“Wow, her stomach has dropped so much, it looks like she’s about to give birth.”That’s roughly the description of the term ‘baby enters the pelvis’.
Yes, this condition of the baby entering the pelvis is indeed one of the early signs that labor is about to arrive, Mom.
However, what if the fetus has not yet entered the pelvis when it approaches the EDD (estimated date of birth)?
What do you think is the cause? Is it a sign that your baby is not yet ready to be born? Read the full details below, okay!
What Causes the Fetus to Not Enter the Pelvis?
This case is also experienced by many pregnant women. As told on the pageRompers, there was a mother who was 39 weeks pregnant and her baby had not ‘descended’, while she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and had to undergo a Caesarean section .
Finally, she consulted her doctor, Dr. Kecia Gaither, a maternal fetal medicine specialist and perinatal consultant at Carolinas HealthCare System to ask about the cause of the fetal disengagement.
Dr. Kecia explained that the reason why the fetus has not entered the pelvis is because of its weight and position, namely:
- Baby is too big
- Baby is not in head down position
- Baby position lying sideways on mother’s stomach
- The position is breech
- The baby’s buttocks are in the lowest position
At what gestational age does the fetus enter the pelvis?
Every pregnant woman experiences a different experience, Mom. So, actually no one knows for sure when the fetus enters the pelvis. But what is certain is that the fetus enters the pelvis at the end of pregnancy or the third trimester.
For some women, the fetus can enter the pelvis right during labor or a few hours before, while others experience it several weeks before labor begins.
However, usually, launching the pageMedical News Today ,For mothers who have had babies before, the moment the fetus enters the pelvis occurs closer to the day of delivery.
This may be because her body has already gone through childbirth before so her pelvis needs less time to adjust to the process.
If you feel that the fetus is already in the pelvic area, try to get yourself checked so that the doctor can check the position of the fetus and help in estimating the time of delivery.
What are the stages of the fetus entering the pelvis?
There are 11 stages of the fetus entering the pelvis (termedstationor station: from -5 to +5) which obstetricians or midwives use to describe how far the baby’s head is in the pelvis.
The difference between these numbers is equivalent to centimeters.
For example, a change from +1 to +2 means the fetus has moved about one centimeter in the pelvis or birth canal. Here is the explanation, according toHealthline :
Station -5: The baby’s head is “floating” in the womb, above your hips. The baby is still able to move freely, even able to turn its head up or down or vice versa.
Station -3: The baby has settled into a head-down position and is directly above the pelvis. This usually occurs between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Or, it may occur at the latest when labor begins.
Station 0: The baby’s head is right in the middle of the pelvis. This is the point at which the baby is said to have dropped and is fully ‘engaged’ there.
Station +1: When Mom feels like walking with a ballbowlingbetween the legs.
Station +3: The point of labor where the baby’s head begins to emerge from the birth canal.
Station +5: The baby’s head is completely visible to the outside world.
These stages are generally not felt by mothers and cannot be predicted when they will occur . However, it can be clearly seen from the appearance when approaching the HPL. For example, when the baby has entered the pelvis, the position of the stomach will look wider and heavier downwards.
What are the signs that the fetus has entered the pelvis?
The fetus enters the pelvis through a gradual process, so it is unlikely that you will be able to feel it.
However, according toVerywell Family, Mom may see one of the following signs:
1. Breathe easier
As the fetus moves down, there will be more room for your lungs to expand so you can breathe more freely (like before pregnancy).
2. There is pressure on the pelvis
As the baby descends, his head will rest more on the cervix and will take up more space in the lower part of the birth canal.
It may feel like there is a cup between your legs and sometimes causes you to walk strangely.
3. Urinate more frequently
The pressure of the baby’s head on the pelvis can affect the bladder and cause you to feel the need to urinate frequently.
4. Eat more
When the baby is still ‘up’ (in the womb), the mother feels full faster. However, after the fetus drops into the pelvis, there is more space for the stomach to fill.
5. Reduced heartburn
Pressure on the abdomen also causes common symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn. Now, with the pressure reduced (because the baby has dropped into the pelvis), it is less likely that you will experience heartburn.
6. Pelvic pain
As the fetus descends into the pelvis, the pressure on the pelvic ligaments becomes greater and causes pain.
7. Increased debit
The weight of the baby on the cervix can cause more mucus to be released from the vagina. This fluid forms a lump called the mucus plug.
8. The stomach hangs lower
Your belly will look as if it has dropped or is lower, there is a lot of space between the breasts and the upper part of the belly.
9. More frequent false contractions or Braxton-Hicks
This may be due to stimulation from the pressure of the baby’s head on the cervix.
10. Increased pain in the pelvis
This is due to the shift in pressure on the ligaments and nerves in the lower pelvis.
What are the tips for the fetus to enter the pelvis quickly?
If your fetus has not yet descended into the pelvic area, don’t worry, Mom.
If the ‘drop’ has not occurred, it could be that your labor period is longer than predicted.
Moms can also help their little ones to go down to the pelvic area. For example, by trying some of the methods below.
But before doing so, consult your obstetrician first, okay, Mom.
1. Stand up straight and move (like walking)
This will result in a combination of gravity and the gentle rocking of the baby in the womb and help cause the baby to drop into the pelvis.
2.Squat
This exercise can widen your pelvis so that the baby can descend into that area. Do itsquatwhile holding on to a sturdy chair as your balance may be slightly compromised.
3. Pelvic opening exercises
Sit with your legs wide apart and lean forward to shift the weight from your belly to your pelvis. Don’t fold over your legs or step beyond your range of motion.
So, don’t worry too much if you feel that the fetus has not entered the pelvis, Mom.
If that hasn’t happened yet, there’s nothing wrong with your pregnancy and delivery. You still have time to deal with it.
Hope it is useful!
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