Childbirth at 39 weeks is a natural process that almost every woman goes through. Maternal instinct is inherent in nature itself. No mother will miss the harbingers of the approaching birth, because she has been waiting so long to meet her baby.
At 38-39 weeks, the baby’s body is fully formed, and he is ready to be born at any moment. It is undesirable for a woman expecting a child to remain alone for a long time during this period and leave home, because labor may begin any minute.
What happens in the body of the expectant mother?
The 39th week of pregnancy is the period when the belly has already reached its maximum size, due to which the load on the spine and legs increases. The expectant mother is now tired even with minor physical activity. Shortness of breath, swelling, false contractions, sometimes - heartburn.
The body is preparing for the upcoming birth. The cervix and birth canal become loose. The baby has already taken the right position and is ready to be born at any moment.
Woman's feelings
Closer to the cherished date of birth, abdominal prolapse occurs. The hormones produced during this period affect the pelvic bones, making them more pliable. They move apart slightly, preparing the way for the birth of the baby.
The pressure on the diaphragm and stomach is reduced. The pregnant woman's digestive system improves (no more heartburn) and breathing becomes easier. Now all the pressure is directed to the bladder and intestines, and there is often a feeling of pain in the lower abdomen. The expectant mother runs to the toilet several times a night, and often has false urges.
Big belly at 39-40 obstetric week pregnancy does not allow you to move and move freely, sometimes clumsiness develops, lower back pain and nausea. Everyday things are much more difficult because... In addition to the huge belly, my mother’s weight has increased significantly. On average, a woman gains 10-12 kg during pregnancy.
Position of the fetus and size of the uterus
As a rule, by this time the fetus is positioned head down. It happens that the child does not roll over into the desired position, but remains lying with his legs down (breech presentation). Then the doctor recommends that the woman in labor perform a special set of exercises to help the baby take a suitable position.
In some cases, the baby does not roll over, even if exercise is done regularly. In this case, a caesarean section may be prescribed. Some women give birth on their own, even with a breech presentation.
The uterus is already quite large and ready for the difficult birth process. It is located approximately 40 cm from pubic bone. Week 39 may be marked by the appearance of training contractions (Braxton-Hicks).
This is a kind of rehearsal before real contractions. The lower abdomen begins to twist and pull strongly. Nausea may occur. Such training cramps quickly go away if you don’t sit in one place and walk.
Nature of the discharge
In the 39th and subsequent weeks of gestation, the woman continues to experience light milky or white, a pale yellow secretion may also appear. Sometimes there is a slightly sour smell. This secretion is considered normal.
If a pregnant woman finds thick mucous lumps with bloody streaks on her underwear, most likely it is a mucus plug that has come off - one of the most important harbingers of an early birth. Signs of a pathological process in the body of the expectant mother:
- green discharge with unpleasant smell(signal about the presence of infection);
- brown or bloody issues(may be a signal of placental abruption);
- leakage of greenish water (very dangerous symptom, which should be reported to your doctor immediately);
- pain and burning in the perineal area.
What happens to the child?
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Term 38 full weeks is considered a full-term pregnancy. At the same time, it is born healthy child, in which internal organs have already formed and are present external signs newborn
At this stage, the baby is already cramped in the womb, he has gained the necessary weight and is now just waiting for the right moment to be born. It will happen very soon long-awaited meeting with his mother, because during these 9 months he only heard her voice.
Development of organs and systems
All the baby’s organs have already formed. His heart, liver and kidneys are already actively performing their immediate functions, the stomach begins to produce gastric juice. The intestines are covered with structural villi to effectively absorb all the nutrients from colostrum. The lungs will start working only after birth, when they receive oxygen from the outside.
The baby already has facial expressions and certain gestures. In the womb he acquired unconditioned reflexes, necessary for life (sucking, grasping, swallowing, searching, etc.). It reacts to light and darkness, distinguishes and captures sounds and primary colors.
The baby's nervous system has not fully formed. She will continue her cultivation after birth.
Baby's height and weight, large fetus
As fertility statistics show, at 39 weeks the fetus weighs on average 3.5 kg, and its height reaches half a meter. These are average figures, but there are often deviations up or down.
