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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I have just "dropped" and I'm towards the end of the third trimester. This is my second child, but I can't remember my timeline between dropping and birth. Is there a basic guideline?

A. The basic guideline is dropping occurs two weeks before labor with a first baby. With later pregnancies, dropping is not as valid a sign of impending labor---some women do not experience dropping until labor is well-established, and others drop a month ahead of time. Good luck!

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.