[MumTV]

Hi All
My belly has dropped quite a bit in the past few days. A lady told me today it could mean the baby will be here soon. I'm only coming up to 33 weeks. I hope I still have a bit longer to go - at least 5 more weeks.
Anyone had their belly drop but baby stayed on board for a while longer?
Seeing OB Thursday so will check with him then.
Thanks

[~spirited~]

My belly dropped with DS1 between 33 and 34 weeks (was obvious in comparison photos). He was born one day early at 39+6 (and that was because I was induced).

The baby might be engaging (have you noticed the bowling ball between your legs feeling?) but it doesn't mean it's coming anytime soon!

[~Misty~]

My baby dropped on Thursday - at almost 32 weeks. I'm enjoying being able to breath again. Baby is still very wriggly - just lower down. A very different feeling for me as my previous baby never dropped - she was oblique breech and was born via c-section.

[bikingbubs]

My baby dropped at about 30 weeks.
I was overdue.

[Missy Shelby]

OP who is this lady that said this?

If she has no medical background I would honestly take what she said with a grain of salt.

All the best and hoping you have a full term bubs (which I am sure you will ).

[soontobegran]

Pregnancy brings out all sorts of experts OP. Please do not stress.
It is not unusual for your baby's head to become engaged at the end of the second or early third trimester, particularly with first babies.
My first was engaged from 27 weeks, she was born at 42 weeks after a 30+ hour induced labour.

[MumTV]

Thanks everyone. I'm not too concerned. Lady that said it is not an expert and I realise everyone has different experiences with pregnancy.
I just know my belly didn't drop with my first baby (MIL saw me 4 days before due date and said "oh you are too high, baby won't be here any time soon" ... she arrived on her due date!).
This pregnancy has been totally different and I'm carrying differently.

[Natttmumm]

My cousin dropped at 36 weeks and they expected baby every day. Nothing until 39 weeks.
It can be a sign of labour but not a definite one like all the signs

[lozoodle]

I looked like I had dropped from 28 weeks with this pregnancy. Really it was just baby turning head down and the shape of my belly changing. I'm almost 37 weeks and still not engaged.

[Koobie83]

Last Friday my belly dropped, but she came back up again. She's been doing this for a while now - probably from 24 weeks or so! The worst is when she gets hiccups when she's down there... weird feeling. Last time I had a check up the midwife found her down low again. They never mentioned anything about premature labour or anything.

I don't think it means much. Your baby still has time to move around.