In obstetrics it is generally accepted that large fruit differs not only in its significant weight (from 4 to 5 kg), but also in its large height (up to 60 cm). In addition, a fruit with a large head size is considered large. A woman may experience anxiety and panic before giving birth if she knows approximately how much her baby weighs and that he will be quite large.
Often, such women in labor are first sent to a hospital in order to be properly prepared for the birth process. Sometimes such delivery involves the use of antispasmodics or painkillers, as well as drugs to stimulate uterine contractions.
Fetal movements
Just a month ago future mom I felt strong tremors and movements. Before birth, the baby calms down and becomes less active, but movements are also present. The woman should count them and report their number to the attending physician.
Now the expectant mother feels the baby's kicks well and can even determine what he kicked her with this time - his heel or his fist. The baby's activity in the womb directly depends on the mother's lifestyle. If the mother is “active” until the last minute, then the baby will be more restless and actively move.
What research is being done?
Usually all planned ultrasound examinations have already been done. An ultrasound at the 39th week of pregnancy is prescribed only if the weight and growth of the fetus, the development of its organs and systems are clarified, as well as to determine the tactics of labor management. Attention is paid to the condition of the cervix, the degree of maturity of the placenta, and whether there is an umbilical cord entanglement or not.
During a planned caesarean section, the pregnant woman is hospitalized in advance to collect all necessary tests. If a normal birth is expected, the woman only needs to have her blood and urine tested.
A pregnant woman is preparing for childbirth. As a rule, the bag for the maternity hospital is already packed, the main thing is not to forget to put in it:
- documents (exchange card, passport and insurance policy - if necessary);
- things for mothers and newborns;
- discharge kit for the baby;
- essentials ( hygiene products, diapers, diapers).
The children's room or corner should already be prepared. If all the main tasks are completed, you can relax and calmly wait for the onset of labor. During this period, walks are not prohibited. fresh air and shopping, as well as visiting relatives or friends. The main thing is that one of the family members always accompanies the pregnant woman.
Possible complications and reasons to consult a doctor
Many women have later the lower abdomen hurts and aches like during menstruation, heartburn and lower back pain often appear. One of the complications is nausea at 39 weeks of pregnancy. This is the result of pressure from the uterus on the intestines and stomach, and also a consequence of not proper nutrition future mother.
Sometimes the same symptoms occur in the presence of a genitourinary tract infection. Reasons why you should not put off visiting a doctor:
- the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge with bad smell or blood impurities;
- too much strong activity child;
- lack of movement for a long time;
- repeated nausea and vomiting;
- discharge of amniotic fluid;
- bleeding.
Precursors of labor in primiparous and multiparous women
A drooping abdomen, back pain and frequent urination are harbingers of imminent labor, which will begin in about 2-3 weeks. A primiparous woman should be aware of the symptoms that indicate that birth process will begin in 1-2 days or even in a few hours. The harbingers of labor in this case are:
- Removal of the mucus plug. A woman in labor will notice a thick, jelly-like discharge on her underwear, and it may have different colour(pinkish, yellow, brown and mixed with blood). In multiparous women, the mucus plug is larger in size, because There is initially a small gap in the cervix.
- Rush of amniotic fluid. The liquid may leak slightly at first, but after a while the amount of water may increase.
- Loose stools. The body is thus cleansed and gets rid of everything unnecessary.
- The appearance of contractions. The woman will feel painful contractions of the uterus, the interval between which is constantly shortening. They differ from training ones in a more pronounced pain syndrome and frequency. In girls who give birth for the first time, contractions can last up to 10-12 hours. In multiparous women, during the second, third and subsequent births, this period is reduced to 5-6 hours, so when the first contraction appears, it is better not to delay and immediately go to maternity hospital.
In multiparous women, the belly usually drops on the day of birth. In primigravidas, this process occurs about a week before the onset of labor.
What to do if the mucus plug comes off?
The mucus plug may come off a week before giving birth. In this case, there is no need to rush headlong to the maternity hospital. A woman should listen to her body and go to the hospital only when other warning signs of labor are present.
If the plug comes away, and after that the water begins to break, contractions appear, you need to get ready for the maternity hospital. In this case, labor will begin within a few hours.
