The cherished 39 weeks of pregnancy have arrived. The baby can be born at any time. The expectant mother anticipates the onset of labor and prepares psychologically for it. An enlarged belly causes discomfort towards the end of the term; it is difficult for a pregnant woman to walk a lot and do household chores. But there is a possibility that another 1-1.5 weeks may pass before the baby is born.

Will the baby be born soon?

It is not possible to accurately determine the baby’s birthday, even if you correctly calculate the due date. The approximate value depends on many factors, the influence of which is beyond the power of even the most experienced doctor. But the woman should be prepared for the onset of labor earlier than she expected, since the baby is already considered full-term.

On a note! If the birth process does not occur within the time frame expected by the doctor, you must listen to the specialist’s recommendations and go to the maternity hospital in advance to avoid post-term pregnancy.

Many expectant mothers are interested in how many months is 39 weeks? To answer this question, it is necessary to clarify what period of calculation is meant: obstetric or embryonic.

• According to obstetric calculation of the gestational age, thirty-nine weeks is a full 37 weeks from the moment the baby is conceived.
• In embryonic calculations of the current period, thirty-nine weeks corresponds to 41 weeks.

Thus, according to medical standards, a woman at 39 weeks is pregnant for 8 months and 3 weeks.

How to avoid mistakes in determining the duration of pregnancy?

It should be understood that the actual gestational age may differ from the obstetric one, which assumes that ovulation occurred in the middle of the cycle. The maturity of the child and the age of delivery can be agreed upon with the doctor (there are clear criteria for the maturity of the child, obtained using ultrasound). If the gestational age already allows for childbirth, but the ultrasound doctor and neonatologist prohibit this due to the immaturity of the child, the expectant mother needs to be prepared to wait.

That is why, when it is already, and even the 40th week, upon admission to the maternity hospital, an ultrasound should be done to determine the biophysical profile of the baby, the degree of its maturity and readiness for delivery. Then there will be no errors.

Intrauterine development of the baby at 39 weeks

By generally accepted standards, a baby is considered full-term and ready for birth. Expectant parents need to know that this may be the final stage of a 9-month journey. All vital organs have completed their development cycle, the baby is fully viable. Counting the days of the last weeks, the pregnant woman waits with anxiety and bated breath to meet the little lump that is under her heart.

What happens to the baby at 39 weeks

All the senses of a baby in the womb are already fully included in the work of his life. The fetus, while still in the mother's belly, can hear sounds, see changes in light, taste amniotic fluid and even smell. The maturation of the nervous system continues, becoming more perfect every day. The process of formation of new connections between nerve cells began as early as early stages pregnancy and will continue to occur throughout later life crumbs.

How does the fetus develop during this period of pregnancy?

The following is observed in the formation of the baby’s body:

• All the child’s organs are formed, ready to function and ensure a full life for the baby after he is born.
• The respiratory system is prepared for the process of the first inhalation and exhalation, but is not yet perfect enough.
• The organs of the gastrointestinal tract and auxiliary organs of digestion are adapted to the absorption of nutrients that are rich in mother's milk.
• Its own hematopoietic system works.
• The immune response mechanisms come into play from the first minutes of the baby’s birth.
• Connective and adipose tissues are quite well developed by this time.
• The baby's head is covered hairline, and long nails have grown on tiny arms and legs (this is why expectant mothers need to take baby nail clippers to the maternity hospital).

Changes in the body of the expectant mother at 39 weeks

This week, the pregnant woman is experiencing radically opposite feelings. There is a little excitement before the upcoming event of the birth of a child, but at the same time you want to quickly wait for the moment of touching your long-awaited baby. There may also be discomfort in the lower back, and some discomfort remains due to the heaviness of the abdomen. In the final week of pregnancy, you may be worried about how to speed up labor and get to the maternity hospital no later than the 40th week in order to meet your beloved daughter or son.

How does a woman feel during this period of bearing a child?

At the 9th month, the pregnant woman’s body directs all resources to prepare for the birth process. The baby's head pressed as tightly as possible to the exit from the uterine cavity. The main female organ in the cervical area softens and shortens. The excitability of the uterus increases. These manifestations are intended by nature so that in the process of moving along the birth canal, the fetus passes through the cervix and pelvic bones as painlessly and easily as possible, without receiving any injuries. The connective tissue in the pelvic bones also becomes softer.

At 39 weeks, the expectant mother understands that her meeting with the baby is not far off. On a wave of emotions, mood swings arise: moments of joy and fun are replaced by fear and anxiety before the upcoming birth. It’s all because of the hormones intensively produced by the body to prepare all organs and systems for the difficult work of childbirth.

