encouraging the baby to drop

[Anonymous]

Is there anything that I can do to encourage my baby to drop? He's very high up and I'm almost 39 weeks.

[Anonymous]

I've heard walking helps.

[Anonymous]

It might be too late to start, but I recommend trying a Chiropractor who knows the Webster Method to create space to allow your baby to drop. I recommend Dr. Anthony Noya of Noya Chiropractic in NW DC--he got my baby to move after he had been "stuck" in one position for over a month.

[Anonymous]

Is it your first or second pregnancy? with second pregnancies, often the baby does not drop until you are in labour.

[Anonymous]

Spinningbabies.com has some great suggestions for positioning exercises. I regret not being proactive about my baby's position (ended up with c-section for failure to descend, she was malpositioned and the head was still too high). Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Try taking a long walk as a pp suggested. Drink warm tea?

[Anonymous]

OP here - first pregnancy.

At my last appt (38 weeks) dr said the baby had moved down "a little". But when I look at myself and feel him move, he sure seems right under my ribs still.....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've heard walking helps.

My DH & I went for a 1.5 hour walk and my DC was born at the end of the walk.

[Anonymous]

I've also heard if you're riding around on a bumpy road it induces labor.

[Anonymous]

Hi there - new first time mom here of a four week old baby. Just thought I'd share something that may cheer you up -- at 40 weeks, my baby had not dropped at all, and like you, I was desperately seeking ways to make him drop. I must have been walking 5 miles a day! I was pretty convinced I was going to need to be induced.

But one day after my due date, I went into labor. He didn't drop until we were in full labor, and he was on his way out. And it was a quick labor too -- 7 hours start to finish.

So my advice is don't get too worked up over the issue of "dropping." The baby will make its way out, promise!

[Anonymous]

OP here -- that's great news. I just went to the doctor (39 weeks 2 days) and I'm dilated 1 - 2 cm, 80% effaced, but the baby still hasn't dropped really.

[Anonymous]

You may want to consider Acupuncture. I'd check to make sure that the person you go to is well trained and has experience with this sort of treatment. But, at this point it's worth a try. A friend of mine (in CA) had had a C-section for Baby1 and really wanted to have a VBAC for Baby2. A neighbor/acupuncturist began treating her 2 weeks prior to her due date and she said that at each session she could feel the baby moving into position for delivery. She wound up delivering a 10lb baby w/ no medication.

I, personally, am 16 weeks and have been seeing my acupuncturist monthly since 8 weeks to help keep me balanced throughout my pregnancy. As I get closer to my due date, I plan to go more regularly, particularly in the final weeks to help prepare me physically and mentally for delivery.

[Anonymous]

OP- this is the poster who didn't drop until labor. Just wanted to note that I think you are in good shape to go into labor soon! (if you aren't already). I wasn't at all dilated, and only 50% effaced at my 39 week appointment.

Good luck!