If you are in your 39th week of pregnancy and your stomach feels tight, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. The symptoms in question may indicate the onset of labor.
Medical indications
The period when a woman is carrying a baby is considered one of the most pleasant moments in her life. Normal pregnancy lasts 9 months or 41 weeks.
But labor may occur earlier, at 39 weeks.
Gynecologists believe that the best period for conception is the middle of the cycle. The nature of pregnancy varies from person to person. It’s hard for some to bear it, and some don’t even notice it.
At 39 weeks, the first symptoms of impending labor may appear. During this period, it is not recommended to travel or travel long distances.
If the gynecologist decides to perform a caesarean section when registering the patient, at 39 weeks the pregnant woman will be sent to the maternity ward to prepare for the upcoming operation.
Previously, the patient undergoes some laboratory tests and an ultrasound is performed. If the pregnancy proceeds normally, there are no contraindications, and childbirth is carried out naturally.
Fetal condition
During pregnancy at 39 weeks, even more discomfort appears than during other periods of gestation. The child’s weight reaches 3.5 kg, and his body length is 52 cm.
These parameters are considered statistical averages for a newborn baby. At 39 weeks, labor can occur at any time, as the fetus is ready for birth.
The main symptom of the upcoming birth is a pulling in the lower abdomen at 39 weeks of pregnancy.
If you do an ultrasound, you can see that the baby has taken a position convenient for passing through the birth canal. To prevent pain during this period, the bones of the skull are soft, and there is cartilage between them.
Such structural features allow the child’s head to become somewhat deformed during childbirth. At the same time, injury to the fetal brain is prevented.
Later the head takes on a standard shape. The length of the body increases due to the lengthening of the legs, which are bent at thirty-nine weeks.
At the end of pregnancy, the placenta regresses, its thickness decreases daily. Only the child experiences a lack of oxygen, pulls in the stomach, pain radiates to the lower back - signs of impending birth.
Ultrasound
Most often, an ultrasound is not performed at 39 weeks of pregnancy. But if there are individual indications, this examination is carried out.
During diagnosis, the doctor examines the child, determines not only its size, but also the degree of development.
At the same time, the doctor assesses the condition of the uterus, its size, and the degree of maturity of the cervix of the reproductive organ. Another criterion at 39 weeks is the amount of amniotic fluid.
If, due to pathology, the patient has a strong pull in the lower abdomen at 39 weeks of pregnancy, during an ultrasound, the doctor determines the degree of maturity of the placenta. Normally it should be in degree 3.
The higher this indicator, the more worn out the placenta is. In a normal state, the placenta provides the baby with antibodies that take part in the formation of immune defense.
Using ultrasound, the thirty-ninth week is described taking into account ideas about the location of the umbilical cord. This important point The study will exclude the entanglement of the fetus with the umbilical cord.
But this diagnosis is not a contraindication to natural childbirth. The length of the umbilical cord is 55-65 cm, which allows a woman to give birth on her own.
In this case, the umbilical cord itself is removed from the baby’s head as soon as he is born. During this period, the stomach does not hurt, but the lower uterus pulls, which radiates to the lower back.
If the umbilical cord is short and the noose around the neck is tightened as the baby passes through the birth canal, obstetricians and gynecologists must observe and control the birth.
If necessary, a prompt decision will need to be made to deliver by caesarean section.
Symptoms in the last term
The thirty-ninth week of pregnancy is accompanied by characteristic symptoms:
- Abdominal pain radiates to the lower back;
- pulls the lower uterus;
- the waters recede.
The above signs may indicate the onset of labor. Symptoms appear not only in a complex, but also individually, chaotically. They can be observed after performing physical activity.
Pain syndrome is training contractions, which are called “Braxton-Hicks contractions” in gynecology.
The stomach can hurt in different ways. Nagging pain often gives way to aching syndrome. Moreover, its impact is less than during real childbirth at 39 weeks.
How to distinguish real contractions from false urges? To do this, you need to consult with your gynecologist.
If the lower abdomen hurts, and the discomfort radiates to the lower back, while the uterus is pulled, the uterine muscles contract against the background of fetal pressure.
Gynecologists advise differentiating pain in the abdominal area associated with pregnancy from pain that occurs due to various pathologies. Dangerous complication pregnancy at 39 weeks - symphysitis.
