The shape of the abdomen when the fetus’s head descends into the pelvis, and how do I know that the fetus’s head is under its movement?

Nora Hashem
2024-01-28T15:47:07+00:00
Pregnancy in a womangeneral information
Nora HashemProofreader: Doha Hashem23 June 2022Last update: 3 months ago

The shape of the abdomen when the fetus head descends into the pelvis، Many pregnant women wonder about the position of the fetus, especially at the end of pregnancy. Because of the importance of this matter, we will discuss in the following article the most important details about the shape of the abdomen when the fetus’s head descends into the pelvis, the most important signs indicating this, and the tips that a pregnant woman can follow to stimulate the descent of the fetus’s head.

The shape of the abdomen when the fetus head descends into the pelvis
Signs of the descent of the fetus into the pelvis in preparation for childbirth

Signs of the descent of the fetus into the pelvis in preparation for childbirth

Among the most prominent signs and symptoms of the fetus's head descending into the pelvis and preparing for childbirth, we find the following:

  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvic area: Where the head of the fetus settles more at the top of the cervix, thus taking up a large area from the lower part of the birth canal, and for this reason, the pregnant woman feels that there is a great hatred between her feet, and she also begins to walk in a strange way.
  • Easy breathing: As the pressure on the diaphragm decreases after the fetus descends into the pelvis, which facilitates the breathing process.
  • The difference in the shape of the abdomen when the fetus head descends into the pelvis: The pregnant woman notices the prolapse or lowering of the abdomen, and the descent of the fetus can be known through the clarity of the pregnancy in the lower region of it, then you notice that there is a greater distance between the breast and the upper abdomen.
  • Reduced heartburn: Some pregnant women suffer from heartburn due to the pressure caused by the fetus on the stomach, and when the pressure decreases, the incidence of heartburn decreases.
  • The ability to eat more food in one meal: Where the presence of the fetus in a high part of the uterus causes pressure on the stomach, and thus the pregnant woman feels full quickly. When the fetus descends, there is a wide space to receive food.
  • Increased secretions and more mucus coming out of the vagina: This is due to the pressure of the fetus on the cervix, which causes the release of a mucous mass known as the mucous plug.
  • Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions: This is due to the pressure that the fetus's head puts on the cervix
  • frequent urination: The pressure of the fetus on the bladder leads to frequent and abnormal urination.
  • Back pain: Many pregnant women suffer from back pain, and this is due to the pressure of the fetus on this area and on the muscles at the bottom of the spine.

The sure sign before birth

We present to you, as follows, the most important sure signs before childbirth, which indicate the descent of the fetus into the pelvic area:

  • Abdominal change.
  • The pregnant woman feels many contractions that are similar to the contractions that come to a woman during her menstrual period, and they occur about every half hour.
  • Breathing easier, to reduce the load on the diaphragm area.
  • Back pain due to the pressure of the fetus on the muscles in the lower back.
  • Difficulty in movement, as the mother feels that she is taking short steps and with a swaying movement.
  • Increased vaginal secretions due to too much pressure on the cervix.
  • Feeling of pelvic stiffness.
  • It becomes more susceptible to hemorrhoids, due to the pressure of the fetus's head on the nerves in the pelvic area.
  • Frequent need to urinate due to the pressure of the fetus on the bladder area.
  • Feeling pulsations in the pelvic area.

How do I know that the head of the fetus under the movement?

With the approaching date of birth, the nostalgia takes a breech position and its head is centered in the lower part of the uterus. The following are the most important signs that help the woman to know that the nostalgic head is under its movement:

  • The pregnant woman feels movements under the ribs, and the belly button may turn away, as the fetus's head is in the so-called forward-downward position.
  • Sensation of kicks in the middle of the abdominal wall, so the head of nostalgia is downward, but directed towards the abdomen.
  • A pregnant woman may feel the hiccups of the fetus parallel to or just below the belly button.
  • Extreme fatigue and difficulty moving.
  • Increased vaginal secretions.

Tips for stimulating the descent of the fetal head

To stimulate the descent of the fetal head, there are a set of tips that help in this, but it is worth noting that there is no proven scientific method that confirms its validity, but rather those tips from going through experiments only:

  • Walking: Walking is one of the beneficial exercises for pregnant women, as it helps to relax the muscles and expand the thighs, and gravity helps the head of the fetus to descend.
  • Squat exercise:  Squatting helps open the thighs more than walking, so it is recommended to use a birthing ball to maintain this position.
  • Pelvic tilt: The pelvis can be tilted and swung, which helps the fetus descend into the pelvic area. It is done by gently tilting the pelvis forward on the hands and knees, while relaxing the lower back.
  • Playing sports: It helps to expand the cervix and pelvis, but the mother should consult a doctor first about the exercises that she will do.
  • Use of essential oils: Although this method has not been scientifically proven, some pregnant women have confirmed the success of this experiment in the descent of the fetus's head into the pelvis, using different essential oils such as peppermint oil, which stimulates the fetus to turn around on its own.
  • Frozen vegetables: A bag of frozen vegetables can be used with a clean towel and placed on top of the abdomen, as the fetus feels cold and uncomfortable, which prompts it to move.

What is the shape of the abdomen when the head of the fetus descends into the pelvis?

The shape of the pregnant woman's abdomen when the head of the fetus descends into the pelvis differs from its presence at the top of the abdomen, as the shape of the abdomen changes immediately and suddenly as soon as the fetal head descends and movement is felt. Many women notice the abdomen extending along with the abdomen falling downward due to the fetus moving toward the pelvis, leaving the diaphragm and stomach area. Empty, which is known as dilution among doctors.

What happens if the head of the fetus does not come down?

There are factors that delay the descent of the fetus into the pelvis due to the position of the fetus. The baby may be sitting against the mother’s back, and in this case it is difficult to turn the head, or the fetus may be sleeping cross-legged in the mother’s womb and take a bending position.

In the event that the fetal head does not descend into the pelvis, the final solution is a cesarean section, for which the doctor sets a prior appointment. However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, doctors resort to natural birth in some cases in which the fetal head is not in the pelvis, and these are unique cases.

When does the fetus head come down?

Many pregnant women wonder when the fetal head will descend into the pelvis and lower uterus, but the answer to this question varies between pregnant women, as there is no specific date, but this often happens at the end of the third trimester of the ninth month of pregnancy.

What is the date of the descent of the fetus in the pelvis?

The fetus descends mostly into the pelvic area beginning approximately in the thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, that is, in the last part of pregnancy in the eighth and ninth months, as the date of birth approaches. As the date of birth approaches, the fetus takes a breech position with its head centered at the bottom of the uterus and is ready for birth, with its head facing downward. The mother’s belly, which is called the anterior position of the fetus, as this position helps the head emerge first at birth, which reduces the possibility of any health problems for the mother or complications that pose a risk to the fetus.

Short link

Leave a comment

Your e-mail address will not be published or shared anywhere.Required fields are indicated with *


Comment terms:

You can edit this text from "LightMag Panel" to match the comments rules on your site