 times in an hour, get a liter of water, drink it, and lie down. If they still persist, see your midwife or doctor right away, for preterm labor.

thanks for the replies. i have braxton hicks, but not full contractions. When i get these i either walk around and they disappear or lie on my side and they go. i have been carrying 'low' during my pregnancy and my midwife said this is very common in subsequent pregnancies as uterus is more 'lax'

i had a scan today (perk of the job) as in my trust you only have one scan at 12 weeks and thats it, unless you have probs, as i asked for one to put my mind at rest as i feel baby is big and had scans with my other children around this time. i was asked if i wanted to know what sex was. well.......... i said 'yes' cos it was there in front of me. i am having a girl! i was so chuffed and so was hubby as we have 3 boys. we cant wait now. so excited. :balloons: and all is ok. :)

Congratulations!!!! I wish you the very best!

Trust your intuition ! I was pregnant with what I felt was a huge baby I felt pelvic pressure for a month and the midwives kept putting me off and saying well you have had two kids you know you 'll be uncomfortable in the last month . I had an ultrasound 2 days before birth and baby was estimated to be 8.5 lbs. Actual weight 11.4 . She suffered needlessly after a diffucult birth and subsequent erbs palsy .Listen to yourself ,mother really does know best !

Good for you but at 33 weeks and being a multip, I don't think I would reccommend walking around with those contractions since they could turn into the real thing, which wouldn't be a problem except that it seems you are a bit too early....Hope all is well! Please keep us posted!

i'm wondering if there are any "physiologic" things you can do that would help to bring you some easement? i'm also wondering if your baby's head is really pressing down on you, and causing something akin to your "ferguson's reflex" -- firing some neurons down there. would periodically spending some time on your hands and knees, as in "the scrub woman pose" help to briefly take some pressure off your cervix and lower body as your baby settles more to the front of your belly? perhaps do it on the bed so you wouldn't have so much pressure on your knees, or actually scrub the kitchen floor with your knees resting on a pad or folded towel. while you're at it, try doing the "cat pose" by arching and then lowering your back and belly a few times to help strengthen and "de-stiffen" the muscles that line your spine and those that help to hold your lower abdomen up. also, would taking a soaky bath in comfortably warm (but not hot) water (with help getting in and out) "float" you a little and ease your muscular strain? or, reclining in a hammock that keeps your chest and head high, but also lifts your legs. i'd also suggest trying to not stay on the toilet for very long. (no magazine reading! but for moms with small kids it's the only time you get a break, right?) i'm wondering, too, if anyone has tried those fabric pregnancy braces? i'm not sure that they're very good because they probably cut off circulation with their pressure, but then again, it might help to support the belly and position the baby up just a little to relieve some of the pressure? i'm not a physical therapist, so please take all this with a big grain of salt! *

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I'm wondering if there are any "physiologic" things you can do that would help to bring you some easement? I'm also wondering if your baby's head is really pressing down on you, and causing something akin to your "Ferguson's reflex" -- firing some neurons down there. Would periodically spending some time on your hands and knees, as in "the scrub woman pose" help to briefly take some pressure off your cervix and lower body as your baby settles more to the front of your belly? Perhaps do it on the bed so you wouldn't have so much pressure on your knees, or actually scrub the kitchen floor with your knees resting on a pad or folded towel. While you're at it, try doing the "cat pose" by arching and then lowering your back and belly a few times to help strengthen and "de-stiffen" the muscles that line your spine and those that help to hold your lower abdomen up. Also, would taking a soaky bath in comfortably warm (but not hot) water (with help getting in and out) "float" you a little and ease your muscular strain? Or, reclining in a hammock that keeps your chest and head high, but also lifts your legs. I'd also suggest trying to not stay on the toilet for very long. (No magazine reading! But for moms with small kids it's the only time you get a break, right?) I'm wondering, too, if anyone has tried those fabric pregnancy braces? I'm not sure that they're very good because they probably cut off circulation with their pressure, but then again, it might help to support the belly and position the baby up just a little to relieve some of the pressure? I'm not a physical therapist, so please take all this with a BIG grain of salt! *

funny enough i have tried some of the things you have suggested cos my baby is posterior and wanting it to turn anterior but to no avail. i dont have backache or anything like that but i do feel the baby on my stomache when on all fours and do feel the head but i am now nearly 38 weeks. just waiting for the arival. Thanks for the advice tho. :)

My doctor made a good point about this. He said that sometimes the baby does a move or somersault or something and get his/her head down in the narrower bottom portion of the uterus and is unable to move back out of it. So, in the absence of other s/s of labor, it's benign.