The very concept of symphysis is motionless. Against the background of negative conditions, swelling and mobility occur. This pathology is called symphysiopathy.
The phenomenon in question occurs during pregnancy. Against the background of exposure, the GLS softens. With this diagnosis, a cesarean section is indicated. If the fetus is small, childbirth is carried out naturally.
To alleviate the condition, not only anti-inflammatory treatment is prescribed, but also physical procedures are performed.
To reduce pain in the lower abdomen, complete rest is indicated. A warm diaper is placed on the stomach. At 39 weeks it is recommended to wear a bandage. The risk group includes pregnant women who are carrying a large fetus or twins.
If the bandage is chosen correctly, then the pregnant woman’s condition will be alleviated. This is due to the even distribution of abdominal weight at 39 weeks of pregnancy.
Using a bandage, you can eliminate pain radiating to the lower back, as well as reduce discomfort in the abdominal area.
Sometimes at this stage pregnant women experience pain in the lower abdomen, comparable to a similar syndrome during menstruation.
This clinic can develop after improper nutrition. In this case, exclude foods that provoke increased gas formation from the diet.
The thirty-ninth week is accompanied by an increase in pressure that is exerted on the intestines. This negatively affects the permeability of its contents, which provokes problematic bowel movements.
The pain often radiates down to the abdomen. If the uterus is pulled at the same time, there are no problems with the intestines. Labor begins.
In this case, you need to relax and take a horizontal position. If the stomach or uterus continues to pull, you need to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.
If the organs of the urinary system are infected during pregnancy, you may experience pain in the abdominal area. Often the lower uterus pulls, as during menstruation.
The etiology of the syndrome may include inflammation of the appendix. General health worsens, body temperature rises. To determine the exact etiology of pain, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Often at 39 weeks discomfort appears in the lumbar and abdominal areas. Pain may indicate the course of pathology in different organs. If the lower abdomen pulls at the same time, then there is an infection in the urinary system.
In the absence of the latter symptoms and other signs, pregnancy proceeds normally. A woman is preparing for childbirth.
Thirty-ninth week with back pain indicates increased pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve.
To help you feel better at 39 weeks, it is recommended to sit down and place a pillow under your back. This will ensure maximum relaxation of the lower back muscles.
Additionally, you can massage with a brush from the back side. Breathing deeply will reduce pain due to the mild anesthetic effect of oxygen on the body at 39 weeks.
Additional symptoms
Anticipation of the upcoming birth negatively affects the nervous system of a pregnant woman. She is looking forward to the baby's arrival. The thirty-ninth week is manifested by a deterioration in health.
At the same time, the stomach reaches large sizes. It hurts and drags. The upcoming birth often begins suddenly, at night or in the evening, when the pregnant woman wants to rest.
A large belly at 39 weeks makes a woman clumsy. Therefore, gynecologists advise preparing for childbirth in advance. Documents and things are prepared separately.
At the end of the 39th week, the stomach drops significantly, the lower part of the uterus hurts more often. At the same time, the child continues to be active. 1-2 weeks before birth, a mucous plug with blood appears in the discharge.
This mucus is secreted from the cervical canal of the uterus, which serves as a barrier to infection during pregnancy.
If the plug comes off, birth is near. Sometimes the thirty-ninth week is not accompanied by the passage of the plug before childbirth. In some cases, it departs earlier than the above-mentioned pregnancy period.
In any case, this process manifests itself in pain, disturbing the abdomen and lower uterus.
More often on initial stage labor contractions appear. At first they are irregular. Spasms of the uterine muscles are not strong.
The thirty-ninth week of pregnancy, when the stomach, lower uterus and lower back constantly hurt, indicates the onset of labor.
The beginning of the 39th week is manifested by noticeable contractions, lower back pain, distension in the abdomen, and mild nausea. If the lower part of the uterus is very disturbing, gynecologists advise timing the time between contractions.
If the time period gradually shortens and the contractions intensify, the lower uterus and abdomen become more disturbing - labor begins. At the end of pregnancy, the baby becomes quiet.