Doctor visits and examinations

If pregnancy is normal during this period, no special examinations are prescribed. A visit to a doctor in consultation occurs once a week, where for each appointment it is necessary, as before, to do a general urine test as directed. In the office of the doctor managing the pregnancy, all the standard measurements will be entered into the woman’s chart: blood pressure, current weight, abdominal circumference. The specialist will measure the height of the uterine fundus to determine whether the abdomen has dropped to given date. The doctor will also palpate the pregnant woman’s tummy to determine the location of the fetus in the uterus. The doctor will note the presence or absence of complaints, and the hands and feet will be visually examined for swelling.

Ultrasound at the current stage of pregnancy

Ultrasound examination is not scheduled. It is performed if there are certain risks associated with childbirth. For example, in case of multiple pregnancy, with previously identified multiple entanglement of the umbilical cord, or in the presence of pregnancy pathologies. Also, several control ultrasounds are prescribed for cesarean section delivery.

A few important points for pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy:

1. All questions about the upcoming birth, the choice of a maternity hospital and the doctor chosen to be present in the delivery room must be resolved now.
2. Always keep several important documents with you: passport, medical insurance and exchange card. The last of the listed documents should be in the bag around the clock, wherever the pregnant woman goes. A woman can end up in a perinatal center literally at any moment, and without an exchange card, a woman in labor will be immediately sent to the pathology department.
3. If delivery by cesarean section is required, then the operation itself will be scheduled for this week.

Precursors of labor at 39 weeks

Although the woman and her family prepare for the main process that completes the “nine-month marathon” throughout pregnancy, the onset of labor can be unexpected for many. A significant proportion of pregnant women enter the emergency department of the maternity hospital in a state of labor, often with broken waters and a large opening of the uterine pharynx. How to understand when to give birth, and what harbingers can signal the beginning birth process? Let's try to figure it out.

Important! If the following warning signs or indirect signs of labor occur, a woman needs to remain calm as much as possible, consult a doctor or call an ambulance, and trust the doctors to receive qualified care in the maternity hospital.

Harbingers of the first and second births - what is the difference?

The above symptoms can be observed in full as precursors of labor in first-time mothers. Repeated births may differ from the first, especially if the interval between them is short. If the interval between two pregnancies was less than 1.5 years, then the second/third birth may be rapid. Precursors of labor in multiparous women may present a completely different scenario:

• there may be no preparatory period with false (irregular) contractions at all, and the woman will feel that she is in labor already during regular contractions;
• the cervix, which has retained increased elasticity, will open faster, significantly reducing the duration of the labor process.

On a note! According to statistics, the second pregnancy and childbirth are easier and with fewer complications.

As for the pain of repeated childbirth, everything is purely individual. It happens that the expectant mother refuses anesthesia under the pretext that the first time everything turned out to be quite tolerable, but then she regrets her decision. There can only be one piece of advice here - listen to the doctor and your inner feelings. Often it is the doctor leading the birth who is more clear about how events will develop in a particular labor.

The right attitude: preparing for childbirth

Thoughtful and prepared behavior during childbirth can not only calm the pain of labor without the help of medications, but also relieve unnecessary worries and help the baby to be born safely.

The reason for the decrease in the threshold of pain sensitivity may well be fears, fear of pain, negative emotions before childbirth. Meanwhile, the process of childbirth, like pregnancy itself, is a natural process, and normally during childbirth a woman should not feel severe, debilitating pain. There are techniques for simple self-pain relief that are taught in training courses for mothers, but they can also be learned at home, on your own, without outside help. Let's take a closer look at them.

Psychological attitude

From the first days of pregnancy, it is important for a woman to expect that all nine months will pass easily, carefree and without complications. If during childbirth there is no outside intervention and everything goes as nature intended, then the body turns on the “anti-pain system”, suppressing such unpleasant pain impulses, and releases endorphins into the mother’s blood to anesthetize the process. They are popularly called hormones of happiness, and they are provided by nature itself. With a positive, optimistic attitude, the body will receive endorphins in the required quantity, which will significantly reduce the pain during childbirth.

Important! The main thing is not to panic without reason. It is especially important to remember this for women who are experiencing their first pregnancy. During the birth process, it is important to imagine how not only the mother, but also her child feels. It’s also not easy for the baby and you need to help him be born. To do this, you need to listen carefully to what the midwife and the doctor leading the birth say.

Choosing the correct body position

The correct position for each stage of labor is also one of the keys to success and relief from discomfort. It is important to find out these positions in advance so that you have the opportunity to practice and master them at home, and at the right time choose the appropriate one. Possible positions include vertical (contractions become more intense), standing on all fours (stimulating effect), kneeling, squatting (expands the lumen of the pelvis) and lying on your side. For every expectant mother best position her own, the one in which she is comfortable at a particular moment of childbirth.

Massage techniques

Proper massage eases labor pain, making it less intense. Massage movements have a stimulating effect on nerve endings, which in turn send impulses to the brain. You can start massage from the moment of regular contractions. Movements can be stroking, kneading, rubbing. The area of ​​the back, sacral area, inner surface thighs and lower abdomen.

