Which term refers to the fetus dropping into the pelvis before labor?

• A. Lightening
• B. Braxton Hicks Contractions
• C. True Labor
• D. Crowning

Answer: (A)

Lightening is the moment the fetus descends into the pelvic cavity and the presenting part engages in the pelvic brim, settling into the true pelvis. This usually happens in the weeks before labor, more noticeable in first pregnancies. It often eases breathing by relieving diaphragmatic pressure but can increase pelvic fullness and urinary frequency as the baby sits lower.

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless prepping contractions and do not describe the baby’s descent. True labor involves regular, progressively stronger contractions with cervical dilation. Crowning refers to the moment the widest part of the head becomes visible at the vaginal opening during pushing, not the prelabor descent.