Why does the belly fall in late pregnancy?

During pregnancy, any abnormal feeling should be taken seriously and advice should be sought from relevant professionals to ensure the health of both the pregnant woman and the baby in her belly. Some pregnant women may feel their stomachs sagging in the later stages of pregnancy. Is this a normal feeling due to the baby's weight gain or is there something wrong with the pregnant women's bodies? Let’s analyze it in detail today.

What causes belly drooping in late pregnancy?

It is quite common to feel a sinking feeling in the belly during late pregnancy. Generally, the feeling of abdominal heaviness is caused by the enlargement of the uterus in the late pregnancy. The uterine ligaments will be involved, and the growing fetus will cause a feeling of pressure on the body. If there are no other discomfort symptoms, it is normal to have a feeling of abdominal heaviness in the late pregnancy. If other symptoms occur such as bleeding or stomach pain, you should consider whether you are feeling unwell and it is best to go to the hospital for a check-up immediately. In the late pregnancy, pregnant women should pay attention to rest, avoid activities and exercise, and stop doing housework. If the feeling of falling is more obvious, it is recommended to stay in bed to protect the fetus.

Experts say that the fetus usually enters the pelvis between the 36th week of pregnancy and before the onset of labor pains. For first-time mothers, the uterus usually enters the pelvis two weeks before the expected date of delivery, while for mothers who have given birth before, the uterus usually enters the pelvis before the onset of labor pains. However, some mothers complete the entire process within a few days. When the fetus enters the pelvis, the expectant mother's belly will look different from before. The chest will no longer touch the belly, and the shape of the belly will look a bit like a grapefruit. It will feel a little more relaxed than when the belly is at its largest. When the fetus enters the pelvis, many pregnant women often feel a tightening and heavy pain in their abdomen, as if the fetus in their abdomen is descending. The pelvis is moving, which means that delivery is approaching. Pregnant women can make preparations in all aspects based on this signal to welcome the arrival of the baby.

Physiological reasons for abdominal pain in late pregnancy

1. The enlarged uterus compresses the ribs and causes abdominal pain

As the baby grows, the expectant mother's uterus also gradually expands. The enlarged uterus constantly stimulates the lower edge of the ribs, which can cause dull rib pain in expectant mothers.

How to deal with it: This is physiological and does not require special treatment. Lying on the left side can help relieve pain.

2. Abdominal pain caused by false labor

In the late pregnancy, false labor may cause mild distension and pain in the lower abdomen. It often occurs in the dead of night and disappears at dawn. The frequency of contractions is inconsistent, the duration is not constant, the intervals are long and irregular, the intensity of contractions does not gradually increase, and there is no feeling of falling, and the symptoms are relieved during the day.

How to deal with it: False labor indicates that the pregnant woman will soon go into labor, so she should be prepared, such as getting enough rest, eating more high-energy foods such as chocolate, and conserving her energy. At the same time, you need to be familiar with the fetal movement pattern before delivery: the uterine contractions before delivery are rhythmic, and each contraction goes from weak to strong, lasting for a period of time, generally 30-40 seconds, and then disappears and enters an interval period of 5-6 minutes.

3. Fetal movement causes abdominal pain

Fetal movements are most noticeable between 28 and 32 weeks. At 20 weeks, the average number of fetal movements per day is about 200, which increases to 375 at 32 weeks. The number of fetal movements per day may range from 100 to 700. After 32 weeks, the fetus gradually occupies the space in the uterus, and his (her) space for movement will become smaller and smaller, but he (she) will occasionally still kick you very hard. When his or her head hits the muscles of your pelvic floor, you will suddenly feel like you have been hit hard.

The late pregnancy is very critical. The baby's overall development is very complete and it is time to give birth, so there will be some symptoms at this time. Abdominal pain may be caused by the baby's fetal movement being too strong, which is physiological pain, but there is another possibility that it is pathological pain, and you need to see a doctor at this time.