Breathing techniques

Proper breathing during labor is a skill that you can begin to learn and improve now. Breathing techniques will help a woman in labor relax her pelvic muscles at any time, get rid of emotional imbalance, and maintain strength. You can use the following breathing options:

1. “Dog” - the mother’s mouth is open, inhalation and exhalation are frequent and superficial. This technique helps, at the peak of a contraction, to reduce pain, relax the tense muscles of the uterus and just slightly distract yourself and take a break;
2. “Deep breathing” - a full exhalation several times longer than the inhalation. The technique is very effective in the process of dilation of the cervix;
3. “locomotive” - one deep breath and a series of short, accentuated exhalations. The technique helps before the cervix is ​​fully dilated, but when pushing is still prohibited by the doctor, and there is a need to reduce tension in the abdominal cavity;
4. “Blowing out a candle” - one short inhalation and a calm, long exhalation through pursed lips. An alternative technique to the previous method.

Note! If future parents are planning a partner birth, then it makes sense to master proper breathing together. During the birth process, the spouse will be able to help the woman in labor regulate her breathing by performing exercises with her.

Diet of a pregnant woman at 39 weeks

In the third trimester, a woman experiences maximum weight gain, because the baby in the womb begins to grow rapidly. In 7 days, a pregnant woman normally gains 300-400 g. The daily diet at the 39th week of pregnancy should contain at least 2500 kcal in order to fully satisfy the mother’s body’s need for energy. In this case, special attention should be paid to the correct composition of microelements in food: magnesium, iodine, iron and calcium are especially important for expectant mothers.

This is what one of the menu options looks like for an expectant mother in the third trimester:

How much fluid to drink per day for swelling?

Often, having noticed swelling, a pregnant woman begins to limit herself in daily fluid intake. This approach is fundamentally wrong. The kidneys of the expectant mother are designed in such a way that if there is a lack of fluid, they stop its excretion. In other words, the less pregnant women drink, the more swelling may increase. To maintain a normal water-salt balance, doctors recommend consuming at least 1.8 - 2 liters of liquid per day, including broths/soups, juicy vegetables and fruits.

Recipes for easy everyday meals

Apple and prune salad

Grate the sweet, peeled apple on a coarse grater. Spray lightly lemon juice. Add prune pulp (2-3 pcs.), previously soaked in water and softened, to the apple. Stir, season light salad honey or natural yoghurt.

Chicken soup with meatballs and herbs

Boil 2.5 liters. water. Add 250 g of chicken drumsticks to boiling water and bring to a boil. Add salt and cook for 15 minutes. Add 3 peeled and chopped potatoes, 1 grated carrot and finely chopped onion to the pan. Remove the drumsticks from the broth. Salt and lightly pepper minced chicken (100 g). Form from minced chicken and one egg small meatballs. Add to the boiling soup up to one, stirring lightly. Cook for 15 minutes. Then add finely chopped parsley to the pan. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Serve with a slice of bread or croutons.

Zucchini stewed in sour cream

Cut peeled zucchini (2 pieces) into small slices, add salt and simmer in a frying pan with a piece of butter. When the liquid from the vegetable evaporates, add 2 tsp. flour, mix well, pour 1-2 tbsp into the dish. sour cream and bring to a boil. Eat ready food warm, sprinkled with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for reducing the risk of labor ruptures

The following measures are used to prevent ruptures and obstetric injuries during childbirth.

Formation of a small fruit.

During pregnancy, it is important for the expectant mother to gain no more than 15 kg. A glucose tolerance test may be performed to rule out gestational diabetes, which leads to high fetal weight. From 38 weeks onwards, it is necessary to monitor body weight gain and the expected weight of the baby by monitoring your diet. During the first birth, a woman should reach the end of her gestation period with a baby weighing no more than 3600 g. With repeated births, the baby’s weight should not be significantly greater than during the first. Then the risk of ruptures will be significantly lower.

Do not purchase dubious products.

There are no technologies that could prevent labor ruptures during pregnancy. Various creams, balls, etc. This is just commercial marketing. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of these products.

Consult your doctor.

Before giving birth, it is advisable to undergo an examination by an obstetrician to determine the height of the perineum. With a high and rigid perineum, the risk of rupture is really high. Then the doctor delivering the baby will be able to draw up a plan for behavior in the second stage of labor and help you choose the right position (perhaps vertical birth or birth on the side, etc.).

No rush.

No rush during delivery is another condition for the absence of ruptures. If the birth proceeds physiologically, the baby’s heartbeat does not suffer, and situations requiring emergency assistance do not arise, you should wait until the head has maximally descended and entered the birth canal, and only then begin to push.

The issue of preventing ruptures should be resolved only directly with the obstetrician leading the pregnancy.

Pregnancy is prolonged: is it possible to speed up labor?

The fear of premature birth, present throughout pregnancy until the third trimester, is replaced by the fear of not giving birth on time and enduring pregnancy. The expectant mother worries that day after day passes, and her long-awaited baby is still in no hurry to be born. This makes the pregnant woman worry and look for ways to speed up labor. But even if the baby’s gestation period has already passed the expected date of birth, there is no need to worry or worry too much about this.

