What is "lightening"

Hi,

Is "lightening" the same as "dropping"? and how do you know if you've dropped? Thanks!

 

When you need to go to the bathroom more often and then you can breath a little easier.. But who knows if it really happens with twins... and yes they are the same..

 

Lightening is the same as dropping. Generally people know they've dropped when they can breathe easier, they have a better appetite because their tummy has more room and they may feel a bit more pressure in their nether regions (your bladder gets squished which will make you have to go more often). (This may be hard to realize with twins) Just so you know, some people drop weeks before birth, others days, and yet others while they are in labor. Then there are those who never drop at all.

I dropped with my oldest 2 weeks before he was born which is pretty average for a first pregnancy. With my second oldest I dropped 5 minutes before she was born. With James and Sean I never dropped.

Good luck! The real fun is coming soon!

 

This is what was in my paper work from my doctor:

Engagement or "lightening" is the movement of your baby down into the pelvis that occurs toward the end of your pregnancy. This lowering of the baby into the pelvis typically occurs prior to labor, although for some women the baby will not engage until the very start of labor. Engagement is not a reliable indicator of when to expect labor.

When the baby begins to drop, you will notice that your abdomen will change shape, shifting down and forward. Your abdomen may even seem smaller, as the head of the baby enters the birth canal. This position creates increased pressure on your bladder, causing the need to urinate more frequently. You may also feel aches or pains in your pelvic joints and perineum as well. You may be able to breathe more easily after the baby drops, as there is now more room in your upper abdomen for your lungs to expand.

Lightening is measured in "stations", indicating exactly where the crown of the baby's head is in relation to the pelvic bone. When the crown of the baby's head is right at your pelvic bone, the baby is at 0 station, also called "fully engaged."

 

Thanks so much for all of the great info. It seems I've dropped.