Getting baby to drop

[Firsttimer16]

Does anyone have any good tips for getting baby to drop and start to engage? I'm 37+1 with my second although my first was Elcs for breech. Trying for a VBAC this time so I'm effectively a first timer in terms of labour! I would really like my baby to drop a little as it's very high and I'm really struggling with breathing! (I'm aware an engaged baby comes with all its own aches and pains!)

Does anyone have any tips to help encourage it?

In second or subsequent births baby often does not engage until you are in labour as simply the muscles are more lax from the previous pregnancy. It needs the pressure from the contractions to bring the head down.

Having said that, to help you could try using a yoga ball regularly really focusing on rotating your hips or crab walking sideways and up stairs pushing down as you walk into your pelvis.

Good luck.

Im 36+3 asked consultant at scan if head was engaged yet, he said oh no were not checking for that . As PP said subsequent pregnancies tend to engage during labour.

As above really but lots of walking and using a ball might help shift them into a better position.

Thanks - have been sat on ball all day.
I don't think this counts as a "subsequent" pregnancy in the same way for me as I never "laboured" the first time (and baby never engaged) so I think I am far more like a first pregnancy in terms of the time scales of things happening (ie not expecting a shorter or easier labour sadly!)
Just would like a bit of room to breathe and all my bras are exceptionally tight around chest now!

OP you'll be just fine! Do you know about Spinning Babies? Lots of info and tips on there but basically I think it's just about staying active. Good luck!

I'm nearly 35 weeks and my baby has been engaged for the last couple of weeks. Tbh I think I'd actually prefer the baby to engage during labour as an engaged baby is no picnic! Been struggling to walk the last week and the pressure on my cervix is horrible. Anyway I'm not sure if this helps but I do a lot of walking and due to having an active toddler I'm not sat down very often so maybe gravity plays a part. Would make sense though. Good luck!

Is baby definitely head down? I never dropped, was dancing at a NYE party 4 days before waters broke and still running for the bus in the days prior. After my waters broke I went out to the shops, still not waddling. Baby was undiagnosed breech and wedged up in my ribs so couldn't descend. I know there's a higher risk of breech with previous breech, and further still with a prior CS x

@FirstTimeBumps I had a scan about 7 weeks ago and was definitely head down and the movements are all around the same place so I don't feel like it's moved significantly but maybe I should book a private one to make sure!
I don't have spd but have had a v achey pelvis so walking long distances is a bit hard. V impressed anyone can run for a bus this pregnant! I do have a toddler though so he keeps me a bit active!

I’ve had three babies and have never ‘dropped’!