The thing is that, having determined the size of the embryo, the doctor could have made a mistake when calculating the estimated day of its birth. By medical standards, a pregnancy is considered post-term if more than 1.5-2 weeks have passed since the estimated date of birth. In this case, an ultrasound examination is performed. If doctors in the emergency department of the maternity hospital decide that the fetus is ready for birth, they can perform an examination on the chair and puncture the amniotic sac to break the waters. From this moment, labor will begin.

IN antenatal clinic can be heard simple tips How to independently stimulate the onset of labor. There are many such methods, including traditional methods, but only a few of them can be considered truly safe.

• The first method suggests that the expectant mother in her final stages continue to have sex with her husband. Many couples refuse sex beyond this period, which is completely in vain - sperm tends to soften the cervix, gradually preparing it for the process of childbirth. At 39 weeks, making love 2-3 times a week will help tone the uterus and stimulate it to ripen faster.
• The second method invites a woman to massage her breasts and nipples daily, which also stimulates the production of hormones that help increase the body’s readiness for childbirth. The massage should be soft, non-traumatic delicate skin, but persistent and regular.

Both methods are considered safe and cannot cause harm to the mother and the unborn baby. But you should know that you cannot induce labor at home without consulting your doctor! With an incorrect and careless approach to your own body, there is a risk of harming yourself and the little growing life inside you.

• Check your own readiness for planned admission to the maternity hospital. Documents and plastic bags with things must be completely collected. Don't forget that things need to be divided into three parts: those that will be needed before the birth, then the necessary items after the birth, and the last package - with clothes for discharge for you and your baby.
• Each maternity hospital may have local rules and permitted/prohibited items that you need to know about in advance. To avoid getting into trouble at a serious moment, clarify important points with women you know who have recently given birth, ask a question on the forum in your city, or unscheduled visit the emergency department, where you can find information for expectant mothers.
• As in previous terms, it is necessary to adhere to the principles healthy eating. Before giving birth, you shouldn’t go all out, eating a lot of sweets, fast food, smoked and fatty foods. Overloading the digestive system before the birth of the baby is fraught with stomach upsets and loose stools. Priority is given to lean meat, sea fish, seasonal vegetables and fruits, cereals, boiled and steamed dishes.
• Get plenty of rest - very soon there will be no time left for proper sleep, so take the opportunity to get a good night's sleep now. Late TV viewing and late-night gatherings should be left behind. Organize your day so that you have at least 10-12 hours of sleep at night and during the day.
• Your family will soon be replenished with one more person, so try now to gradually accustom your loved ones to new responsibilities. Relieve yourself of household chores and distribute some of them among your family. This way, there will be no misunderstandings during the postpartum period, when you urgently need support and help.
• Take care of your body. Continue to lubricate areas of skin prone to stretch marks with special cosmetic oil or cream. It may be worth choosing a new deodorant - after the baby is born, it is recommended to use products without odor or aggressive substances in the composition so that the baby is comfortable during breastfeeding.
• Prepare for the birth process by studying specialized literature or visiting thematic websites. Theoretical knowledge about caring for a newborn will be imprinted in memory and will tell you how to act at the right time. It is especially useful to educate yourself in terms of breastfeeding for those who are preparing to become a mother for the first time.

At the 39th week of repeated pregnancy, when 9 full obstetric months and 7 more days are left behind, the process of bearing a child is gradually approaching its logical conclusion. The baby is already fully formed and even if the birth occurs a little prematurely, it will not pose a danger.

38, 39, 40 weeks of pregnancy before the second birth: medical examination

The expectant mother is under systematic observation from the moment of registration until discharge from the hospital. During 38-40 weeks, the obstetrician-gynecologist needs to assess as accurately as possible what the condition of the fetus is and whether it is ready for birth. For this purpose, the following indicators are determined in a pregnant woman:

• blood pressure level;
• height of the uterine fundus;
• abdominal circumference.

During the last month, the woman has to provide urine weekly for general analysis(this allows you to monitor the condition of the kidneys and their work). The conclusion about the need for additional tests is made by the doctor who conducts the examination.

Also, the specialist must listen to the heart rate for timely detection of possible pathologies. If labor is planned to be resolved by cesarean section, the woman is sent for an ultrasound.

The same applies to mothers who are carrying twins (using ultrasound, the volume of amniotic fluid can be determined).

In addition, ultrasound can detect the presentation of the fetus, or its entanglement with the umbilical cord. By the 39th week, the baby has time to take the position in which it will remain during childbirth. This allows the obstetrician-gynecologist to feel the baby's head, both from the inside and the outside.

