Tips for expectant mothers - how to determine the approach of labor
Everything will start on time, when the baby is ready. If there are no signs of approaching labor, do not worry - most likely this is due to an erroneous calculation of the expected date.
Labor has not started at 40 weeks of pregnancy- the reason is in the doctors' erroneous calculations Photo: Getty When that very moment comes, you will be informed about it by the signs preceding the onset of labor:
- The belly drops. This becomes noticeable a few days before the birth. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the baby is arranged closer to the cervix, preparing for his release into a new life. This feature manifests itself not only in appearance. It becomes easier for the woman to breathe, the problem with heartburn goes away, as the uterus stops pressing on the stomach and lungs. But now the load on the bladder is increased, which leads to frequent urination needs.
- About 2 days before birth, this may happendigestive upset - vomiting, diarrhea, nausea. Even if these symptoms are not present, a decrease in appetite is possible. It happens that the expectant mother does not want to eat at all, which leads to a slight weight loss of a couple of kilograms by the time of delivery.
- A few days before the baby is born, a peculiar instinct awakens in the mother - the desire to furnish her home, create even greater comfort and harmony, and prepare a room for the baby.
- It is impossible not to notice such a "bell",like a mucus plug falling out. It looks like a dense lump of mucus with streaks of blood. For nine months it served as protection for the baby, covering the cervix. Now the way is clear for him, so the plug comes out - it is no longer needed.
The most obvious signs are - departureamniotic fluid and contractions. The water flows out spontaneously, in a plentiful stream. Usually it is a clear liquid, but it can also have a yellow-green tint if meconium gets into it. The stomach hardens, contractions are repeated regularly after a period of time that gradually shortens, and the painful sensations increase. What you need to do to avoid confusing real contractions with false ones: change your body position - sit down, walk around. If the pain does not go away, then labor will begin soon.
What happens to the child
He is already fully formed and is also waiting.a difficult journey and meeting with his mother. His height is on average 51 cm, weight 3500 g, but these figures depend on individual characteristics and heredity. His movements are felt, but he can no longer frolic as before - he has become cramped in this warm and cozy house. It's time to get out of there. At this time, watch the movements of the baby - if they have become rare or, conversely, excessively active - this may indicate some problems or discomfort. A normal figure for this period is 10 movements in 12 hours. If the baby is very mobile, this may be a consequence of insufficient oxygen supply to him. A small number of kicks or their absence - an alarming sign. In each of these cases, inform your gynecologist.
Pain sensation at week 40
Now the woman may experience pain in the areaspine, most often in the lower back. A common occurrence at this stage is leg pain. This is due to the enormous load experienced by the musculoskeletal system.
Advice for expectant mothers:watch the shape of your belly, it drops shortly before giving birthPhoto: Getty At the same time, the pregnant woman's lower abdomen is pulling and there is pain in the groin area - as if the pelvic bone hurts. This means that the muscles and ligaments are preparing for childbirth, they are stretching. The pelvic bones become softer so that it is easier for the baby to squeeze through the narrow passage. This is facilitated by the hormone relaxin, produced in the late stages of pregnancy. Stabbing pain can be observed in the hip or go to the knee. This happens if the uterus has squeezed the femoral nerve. Listen to your condition, pay attention to any changes. If something is bothering you and there are worries or suspicions about the normal course of the last days of pregnancy, then be sure to consult a doctor. It is better to make sure once again that everything is going well and the baby is fine than to be nervous and worried. Moreover, pathologies can occur in the later stages, leading to undesirable consequences.
Why do they do an ultrasound at 40 weeks?
At this stage it may be needed forfor certain reasons, if the gynecologist deems this examination necessary. This is often done to check the placenta. During the entire pregnancy, it wears out and becomes old by the end of gestation. This can affect the normal supply of oxygen to the baby. In addition, an ultrasound scan may be necessary if the fetus is in an abnormal presentation. If the baby's head has not dropped to the cervix before birth, the doctor may prescribe a cesarean section instead of a natural birth - in some cases, this is necessary for a successful outcome. The study is also prescribed if the child was previously found to have an umbilical cord entanglement - this knowledge will allow specialists to decide whether the baby will be able to pass the path on his own or if it is dangerous for his life. Pay attention to the discharge. Transparent, not abundant and not thick droplets of mucus are considered normal. If they have a cheesy or foamy consistency, an admixture of flakes, a yellow or green color - this is a sign of infection. You should tell the gynecologist about this. The same should be done if blood or dark spotting appears. In these last days of pregnancy, monitor your feelings and any manifestations of the body, in any case, it is always better to call an ambulance and play it safe. Stay calm, listen to the doctor, the happiest moment, a sea of love and a lot of worries await you ahead.
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