Gynecologists say that not all pregnant women complain of abdominal pain in the first stage of labor. Some women during this period walk with the uterus open by 1-2 fingers, not knowing that they are about to give birth.
The thirty-ninth week is accompanied by pain as during menstruation, which is considered normal. Gradually, the discomfort increases, and the intervals between contractions decrease.
If the lower part of the uterus hurts periodically, and the interval between spasms does not exceed 5 minutes, you need to call ambulance.
Sometimes during the period of pregnancy under consideration, labor begins with the rupture of amniotic fluid. In this case, the lower abdomen and uterus may not hurt.
This symptomatology can appear at any time of the day, before or after the 39th week. Gynecologists believe that pain does not occur normally.
The woman in labor experiences a click, after which a stream of warm liquid is expelled from the vagina.
The pregnant woman must remember its color and time of effusion. Upon arrival at the parent department, you must inform the doctor when the amniotic fluid was discharged and what symptoms accompanied this process.
After it, the tummy does not hurt, contractions have not yet begun. The fetus should not be left in the uterus without water for more than 12 hours.
If symptoms of an infectious process appear during pregnancy, urgent treatment is necessary.
If they leak amniotic fluid, the patient is admitted to the hospital. The tasks of doctors include eliminating the threat to the life and health of the child.
If there is bleeding, you need to call an ambulance or go to the maternity hospital.
If you drink raspberry infusion daily last month pregnancy, you can significantly alleviate the condition of the woman in labor during labor activity, preventing a cesarean section.
If a woman is at 40 weeks, the cervix is well dilated - childbirth will be easy.
Precursors of labor
Before labor begins, a pregnant woman should listen to herself, tracking all changes that may indicate the onset of labor. Special attention focuses on changes in appetite.
If it has decreased, labor will begin soon. At the same time, the woman in labor loses 2 kg.
During the period under review, the tummy is more likely to pull, as the pain becomes more intense.
Contractions become more frequent, accompanied by a ringed, nagging pain syndrome radiating to the lower back - the first harbingers of the onset of labor.
If a pregnant woman believes that labor has begun, it is recommended to walk around and then sit on a chair. If after such movements the contractions pass, you need to go to the maternity hospital.
If the baby is born in the next 24 hours, characteristic mucus will be released from the vagina. It may have a brown or pink tint.
Sometimes it is transparent. This mucus is part of the cork. The uterus gradually softens.
The mucous plug itself is visible as a lump of mucus with or without blood. Volume of mucus – 2 tbsp. The departure of such a membrane is another harbinger of labor.
Many pregnant women develop a nesting instinct - a desire to improve their home. Psychologists advise helping a woman resolve this issue.
In this case, you need to refuse to do physical work. At this time, you need to save your strength for the upcoming birth.
Gastrointestinal dysfunction, nausea, indigestion, vomiting are the main symptoms of the onset of labor. Until these signs appear, the pregnant woman must remain calm, providing the baby with oxygen in the required volume.
Useful video
95% of multiparous women give birth at 39 weeks of pregnancy, so if you are expecting your second or third child, be prepared! Primiparas have less chance of delivering a pregnancy in the next week - only 20 out of 100. We hasten to console you: wait another 7 days. At 280 days of pregnancy, the chances of giving birth will increase to 35%!
What's happening to the baby
By 38-39 weeks the fetus reaches physiological maturity. It means that:
- the lungs can open and allow gas exchange;
- the cardiovascular system is fully functioning, delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues;
- reflexes are developed;
- the gastrointestinal tract is ready to digest and absorb breast milk.
Due to the fact that the baby is cramped in the uterus, because she has nowhere to stretch further, active “dancing” in the stomach is replaced by more targeted pushes.
The number of movements should be within the range of 10-15 in 12 hours. That is, the norm is approximately one movement every hour. Silence in the stomach, lasting more than 5-6 hours or vice versa, excessive active movements within 1-2 days - not a good signal, indicating that the fetus is suffering.