Second pregnancy: harbingers and signs of labor at 39 weeks

The main signs of the imminent birth of a child at 39 weeks of the second pregnancy are as follows:

If during the first birth the child was born naturally, then the second one will proceed similarly, since the cervix is ​​already quite elastic and prepared for this process. The principle of “first and second” also applies to caesarean sections and the appearance of cracks and tears (new injuries usually appear in old places).

Understanding this, obstetricians try to minimize possible negative consequences as much as possible.

39th week of second pregnancy: fetal condition

At the 1st week of the 10th obstetric month, the fetus is already large enough to occupy almost the entire intrauterine space. If in previous days the baby moved actively, then at this stage he calms down. Due to lack of free space, he only occasionally pushes (this usually happens about 10 times a day).

However, too infrequent movement or complete calm may indicate (although this is unlikely) the fetus is freezing. In this case, it is better to visit a doctor so that he can confirm that the child is okay.

During the 39th week, the baby’s biorhythms are the same as they will be after his birth, in addition, a reaction appears to:

• light and darkness;
• sounds;
• touching the surface of the abdomen.

The weight of the little “tenant” reaches 3 kg, and the height is approximately 49-52 cm, which fully corresponds to the average for newborns. The respiratory and digestive systems are fully formed and ready to perform their direct functions.

The kidneys and liver are also ready to work, but they will continue to develop after the baby is born. The fluff covering the body disappears and hair appears.

The ability to fix the gaze on objects located 20-30 centimeters from the baby’s face, the ability to notice movements, and see the difference in the color and volume of objects is noted.

The mucous membrane of the lips is covered with special rollers, which should facilitate the sucking process. The skin acquires a pleasant pinkish color, and underneath it accumulates enough fat to ensure independent thermoregulation.

What happens in the mother's body?

The range of sensations experienced at this stage can be completely different for each expectant mother. Unfortunately, most of them are not very pleasant:

One of the pleasant moments is that the breathing process becomes easier, since the pressure on the diaphragm is reduced.

Other features of the period, deviations from the norm

Additional features accompanying the course of the second pregnancy at 39 weeks include:

• periodic mucous discharge (if, instead of being clear, it acquired a different color or began to emit an odor, then there is reason to suspect the presence of a pathological process);
• itching in the genital area, burning and pain when urinating.

This will help prescribe the necessary treatment and avoid infection of the fetus.

If there are no health problems, then it is better to devote yourself to activities “for the soul”:

• reading books;
• watching movies;
• walks;
• meeting with loved ones.

Everything that surrounds a woman should relax her and put her in a positive mood, since this greatly influences how the birth will go.

The main reminder for parents who have been carrying their second child for 39 weeks includes the following points:

• Don't leave the city limits and try to stay close to home.

This will help to avoid transportation difficulties when necessary.

• Decide exactly how you will get to the maternity hospital.

If we are talking about your own car, then you should immediately discuss which relative will be driving, since driving independently during contractions is not the best idea.

• Documents for the maternity hospital should always be with you.

This includes: passport, medical insurance policy, birth certificate (contract for childbirth) and exchange card.

• After your water breaks, you need to get to the maternity hospital as soon as possible.

Although the second birth itself has not yet begun, registration at the reception and the initial examination can take a lot of time. Therefore, it will be better to hurry up.

If speak about various fields life for this period, it is advisable to remember a few basic recommendations:

• Nutrition.

Be sure to be complete and balanced. It is better to avoid fried, fatty and smoked foods. Moreover, you should avoid “fast” snack foods and carbonated drinks.

Ideally, the body should receive the entire range of essential vitamins through a properly composed menu. In some cases, this turns out to be impossible and then taking special multivitamins is prescribed. This guarantees the correct physical and mental development of the child and strengthens his immunity.

• Sex.

This type of activity is not only not prohibited, but is even useful, since the substances contained in the male seminal fluid make the cervix more elastic and prepare it for childbirth. However, if the plug has already come off, then sexual intercourse must necessarily take place using a condom. This will protect the birth canal from harmful bacteria.

• Rush of amniotic fluid.

Usually it happens quite quickly, but this does not apply to all cases. Therefore, if a regular release of small amounts of clear, odorless liquid has been noticed, then it makes sense to immediately visit a specialist for examination. It is possible that the time for childbirth has already come.

• Physical exercise.

Strong, well-developed muscles in women allow them to significantly speed up the process of childbirth and recover faster after it. Swimming and water aerobics are especially suitable for pregnant women in this regard. We must not forget about walks, which not only strengthen the entire muscle frame, but also provide excellent sleep.

In addition to all of the above, you must always remember that pharmaceutical medications cannot be abused at the 39th week of your second pregnancy. To treat possible colds and other minor illnesses, it is better to use honey, milk, raspberries, berry fruit drinks, etc. But even regarding these funds, you must always consult a specialist.

A little more information about second birth can be found in the following video.

39th week of pregnancy: precursors of labor in multiparous and primiparous women

By the 39th week, the expectant mother should be constantly under the supervision of someone close: harbingers of labor may appear at any minute. And if for first-time mothers a lot of time may pass from the appearance of signs of labor to the start of the process, then for multiparous women there may be no reserve of time: literally 1 day or several hours - and the baby will appear.

