How do I know when my bump has "dropped"

[pregnantmimi]

Silly question I know Im 34 weeks pregnant and have had a number of generally older woman coming up and touching my bump and saying "oooh you havent dropped yet" I have abit of a idea of what this is when theres a gap at the top of bump. I had a scan few weeks ago they said baby head down ready for birth. Is this what it is?

They mean the baby's head isn't fully engaged BUT people in the street won't necessarily be able to tell from looking!!

The midwife will be able to tell from feeling your tummy and seeing how much of the baby's head she can feel. First babies tend to engage from around 36 weeks. I was '3/5 palpable' at 36 weeks which meant she couldn't feel 2/5ths as it has dropped into my pelvis. I was fully engaged at 38 weeks which means the baby's head was all in my pelvis.

The bump has noticeably dropped and my bra has gone from last hook to the smaller hooks as rib cage has contracted back but people still say 'you haven't dropped' or 'it's still very high'. It's just the sort of nonsense comment people make at the end of pregnancy!!

My DH and close friends can tell it has dropped because they could see where it started iyswim? Everyone else just looks doubtful and mutters they can't believe i'm due this week as week as though midwife is wrong!

I knew I had dropped when I could breathe properly again!

You'll just know, I think. I took a photo of myself every week, and by week 39, the bump had just gone down by about four inches, and my clothes hung differently.

Pastabee's right too - it's just a sort of conversation-filler / starter that people make when you're that pregnant. Once your baby is here, it'll be straight to "Is s/he a good baby?", "Is s/he sleeping through?" and "Sleepness nights...?" etc.

Enjoy your last few weeks!

So when the head has dropped its a good sign baby is on its way? I dont think I have dropped cause my boobs still sat on rib cage! So exciting this is my first so all new to me!
A comment I get alot from people is "how long have you got left" 6 Weeks" ohhhh dont think you will be waiting that long"

When baby drops...

... its easier to breathe, but...
... you develop the "John Wayne" waddle!

Its a good sign that the baby is getting ready to be born, BUT, first babies tend to get into position quite early (by a few weeks), so when it does happen make the most of your renewed lung capacity and don't hold your breath waiting for labour to start

I will be happy when ribs go in a bit feel like they are splitting in two! thanks for repliesxx