What's happening to mom
Ideally, the expectant mother now feels only the pressure of the head on the pelvis, notices periodic false contractions and, perhaps, is a little tired of the additional 10-15 kg. Unfortunately, a perfect pregnancy is rare. Therefore, most often at this stage pregnant women note:
- increased frequency of urination;
- pain in the lower abdomen, lower back and sacrum;
- pelvic pain and sensations that pubic area pulls hard;
- shooting pains in the back of the thigh, reaching to the knee;
- feeling of heaviness in the mammary glands;
- leakage of colostrum;
- flattening of the foot;
- light mucous discharge from the vagina.
This entire complex of symptoms is a variant of the norm. Their complete absence, too.
What's going on inside? The 39th week of pregnancy for the mother’s body is full of troubles: the cervix shortens and softens, the density of the mucous plug decreases, the pituitary gland begins massive production of the hormone oxytocin, the production of estrogen and the conversion of progesterone into estrogen increases.
Thanks to these outwardly imperceptible processes, at some point the plug will soften and come out, contractions will begin, the water will break - labor will begin!
To determine the approach of childbirth, focus on the harbingers. These signs, especially in combination, clearly indicate that the body is actively preparing for childbirth. Typical warning signs include:
- drooping of the abdomen (the fundus of the uterus descends into the pelvic area);
- training contractions;
- weight stops growing or begins to slowly decrease;
- the mucus plug comes off;
- diarrhea (diarrhea) occurs.
The harbingers can “visit” the pregnant woman one at a time or follow one after another. Some women do not experience any of the typical precursors until childbirth. But if several are marked at once characteristic features- get ready for delivery within 1-5 days.
By the way, multiparous women have less time to prepare. As a rule, several warning signs that appear in an expectant mother with her second or third baby signal not preparation, but the beginning of labor.
Analyzes and examinations
The doctor is still interested in a urine test, so you will have to take it weekly until delivery. If passed by this time latest tests blood for HIV and RW, the pregnant woman can take a break from other examinations. The only exception is Dopplerography and CTG according to indications. These studies are prescribed to expectant mothers with pathologies of pregnancy and fetus, as well as to monitor the child’s well-being during rare or, conversely, overly active movements.
Dangers and complications
All the dangers of the 39th week of pregnancy are associated with hypoxia and the upcoming birth.
Whether the child has enough oxygen and whether he experiences discomfort is determined by the mother and the doctor. Mother - by the number and intensity of fetal movements. Doctor - by heartbeat. The causes of intrauterine hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can be:
- diseases of the pregnant woman (pathologies of the cardiovascular system, poisoning, kidney dysfunction, etc.);
- diseases of the fetus, for example, intrauterine infections;
- dysfunction of the umbilical cord and placenta.
Oligohydramnios, breech presentation, entanglement of the umbilical cord and other intrauterine pathologies are fraught with possible complications when a child is born. Knowing about these features of your pregnancy, it is important to take a flexible approach in choosing the method of delivery and discuss labor management tactics with your doctor.
The birth of a child does not always go according to plan, so expect the best, but be prepared to accept stimulation, an emergency caesarean section, and an episiotomy to preserve the health and life of the baby. Be familiar with the basic methods of childbirth in advance, at least superficially, and inform your partner if you plan to partner birth. In a situation where you need to make an urgent decision, awareness helps to maintain common sense and a cool head.
Have an easy birth and a healthy baby!
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s thoughts are all about meeting her baby soon. The formed generic dominant is determined by all the processes occurring in the body of the expectant mother. Very soon the baby will be born, but for now the woman just has to be patient and monitor all the changes taking place in her body during this interesting period.
Fetal development
At the 39th obstetric week, the baby’s weight is 3000-3500 g, height – 50-55 cm. The size of the fetus at this period is determined by the following factors:
- heredity;
- state endocrine system women;
- condition of the placenta;
- individual characteristics of intrauterine development.
Heredity is the first thing you should pay attention to when assessing the size of the fetus. Don't expect to be born large child parents are small in weight and height. On the contrary, in high and large woman with a high probability, a baby will be born weighing more than 3600 g. The birth of a large newborn is also possible with some endocrine diseases of the mother (in particular, with diabetes mellitus).
The condition of the placenta is the second most important factor determining the weight and growth of the fetus. Poor blood circulation in the placenta at any stage can lead to intrauterine growth retardation. If there is insufficient blood supply, the placenta will not be able to perform its main function - to provide the baby with oxygen and nutrients. Chronic hypoxia is formed, which adversely affects development nervous system and all other organs. a lack of nutrients slows down fetal growth. In this case, the weight of the fetus will be less than 3000 kg, expected at this stage of pregnancy.
