Contents
The 39th week of pregnancy is the 9th month. The child’s body is fully functioning. The birth canal of a woman is ready for its appearance. The mother-to-be needs the support of loved ones to prepare for the upcoming event.
Changes in the 39th week of pregnancy
At this time, the pregnant woman should spend a lot of time in the fresh air. The placenta no longer saturates the baby with oxygen in the same way as at the beginning of pregnancy. He needs additional support. Active walks will stir up the toddler. It’s time for him to be born. The body is fully formed and works smoothly. In the womb, the baby is only gaining weight.
Unlike a child, a woman does not gain weight. The amniotic fluid continues to renew itself. This happens every 3 hours. The renewal process does not stop even during delivery.
The first sign informing about the imminent onset of labor is a sagging tummy. Now he will not squeeze the lungs of the expectant mother. Shortness of breath and dizziness will disappear. The digestive system will also feel freer. Heartburn and belching will be a thing of the past. The uterus descends onto the bladder. In this regard, its frequent emptying is considered the norm.
At this time, a woman can pull the lower abdomen. This is due to the imminent birth of a child
Changes in the body of a pregnant woman may be accompanied by painful sensations. They are located in the lower part of the uterus. The joints soften and the birth canal expands. These changes are not always easy for the body.
If discomfort occurs in the stomach area, it is due to inappropriate nutrition. This week, the diet should consist of protein foods and complex carbohydrates. A woman must control her weight. Excess weight will complicate the birth process.
Baby movements are minimized. Its size does not allow active movement. It weighs about 3300 kg. Its height can reach 50 cm. There is practically no free space in the uterus. The woman feels only rare tremors.
Movement is necessary for a crumb, despite the lack of space. This is how he learns to coordinate his body. Thanks to perturbations, muscle mass builds up faster. Their number per day is about 12. The motor activity of the baby should be constant. Its changes are a reason to be wary. Intense or too light talk is not the norm.
Vital systems are already working, but their development will continue even after birth.
This week the body learns to make enzymes. They are formed by the pancreas. Thanks to them, the baby will be able to digest breast milk. There is still a lack of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They get hooked when the baby tests colostrum.
Meconium has formed in the intestines. This original feces will be excreted after birth. Sometimes it happens in the womb. In this case, the doctor makes lavage. This simple procedure will clear the bronchi.
A woman should pay attention to preparing for the birth process. You should collect the necessary things for stay in the maternity hospital in advance. Prenatal courses will teach breathing techniques as well as the basics of newborn care. It’s time to decide which way of giving birth to a baby is preferable.
The volume of discharge increases. They have a sour smell and a light shade. Color change from beige to light pink is allowed. Mucus particles are not abnormal. They signal the gradual release of the plug. Sometimes she can come out entirely before the start of the contractions.
The appearance of the harbingers of childbirth
The onset of delivery is signaled by a decrease in appetite. This happens a few days before the long-awaited event. The weight of the pregnant woman is reduced. So the body seeks to reduce the load. The digestive system may malfunction. Vomiting and diarrhea are common conditions in women in labor.
Intense pain affects the abdomen and lumbar region. It concentrates in the uterus. It is caused by false contractions. Such contractions are felt much stronger and more often. In order not to be mistaken, a woman needs to walk or change her body position. False contractions will subside, unlike real ones.
The cervix becomes softer. This facilitates the discharge of the mucous plug. Its volume is about 2 tablespoons. In addition to mucous clots, it may contain pink, red and brown streaks. The appearance of a cork indicates the imminent onset of labor.
The nesting instinct will also tell you about the approach of the long-awaited event. A pregnant woman will feel strength and a surge of energy to bring comfort in the house. You should not deny yourself this desire. The main thing is to refrain from overexertion and heavy physical exertion.
Obstetricians approach labor activity carefully. The umbilical cord requires especially sensitive handling. It is important not to entangle the baby’s neck. After its appearance, it is not cut off immediately. It must stop pulsing. Only then it is treated with an antiseptic and squeezed from both edges.
The umbilical cord must be protected before and after birth.
After birth, the baby’s umbilical cord must be handled carefully. Its short part will remain until it dries up. This area cannot be injured. A week later, it will fall off, and the navel will open in its place.
At this time, childbirth is approaching. A pregnant woman needs to prepare for them.
How does the baby feel?
Harbingers of childbirth
- The stomach drops and it becomes easier for a woman to breathe. Reduces heartburn (not always) and nausea due to a decrease in uterine pressure on the stomach area.
- The mucous plug comes off. This can happen up to 3 weeks before delivery, and on the day of delivery.
- There are training fights, but they may not be.
- The fetal movement has become more intense or, on the contrary, it is felt that the child has calmed down.
- The fetal head is lowered and inserted into the pelvic opening. At the same time, the woman feels pressure, her stomach pulls.
- 1-2 days before delivery, loosening of the stool can be observed.
Important!
Some women believe that one of the harbingers of childbirth should be a headache. It’s a delusion. Such a symptom is often a sign of late gestosis and, in general, not a very good prognostic sign!