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Lightening and Engagement What is "lightening" or "dropping". Is it the same as engagement Lightening or dropping is the descent
of the baby into the pelvis in the latter weeks of pregnancy. This
is not the same as engagement where the baby's head (unless it is breech,
in which case it is the buttocks) moves down to the level of the ischial
spines and gets "engaged". Lightening is accompanied by less shortness
of breath, decreased pressure in the stomach, and the feeling that the
baby has "dropped". It also increases pressure in the pelvis and
back, leads to more frequent urination and constipation, the initial appearance
or aggravation of haemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs. Many
women also complain of swelling of the legs and feet, and possibly more
difficulty in walking.
My baby has not yet moved down into the pelvis. Will my delivery be delayed The term for the foetus moving into the birth canal is known as "engagement". In a first time pregnancy, this engagement takes place 2 or 3 weeks before delivery. In subsequent pregnancies, it may occur just before the onset of labour. If this is your first pregnancy, then it is quite possible that engagement might have occurred without you realizing it. Your doctor will be checking for this engagement through an internal examination. Since engagement and dilatation of the cervix can occur anytime over a few hours or even a few weeks, not having your baby's head engaged in the cervix is not an indication that you will go past your due date. To add your views on this article or read others comments Click Here
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