lightning? same as dropping?

[Tennesseegirl]

ok.. Im confused... Lightning? it says... labor is likeley two weeks later? has anyone ever experienced the labor so soon?

[popeyesgirl06]

Nothing is text book about pregnancy. You can drop at 34 wks and end up over due. What happens to one wont happen for all. Yes, 36 weeks is too early. My  youngest was born at 36 wks and she was in NICU for 12 days. Don't start worrying now. Either way, ur baby knows when to be born, ready or not.

Sue

[Tennesseegirl]

well.. If its the same as dropping.. yea? ugh.. I cant wait till I go thursday!! two weeks is still too early for me. 36w...

[40smama]

Here's a definition I saw on babyzone.com:

Lightening
Also called dropping because the abdomen changes shape as the baby appears to drop several inches. This occurs when the head of the baby drops into the pelvis. This happens at the end of pregnancy, usually between two or three weeks before labor. Lightening makes breathing easier, but increases pressure in the pelvis and on the bladder.

I also read in another site (babycenter.com) that for many women the baby doesn't drop into the pelvis until right before or during labor.  It's confusing!  Are you able to breathe better?