1. Discharge at 39 weeks of pregnancy

Childbirth at 39 weeks of pregnancy

A baby at 39 weeks of gestation is ready to be born. At the 39th week of pregnancy, precursors of labor may appear unexpectedly in primiparous and multiparous women.

These include the following phenomena:

• abdominal pain;
• feeling that the stomach is turning to stone;
• water leakage or drainage;
• reduction in the number of fetal movements;
• loose stools, which women perceive as mild diarrhea;

Along with these signs, the following are often observed:

• weakness, apathy in a woman;
• drowsiness - constantly want to sleep;

Rare movements of the fetus and deterioration in the health of the pregnant woman indicate that the period of bearing the baby is ending. It's time for him to see new world. Did the doctor say it's time to go to the maternity hospital? So, there is very little time left to wait.

Diarrhea at 39 weeks of pregnancy

On the thirty-ninth obstetric week A woman is often surprised by a change in the nature of the discharge from the intestines: instead of what has already become habitual, which, together with hemorrhoids, often bothered the pregnant woman, a loosening of the stool suddenly occurs. Such sensations, and even when there are pains in the abdomen, the child has calmed down, and the stomach is hard almost constantly - is this normal? What is happening indicates the beginning of labor. Heavy discharge is about to begin, that is, the water will break, and the baby will “ask” to be born. The body prepares for the process, completely freeing itself from everything that could interfere with childbirth, hormonal changes occur - this becomes the cause of frequent bowel movements. When labor begins, it will be easier for the mother.

39 weeks of pregnancy: how to speed up labor

If you are already 39 weeks pregnant, how can you give birth faster and what needs to be done for this? First of all, you need to get advice from your doctor about whether it is really necessary to speed up the process provided by nature. It is clear that you are already tired, but isn’t your desire selfish? Everything will happen on time. It’s just that childbirth and gestation periods are different for each pregnant woman. And your time will definitely come.

It happens that a woman gets very tired because her lower abdomen is pulled at the 39th week of pregnancy, she feels sick at the 39th week of pregnancy, she is tormented, there is leakage of amniotic fluid - but labor does not begin.

If this is accompanied by medical indications:

• the fetal heart rate is changed (normally, CHT is determined to be 120-160 beats per minute);
• the child is very active, something is bothering him;
• umbilical cord entanglement was diagnosed.

In such cases, doctors may decide to induce labor or deliver the baby surgically (caesarean section). It is impossible to independently make a decision to bring forward the due date against the background of relative well-being.

Doctors attempt to induce labor by various means, for example, buscopan or mifepristone.

The first drug is used at thirty-nine weeks, if the mother’s health is not very good, the placenta has aged, and the baby does not have enough oxygen. , suspicious spotting, constant leakage of amniotic fluid - all this can be the reason for the appointment medicine. Under the influence of the drug, the cervix relaxes and shortens - labor begins.

The second drug is also used to stimulate labor, and in the early stages - to stimulate uterine contractions after spontaneous or medical abortion, so that the uterus is quickly cleared of the remnants of the fertilized egg.

You cannot take these medications on your own; you can harm yourself and your baby!

Sex at 39 weeks pregnant

An interesting way to speed up labor is to have sex. Physiological and safe way. This stimulates the production of hormones responsible for uterine contractions. The method is convenient: painless and used at home. But you need to find a suitable position and get permission from the gynecologist. Orgasm can cause activation of the muscles of the cervix and uterus.

The belly becomes hard at 39 weeks of pregnancy

Signs of impending labor at -39 weeks of pregnancy include a peculiar condition: “stone belly.” This is exactly how his women are characterized. The stomach hardens due to the tone of the uterus: it tenses, preparing to reject the fetus. This may cause nausea and pain. But if this condition goes away on its own or after taking no-shpa or papaverine, then these are just training contractions. It's too early to go to the maternity hospital.

Nausea at 39 weeks of pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting may be warning signs of impending labor. The cause of nausea in this case: hormonal changes. This is how the body reacts to the opening of the cervix. If you've ever had surgery, remember that when the doctor did a slight dilation of the cervix to gain access to the uterus, or immediately after, you may also feel nauseous.

Discharge white may be a sign of thrush. Its appearance before childbirth is extremely undesirable and urgent treatment is required. Your gynecologist will tell you how to treat thrush.

What can be observed at 39 weeks

By week 39, the second pregnancy, like the first or third, may be over. This is considered the norm, so at 39 weeks of pregnancy, the harbingers of labor do not surprise anyone. Doctors no longer prescribe drugs whose effect is aimed at maintaining pregnancy. On the contrary, the question often arises at 39 weeks of pregnancy, how to speed up the birth of a child. If all indicators are normal, the expectant mother does not make any complaints, then doctors usually leave everything as it is and send the woman to “walk out” the term until the end, waiting for the moment when the body itself begins the process.

