My Baby Is Sitting Low in My Belly

Whether it's your first pregnancy or a repeat, you may find that you carry your baby low in your belly. Unlike the perky and round bellies that seem to burst forward on other women, carrying low means you have a more oblong-shaped belly that puts pressure on your lower back and pelvis. While some believe that you can guess your baby's sex based on the position of your belly, it's simply the result of your body type and muscle tone.

Belly Myths

It's a common old wives tale that you can accurately guess your baby's sex based on the position of your belly. According to most versions of the myth, a high, round belly means you're having a girl, while a low, oblong belly means you're having a boy. However, the position of your belly is not an accurate way to determine the sex of your baby; only an ultrasound can tell you for sure.

Causes

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When Does The Baby Drop?

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The real cause of carrying low during pregnancy isn't the sex of your baby, but your overall build and muscle tone. Taller women appear to look as though they carry higher, simply because they have more room between the chest and hips to accommodate baby's size and their growing bellies. Shorter women look as though they carry lower due to the overhang of their bellies. Carrying lower during a second pregnancy is also common, since the muscles that supported your belly during your first pregnancy become weaker and more slack.

Discomfort

While women who carry high may labor their breathing, women who carry low tend to have more back pain and pelvic pressure. This can cause deep discomfort, especially when on your feet for long periods of time. With the added pressure on your pelvis, you'll likely have to urinate more urgently and frequently.

Increasing Comfort

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Pelvic Tilt Exercises During Pregnancy

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When you carry your baby low, your comfort should be a priority. If you plan to be on your feet or your lower back is sore, plan frequent breaks where you can sit and remove some of the pressure from your lower back. Using a back pillow in the small of the back can also offer added support when you're seated. Completing Kegel exercises can help to strengthen your pelvic muscles for less pressure and fewer accidents while pregnant; just squeeze the pelvic muscles responsible for stopping the flow of urine for 10 seconds. Complete 10 sets of 10 throughout the day.

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