Bump has dropped, does that mean baby is engaged?

[morethemerrier]

Just wondering,I am 34+4 with DC3 and in the last few days my bump has dropped, was struggling to breathe before but fine now and can feel heavy pressure 'down below' when I walk etc.

My eldest is 10, and I can't remember when he was engaged, and DS2 who is 2yrs old did not move down until I was in established labour, so I was just wondering if it was to early for DC3 to become engaged?

Does this mean I may go into labour earlier, or is it insignificant, and fairly common?

It's just that I keep reading that it usually happens later or in labour with subsequent pregnancies,has anyone else experienced anything similar?

I am 30 weeks and am carrying this baby really really low. By the end of the day I am normally in agony and have to just sit down as I dont think my pelvis can take the weight anymore! This is my second and was told that is normal to carry 2nd babies lower and not to worry. The thing that is driving me crazy is the pressure on my bladder. I spend half my life on the loo now!

Thanks Lifeinthesun! Since it's dropped it really aches where the ligaments are stretching on my tummy!

I know what you mean about the loo!

Wouldn't swap it for the world though!

Congrats on DC2 btw, and get your feet up every chance you get!!!

Hi Ladies

I am 31 weeks with my second as well and also carrying really low, constantly on the loo and some days feel like I need to actually hold my bump up because of all the pressure, oh it's so glam isn't it?

Congrats and hang in there!

Hi Bagel!

I have been suffering with SPD as well, and slipped on some water in the supermarket yesterday so have been in agony since then!

Added to that, I am also fairly sure that I am 'leaking' a bit of wee here and there! Have had to use panty liners for the last few days!

Is it worth you both getting a support belt to help? I would mention it to your midwife and see if she can refer you to a physio?

I second the support belt. I have one and have to say has been a life saver, especially on those days when you feel like you have to hold your tummy up. Here in Portugal where I live you can get them in the pharmacy. They are brill, just velcro them on under the bump and also gives you some back support.
morethemerrier, feet up is a rariety with a 2.5 yr old but I do try! By 8pm I am horizontal on the sofa!

My bump really dropped (literally overnight) at 33 weeks. I thought this meant I was going to go into labour early, expecially since DS1 was born at 33 weeks. I started feeling a strong downward pressure and my ligaments down there started aching. When I next saw the midwife she said that baby is very low down but not engaged. I just had my 38 week appointment today and the baby is still not engaged. If anything I feel like my bump has risen up again slightly.

ooh thanks ladies, some good advice! Somebody mentioned the belt thingy the other day to me, must make an effort and go and get one if it makes such a difference! Shame morethemerrier that sounds really painful, hope you feel better soon. By the way, I go nowhere without pantyliners, I leak every now and again too!