Closer to birth, the amount of amniotic fluid becomes less and less, although it is still renewed every three hours and will continue to do so even when labor begins. You should no longer be gaining weight, but the baby continues to grow. At week 39, it weighs an average of 3300 g and reaches more than 50 cm in length.

Fetus at 39 weeks of gestation: movements

And, since the baby is already very large and already occupies almost the entire uterine cavity, he has nowhere to move much. Accordingly, if before this you could observe periodic “dancing” of the baby in your tummy, now he will only push you from the inside from time to time.

Although he has nowhere to move, the baby, nevertheless, tries to move. Moreover, through movements, the child trains coordination and gradually builds muscle strength. The intensity and nature of the movements should continue to be monitored: the mask should respond about 10-12 times per day. If the child shows excessive activity, pushes strongly and often, or, on the contrary, his movements are felt weakly and rarely, immediately inform the doctor about this: a change in the nature and frequency of movements in one direction or another indicates trouble.

Baby at 39 weeks of pregnancy The heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys - everything is ready to support the life of the baby outside the womb. However, the processes of development and improvement do not stop and will continue after birth. In particular, the central nervous system develops unevenly.

The pancreas begins to produce enzymes that will break down food entering the baby's stomach. But here beneficial bacteria They will begin to colonize the intestines only after tasting - now it is sterile.

In most cases, immediately after birth, the newborn's intestines are emptied with meconium. But it often happens that this happens in the womb before the birth process begins (most often the cause is a lack of oxygen in the last stages of pregnancy). In such cases, doctors and obstetricians who deliver babies perform a special procedure to cleanse the bronchi, called lavage. As before, all nutrients reach the child through. But in recent weeks it begins to age: its service life is coming to an end. The umbilical cord will be cut after childbirth only when it stops pulsating. And only then does the birth of a child’s place take place - the last third.

Future mom

At the 39th week of pregnancy, the baby is already completely ready for independent existence, but ideally the pregnancy should still last this and next weeks. But you should have been completely ready for childbirth a few weeks ago. Although this does not mean at all that the expectant mother is obliged to lose peace and be in constant anticipation of the start of contractions.

If your bags for the maternity hospital are packed, and you are psychologically prepared for the events awaiting you, then you should not care. But it’s easy to say, but not easy to do, right? Some anxiety and nervousness are still present. The main thing is to listen to the baby, talk to him, calm him down before giving birth, but ask him not to linger - the time is approaching.

You will certainly understand that it has “started”: spasms will appear in the lower abdomen, repeating 5 times an hour, and then more often; you will feel nagging pain in the lumbar region; Your water may break and you may have some spotting. During the initial period of labor, the mother may develop an appetite - prepare yourself some light, low-fat snack in advance.

Childbirth at 39 weeks of pregnancy: harbingers

Until it “starts”, listen to yourself and track possible changes, which will tell you about the imminent onset of labor. Shortly before the start of labor, a woman learns about its approach by changes in appetite - it noticeably decreases. The weight of a pregnant woman can also decrease: many accomplished mothers say that the weight at the end of pregnancy, if it does not stop, then decreases by 1-2 kg.

False contractions, which until this time were painless and infrequent, now become more intense and palpable. In addition to the fact that contractions begin to appear more frequently, they occur against the background of a pulling in the abdomen and lower back: nagging pain ringing the lower abdomen and lumbar region is another of the harbingers of childbirth. You can distinguish false contractions from real ones - and many expectant mothers are very afraid of confusing them - by changing the position of the body. Do you feel like you're giving birth? Get up, walk around the apartment, sit down on the chair again. If the contractions have passed with a change in body position and type of activity, then it is too early to go to the maternity hospital.

The appearance of mucus in the vaginal discharge will indicate that labor is approaching - it can be either transparent or pinkish or brown. An admixture of mucus is particles of a mucous plug that closes the entrance to the uterus. Now the cervix is ​​gradually softening and contracting, preparing for childbirth, so the particles of the plug come out. But you can see the mucus plug itself in the form of a lump of mucus, possibly streaked with blood, the volume of which is approximately 2 tablespoons. The release of the mucus plug is another signal that labor is about to begin.

Before giving birth, many women develop a nesting instinct: out of nowhere, strength and an irresistible desire to improve the house, making it as comfortable as possible, appear. Do not deny yourself such pleasure, but it is difficult physical work instruct assistants. Save your strength for the most important event in your life.

In the last days before giving birth, a woman may also notice disorders in digestive system. Diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, perhaps even vomiting - all these symptoms may well precede the onset of labor. Well, while your tummy is calm, provide your baby with sufficient oxygen supply - go for a walk. But don’t go too far and be sure to take it with you.