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is considered full-term and is completely ready to enter the new world. All internal organs and systems of the fetus are ready to function at full capacity. The lungs mature and a branched network of small capillaries is formed in them. A sufficient amount of surfactant ensures that the newborn is able to breathe independently immediately after birth.
Increased production of cortisol continues in the fetal adrenal glands. The amount of the hormone determines when the baby is born. Once cortisol levels reach their peak, contractions will begin. Thus, the baby himself chooses the date of his birth, determining for himself the optimal moment of birth.
The senses in late pregnancy are well developed enough to help the baby adapt to an unfamiliar world. A child born at this stage distinguishes objects located at a distance of 30 cm from his eyes, and also distinguishes bright colors and large parts. The baby hears speech addressed to him well, recognizing his mother’s voice. The child quickly finds by smell mother's breast. Formed sucking reflex helps the newborn to obtain the breast milk necessary for life and thereby ensure its ability to survive.
The bones of the fetal skull in late pregnancy remain pliable and elastic. Between the bone sutures there are fontanelles - large and small. As the birth canal passes, the bones of the skull move to protect the fetal brain from injury. This way the baby passes through the mother’s birth canal with minimal damage to itself. IN breech When the legs or buttocks go first, the likelihood of serious injury is much higher.
In late pregnancy, the placenta does not always cope with its task. Calcifications and foci of necrosis form in its tissues. Blood supply deteriorates, which inevitably leads to the development of fetal hypoxia. Most babies are born at this stage and the placenta stops functioning.
Woman's condition
The last weeks are the most difficult for the expectant mother. A large belly prevents you from sleeping, doing your usual activities, and moving around with the same comfort. Fatigue accumulates, and a desire arises to complete this amazing stage of your life as quickly as possible. Every day, the expectant mother listens to her feelings. Doesn't sleep at night, going through training contractions. Waiting for labor to begin every minute. And he tries to find all the signs that the baby will be born soon.
Precursors of labor include the following symptoms:
- prolapse of the abdomen;
- the appearance of false contractions;
- increased urination;
- diarrhea;
- insomnia;
- weight loss;
- release of the mucus plug.
A drooping abdomen is the first sign that all women notice. In primiparous women, the uterus and baby descend at 36-39 weeks; in multiparous women, this process occurs a little later. A low-lying uterus puts pressure on the bladder, which causes increased urination. Capacity Bladder decreases, portions of urine become smaller. Possible urinary incontinence when laughing, sneezing and sudden changes in body position.
Along with the prolapse of the abdomen, the future mother’s well-being noticeably improves. The heaviness in the stomach decreases, appetite increases, and heartburn subsides. The pressure on the diaphragm is reduced, breathing becomes easier. Constipation gives way to bouts of diarrhea. This is how the woman’s body gradually prepares for childbirth, removing excess fluid, toxins and other ballast substances from the intestines.
Weight loss at 39 weeks is also associated with getting rid of excess fluid. On the contrary, rapid weight gain during this period indicates the appearance of edema. In later stages, edema can be one of the manifestations of gestosis (together with increased blood pressure and kidney damage). The expectant mother should carefully listen to her feelings and report any negative changes to the doctor.
Discharge from the genital tract in later stages becomes abundant due to the release of the mucus plug. The color of the discharge may be milky or slightly yellowish. The appearance of white, cheesy or green discharge indicates an infection. Any infection must be treated before the birth of the child.
Fetal movements at 39 weeks become less active. In a tight space, it is difficult for a baby to move his arms and legs. The child can no longer turn around. He takes a comfortable position and remains in it until the birth. From time to time, the baby makes itself felt with tangible kicks in the umbilical area. If your child does not move for more than 12 hours in a row, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Training contractions
False, or training contractions, are a special condition that almost all pregnant women experience. For the first time, training contractions of the uterus occur after 30 weeks. This may be slightly painful sensations in the lower abdomen and lower back, accompanied by a short-term increase in the tone of the uterus. In the future, false contractions occur more and more often until they lead to due date to dilatation of the cervix and the birth of a child.
