Kdy klesá břicho: kdy se změny objeví v těhotenství a co to znamená

When the belly drops, it’s one of those moments that makes you realize your body is getting ready for something big. This phenomenon, known as lightening, the process when the baby moves lower into the pelvis before birth, usually happens in the last weeks of pregnancy. It’s not a sudden event for everyone — for some, it’s a subtle shift you barely notice; for others, it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off your ribs. This isn’t just a physical change — it’s your body preparing for labor, and it often comes with clear signs you can feel.

For first-time moms, the belly typically drops between 36 and 38 weeks, though it can happen earlier or later. If you’ve had a baby before, it might not drop until labor starts — or even during it. That’s normal. The drop happens because the baby turns head-down and settles deeper into the pelvis, which also means your cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens during labor starts to soften, shorten, and open up. This process is called effacement, the thinning and stretching of the cervix before delivery. You might notice you can breathe easier, but you’ll also feel more pressure in your pelvis, need to pee more often, and maybe even walk with a waddle.

Not every woman feels this drop — and that’s okay. Some don’t notice anything different until contractions start. Others feel it strongly but still have weeks to go. The timing doesn’t predict when labor will begin. What matters more is how your cervix is changing, not just where your belly sits. If you’re wondering whether your body is getting ready, pay attention to other signs too: increased vaginal discharge, backaches, cramps, or even a burst of nesting energy. These often go hand in hand with the belly dropping.

If you’re past 37 weeks and suddenly feel like your baby has moved down, it’s a good time to start paying closer attention to your body. You don’t need to rush to the hospital — but do keep track of contractions, any bleeding, or your water breaking. These are the real signals that labor is underway. The belly drop is just one piece of the puzzle, not the final countdown.

What you’ll find in the articles below are clear, practical answers to questions like: When exactly does this happen? Why do some women feel it and others don’t? What does it mean for your due date? And how do you tell the difference between normal pressure and something that needs a doctor’s attention? No fluff. Just facts from real experiences and medical guidance.