Belly at 39 weeks of pregnancy: tugs, hurts, droops

A drooping abdomen is another sign by which you will know that labor is imminent. In theory, the belly drops between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, but this can happen now. Or it may not happen at all - some women do not notice a drooping belly until the onset of labor. If your stomach drops, you will definitely feel relief: it becomes easier to breathe, and the annoying heartburn will subside. Instead, there is a need for more frequent urination: the uterus presses on bladder, which means the need for more frequent emptying increases.

Do not worry if you suddenly find pain in the lower abdomen, extending to the lower back. Nagging pain localized to the “lower abdomen-lower back” at the 39th week of pregnancy is one of the normal variants, indicating the approach of labor.

Pain at 39 weeks of pregnancy

So, we already know about the nature of pain in the lower abdomen and lower back - these are the consequences of preparing the body for the upcoming birth and its attempt to tell the woman about their inevitable approach.

Again, due to the body’s preparation for an imminent birth, you now probably feel pain in the pelvic region, in the sacrum, in the pubis. The body actively produces the hormone relaxin, the main task of which is to soften and relax ligaments and bones. Plus, the softened pelvic bones at this stage gradually diverge, preparing the baby the most favorable conditions for traveling through the birth canal. So the mother has to endure the pain caused by such changes in the body and wait for childbirth, after which the pain will go away on its own.

Surely you are already familiar with pain in the sacrum, in the back, in the spine. This is the result of a mixing of the center of gravity and increased loads. Leg pain is common for the same reason. In addition: due to compression of the femoral nerve, you may feel a shooting, aching pain in the back of the leg, sometimes reaching the knee. Recommendations for minimizing pain in the back, legs, and sacrum are still the same: relieve them regularly, sleep in the correct position, good rest, wearing a prenatal bandage.

By the way, by this time you may feel that your chest hurts. Don’t be surprised or scared: your breasts are now noticeably larger and heavier, and very soon they will be needed to feed your baby. Well, for now you patiently remove colostrum from your nipples and endure the usual pain and heaviness in your chest.

Discharge at 39 weeks of pregnancy

An important point this week is vaginal discharge: normally it should have a light milky color, uniform consistency and a slight smell of kefir. Don't be surprised to notice a slight increase in vaginal discharge - this is a normal symptom of the 39th week of pregnancy. Also, you should not be alarmed by the presence of mucus impurities in the discharge: transparent, perhaps with a shade of pink, brown, beige, the mucus is particles of the mucus plug that still covers the cervix today.

But here - mucopurulent discharge, curdled or flaky, green or yellow discharge should be a mandatory reason to consult a doctor. A change in discharge in this direction clearly indicates the development of any genital infection, and while there is still little time left, it is imperative to undergo treatment. After all, if this is not done and the infection remains with the mother, the woman will probably “share” this very infection when the baby travels through the birth canal.

Do not delay your visit to the maternity hospital if you notice even small amounts of amniotic fluid. You will recognize amniotic fluid by detecting a thin, watery discharge, perhaps of a slightly yellowish tint. The rupture of amniotic fluid is a sure sign that labor will begin in the very near future. At the same time, the water cannot always be poured out immediately, in one stream: it is possible for the amniotic fluid to drain in small portions. This happens when the integrity of the membranes is worn out or the integrity of the membranes is damaged, and poses a certain danger to the child - if the integrity of the membranes is damaged, he becomes vulnerable to infections. This is why the appearance of amniotic fluid cannot be ignored in any case.

Without delay, contact the ambulance operator even if you notice bloody discharge. Blood from the genital tract is a sign of abruption of a normally located placenta, a serious pathology that threatens the life and health of the baby. True, vaginal bleeding may also indicate placenta previa, but doctors have probably already ruled out this condition through preliminary multiple examinations.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound at 39 weeks of pregnancy is usually not required, however, there may be individual indications for repeat ultrasound examination. As before, during an ultrasound, the doctor examines the baby, its size, and determines the degree of development.

Again, the condition of the uterus, its size, and the degree of maturity of the cervix will be assessed. An important criterion is also the assessment of the quality and quantity of amniotic fluid. The degree of maturity of the placenta will be determined: at the 39th week of pregnancy, the placenta is often in the third degree of maturity. The higher the degree of maturity of the placenta, the greater the degree of wear and tear. But for now, the placenta continues to serve well - through it, antibodies are supplied to the baby from the mother, which take part in the formation of the immune system.

An ultrasound at 39 weeks of pregnancy will also give an idea of ​​the location of the umbilical cord and eliminate the risk of the fetus being entangled in the umbilical cord. Keep in mind that entanglement with the umbilical cord is not a clear contraindication for natural childbirth: the umbilical cord is 55-65 cm long, which allows a woman to give birth on her own, and the umbilical cord itself is removed from the baby’s head immediately after birth. But, even if the umbilical cord is short and the noose around the neck is tightened as the baby passes through the birth canal, doctors, when monitoring and monitoring the birth process, react quickly and can decide to deliver by caesarean section.

Especially for- Elena Kichak