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, 80% of all pregnant women feel training contractions. This condition has its own distinctive features:
- irregular (repeated at different intervals);
- weak or moderate intensity;
- last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes;
- do not increase over time;
- pass on their own.
False contractions usually occur in the evening or at night. They do not lead to dilation and shortening of the cervix, but can cause insomnia and poor health. You can cope with painful sensations during the development of training contractions in one of the following ways:
- change of body position;
- warmth on the lumbar region;
- warm shower;
- massage of the lumbar region;
- breathing exercises;
- yoga classes;
- gymnastics on fitball;
- calm walk.
At week 39, false contractions can lead to the development of labor at any time. When labor begins, the cervix shortens to 1 cm, softens and opens slightly. Contractions become more intense, their pain increases, and the interval between them decreases. When uterine contractions become regular, you should call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital.
Not only the appearance of contractions speaks of the imminent birth of a child. Labor may begin after the amniotic fluid has broken. Normally, the amniotic sac breaks open during active contractions and significant dilatation of the cervix. The rupture of water before the onset of labor is called premature.
At premature departure amniotic fluid, training contractions may be weak or completely absent. In this case, the rupture of the membranes will be a big surprise for the woman. If your water breaks at any stage of pregnancy, you must urgently call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital.
Surveys
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, weekly visits to the doctor continue. At the appointment, the condition of the woman and fetus is still assessed. The baby's heart is listened to with an obstetric stethoscope. During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the location of the uterus, the presence of edema and the condition of the veins of the lower extremities. In case of any deviations, the question of early hospitalization in the maternity hospital is raised.
In late pregnancy, the approximate weight of the fetus must be determined. There are three ways to calculate body weight:
Lankowitz formula. (Height of the uterine fundus (cm) + abdominal circumference (cm) + mother’s weight (kg) + mother’s height (cm)) X 10.
Jordania formula. The abdominal circumference is multiplied by the height of the uterine fundus. All data is measured in centimeters.
Calculation using these formulas is carried out in the antenatal clinic and upon admission to the maternity ward. The error can be up to 500 g in any direction.
By ultrasound. Ultrasonography- most exact way determine the weight of the fetus. In late pregnancy, ultrasound is not performed on all women. The reason for the examination may be a suspicion of a large or low-weight fetus, as well as various deviations in its development. When performing an ultrasound, the doctor pays attention not only to the baby’s condition, but also to other important points:
- volume of amniotic fluid;
- condition of the placenta;
- cervical length;
- location of the umbilical cord;
- fetal heart rate and rhythm.
Determining the weight of the fetus is necessary to create a birth plan. It is not always possible for a woman to give birth to a child on her own. Indication for caesarean section the fetus may weigh more than 4000 g in a cephalic presentation and more than 3600 in a breech presentation. The final decision is made after assessing the size of the woman’s pelvis and other parameters that affect the course of labor.
Week 39 is a time of intensive preparation for childbirth. Make sure you have everything ready to meet your baby soon:
- Documents for the maternity hospital: passport, medical policy, exchange card, birth certificate.
- A bag for the maternity hospital with all the necessary things.
- Discharge kit for newborns.
- A children's room or a cozy corner in a shared bedroom for a newborn.
- Items necessary for caring for a baby in the first days of life.
- Clothes for newborns and nursing mothers.
If the bag is packed and the children's room has been renovated, it's time to relax. If you feel well, you can go shopping and buy all the things your baby needs. At the same time, it is worth completing all the things you started, so that after the birth of the child nothing distracts you from communicating with your baby.
Many women are afraid to leave the house in late pregnancy. In fact, there is nothing wrong with going shopping or visiting relatives during this period. Contractions do not start suddenly and usually last more than 6 hours. During this time, the expectant mother will have time to return home, collect the necessary things and call an ambulance.
An important point: you should leave the house at a later date accompanied by your husband, girlfriend or relatives. The support of a loved one can be useful if contractions begin or amniotic fluid breaks. It is worth planning any activities taking into account the duration of pregnancy. You should always have the doctor’s phone number at hand, as well as the address of the nearest maternity hospital. Walking and long-distance travel are not recommended during this period.