As you approach your due date, you may feel that the baby has settled deeper into your pelvis. This natural step is called lightening. The profile of your abdomen may change — your belly may seem lower and tilt more forward. (Friends and family may even note that the baby has dropped!)

You may find that it's easier to breathe with less pressure on your diaphragm. In exchange, you'll likely feel increased pressure on your bladder from the baby as it drops down into your pelvis.

You may feel twinges of pain as the baby bumps against your pelvic floor. And your center of gravity may feel lower, throwing you off balance slightly.

Don't worry if you don't feel or notice baby dropping. Some women don't experience these changes. This is especially true of women who are already carrying their babies low. And after your first pregnancy, lightening generally occurs much later in subsequent pregnancies. The baby may drop into position just hours before the onset of labor or even during labor itself.