Baby hasn't dropped :(

[sarsaparilla]

I'm a FTM and due VERY soon! According to pretty much everyone, including my midwife, my baby should have "dropped" already. He is still quite high and comfy in my ribs. At my 39 week appt. I got kind of upset because I hadn't progressed any more than my appt the week before (stuck at 1cm and 70%). The midwife told me that since the baby hasn't dropped, it's unlikely I'll progress anymore without the baby putting the pressure on the cervix, etc. She also stripped my membranes which didn't do anything. I didn't even cramp. I'm so worried that I'll be pregnant until 42 weeks when they'll have to induce me. I really want a natural birth and induction would spoil those plans.

Has anyone as a FTM gone into labor before their baby has dropped? I am just looking for some encouragement. I feel like I'm going to be pregnant for forever and have zero chance of getting the birth that I want for myself and my baby.

 

[Babyfor2]

I'm a FTM as well and have no real first hand experience with this but I've done a lot of research and you can go into labor without the baby dropping, being dilated, fully effaced or anything like that! It actually seems quite common for some babies to drop during labor. Have you tried walking or bouncing on a yoga ball or anything of that nature?

 

[sarsaparilla]

I've probably tried everything to go into labor...at least twice. LOL. I know it's still technically early, especially since most first pregnancies tend to go late, but I'm so anxious. I spend quite a bit of time on my birth ball daily, walking, sex, pineapple, basil, red raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose...ohhh the list goes on! Based on the lack of success of stripping my membranes, I realize my body and baby aren't quite ready, but you can't blame a girl for trying!

 

[Reno]

I don't think my baby dropped! I never had difficulty walking, didn't have an uncomfortable 'head right there' feeling. he wasn't even properly engaged until he was coming out! only bad thing was that I stalled at 7cm cos he just wasn't coming down far enough to stretch it to 10! they debated about breaking my waters in case the cord come down in front of the head, but eventually had them artificially broken, forcing him to come down fully! probably would have had a quick labour if it wasn't for that, but those 20ish hours between contractions starting and waters breaking were manageable without pain relief!

 

[Misscalais]

Sometimes baby doesn't drop until your in labour, my 2nd son didn't drop until an hour before I had him. Don't stress

 

[reebee1979]

I had DD at 36 weeks ..she had not "dropped" .. midwife said short waisted ladies may not see the drop, its just part of labour. .

 

[pollydolly]

I can't tell that my LO has dropped, my bump is the same but midwife says he's engaged!
I'm only 5 foot so maybe that's something to do with it haha xx

 

[teal]

My son was still 4/5 palpable the day before he was born x

 

[MrsClark24]

My baby didn't drop until she was born. Ha, literally!

Even the day before I gave birth my bump was very high, I remember thinking about it and not expecting her to arrive any time... Alas, 24hrs later and she was in my arms!

Everyone is different, and please try not to "plan" for labour, that way you won't be disappointed. If your baby needs to be induced then that's they they need, it doesn't matter if it's natural or not. I wanted a water birth, but it took 40ming to fill the tub and baby was here in 10 :-/ ops!

 

[AC1987]

I carry low, so there is never a "drop" for me

 

[krys]

Some drop way before labor, some drop during. Don't stress over it!

 

[clairebear0]

Interestingly, I am 39 weeks as well, have the exact some situation! My OB also told me on Friday that he was nervous it was a sign that my labor would not progress. I have been feeling very discouraged as well, went from glee and excitement to feeling hopeless...for some reason!

I have had alot of people tell me that they also didn't drop, some went into labor naturally, some were induced and had the baby the naturally, and one friend had a c-section. It sounded pretty much like the average set of women going into labor, so I am telling myself that my body knows better than the OB and the "norm".

So we at least are in this together!

 

[sun]

Neither of mine dropped or engaged at all until labour started and I don't expect this one will either. You still have plenty of time - try not to worry about all the what-ifs of labour and delivery as it will just stress you out.

 

[sun]

Interestingly, I am 39 weeks as well, have the exact some situation! My OB also told me on Friday that he was nervous it was a sign that my labor would not progress. I have been feeling very discouraged as well, went from glee and excitement to feeling hopeless...for some reason!

I have had alot of people tell me that they also didn't drop, some went into labor naturally, some were induced and had the baby the naturally, and one friend had a c-section. It sounded pretty much like the average set of women going into labor, so I am telling myself that my body knows better than the OB and the "norm".

So we at least are in this together!

Is your ticker correct? I'm surprised that your OB would say he was concerned labour wouldn't progress when you were only 38+ weeks and hadn't dropped? That is so odd since we are always told that women drop/engage at all different times. Why plant that worry in your mind when you still potentially have 3 weeks to go!? Seems like it is just causing unnecessary worry. xo

 

[JessPape]

Babeis don't always DROP. Though they may for a ftm, it doesn't mean they have too.

 

[darcie]

Both mine didn't engage until I was in labor, not all babies 'drop' early x

 

[ttcpostvr]

The only thing I would be concerned about would be if your water breaks prior to baby being engaged. This makes a cord prolapse a LOT more likely. So if water breaks... get to hospital immediately... dont wait... seconds are precious with a prolapse.
Outside of that..... try softcups directlt after sex! Leave in over night.

 

[Berri]

DS didn't drop til labour. He was born on his due date with no induction/intervention of any kind. This despite dr telling me 2 days prior that because I hadn't dropped and wasn't dilated she would "definitely see me pregnant" at our next appointment (4 days later).

My sister on the other hand dropped around 38 weeks, had 3 sweeps (the first around 38+5) and still ended up being induced at 41 weeks.

Baby will come when s/he is ready