39 weeks pregnant
The less time remains until the baby is born, the more amniotic fluid becomes. They are updated at regular intervals of 3 hours.
The woman's weight should not increase, but the child continues to grow. By 39 weeks, he will weigh about 3300 g, and his height can reach 50 cm or more. Weight gain is mainly due to the accumulation of adipose tissue by the child.
Content:
- Fetal development
- The position of the baby in the uterus
- What women experience at 39 weeks gestation
- Harbingers of the onset of labor at 39 weeks of gestation
- Abdominal prolapse
- Causes of pain at 39 weeks of gestation
- What can be the discharge?
- Intimate life
- Ultrasound examination
- What tests do I need to pass?
- How is labor going at 39 weeks gestation?
- Pain relief methods during childbirth
- Answers to questions about 39 weeks pregnant
Fetal development
At this time, the child has already grown significantly, so there is not enough space in the uterus for active movements. Now he can only turn slightly, and the woman will feel light internal shocks. With the help of such movements, he begins to train coordination of movements, gradually increasing the strength of the muscles. The expectant mother needs to track the frequency of movements. Normally, a child should make themselves felt at least 10-12 times. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the movements. If they are too intense, or, on the contrary, are absent for a long time, then this should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible, since such changes are a sign of trouble.
A baby in the womb can react to light and darkness. He feels touches on his stomach, hears loud sounds. From the very first days of life, the baby will learn to focus his gaze, so you must definitely smile at him.
The child is completely ready to be born. His lungs, digestive organs, heart and other systems can already function normally outside the womb. However, they continue to improve and this process will not end after birth.
At this time, the myelination of neurons continues, reflexes are formed, the nervous system improves. The most developed will be the sucking reflex. After several feedings, a chewing reflex will appear.
At 39 weeks gestation, the baby already has an active pancreas, which produces enzymes necessary to digest food. In this case, the child's intestines are sterile and covered with small villi. The first bacteria will appear in it after the baby tastes breast milk. Now the intestines contain only meconium (original feces). He can come out either after the birth of the baby, or even in the womb, before the onset of labor. The reason for this may be a lack of oxygen in late pregnancy. If meconium came out before the baby was born, then after birth, obstetricians perform lavage of the bronchi to cleanse them. As before, the fetus continues to receive nutrients through the placenta, but by 39 weeks it begins to age.
The position of the baby in the uterus
By this time, the child had taken its final position. There is little space for him in the uterus, so the legs of the fetus are pressed against the stomach, and the arms are folded over the chest. This is the most suitable position for the easiest possible passage through the birth canal. In 95% of cases, the child's head is pressed against the pelvis.
Sometimes the baby may be in breech presentation. You should not panic about this, since it will be possible to give birth naturally, without prejudice to the health of the woman or baby. If the doctor suspects any threat, a cesarean section will be performed.
All women who have a baby in breech presentation are sent to the hospital even before the onset of labor. There, a control ultrasound is performed, during which the size of the child is assessed, its location is specified and the method of delivery is determined.
What women experience at 39 weeks gestation
At this time, a woman is most often in anxious anticipation of the child's birth. After all, the process of childbirth can begin at any time. It is important to maintain peace of mind and calmness: bags are collected in the hospital, there are no health problems. However, mild nervousness is usually present in every woman. To remove it, it is imperative to talk to the child, listen to his movements. After all, the baby will have to go through an equally difficult path.
You will not be able to miss the beginning of labor, since the first contractions are always expressed in the appearance of cramps in the lower abdomen. They will repeat every 10-15 minutes, and then even more often. It is not excluded that the water will drain and that bloody discharge will appear. Some women experience increased appetite early in labor. Therefore, you need to take care of a light snack in advance.
It is worth paying attention to your blood pressure. Normally, it should be no higher than 140 to 90 and not lower than 90 to 60.
Harbingers of the onset of labor at 39 weeks of gestation
If the contractions have not yet begun, you need to listen carefully to your body. It is possible that it is already giving signals that labor is about to begin. For example, an impending birth may be indicated by a decrease in appetite. Weight loss may also occur. Many women report a loss of 1-2 kg.
If earlier false contractions were weak and painless, then in the last weeks they can become more intense and frequent. And at their peak, there is a hardening of the abdomen. Some expectant mothers are very worried about the fact that they will not be able to distinguish between false and real contractions. In fact, it is difficult to confuse them. As a rule, false contractions end with a change in body position, or after a short walk around the apartment. If the spasms and pain in the lumbar region pass, then it is too early to go to the maternity hospital.
The imminent onset of labor may be indicated by mucus that appears in the vaginal discharge. Sometimes it is transparent, and sometimes it can have a pinkish or brown tint. You should not be afraid - this is part of the mucous plug that goes out. Removal of the mucous plug is a natural process. The cervix gradually softens and contracts in preparation for the baby's release. Sometimes you can see the whole cork. It is represented by a lump of mucus with streaks of blood. The entire volume of the cork can fit in 2 tablespoons. If this happens, then labor will begin very soon.
Many women feel an unprecedented surge of energy before giving birth. With a vengeance they begin to prepare the house for the appearance of a new inhabitant in it. This is a very pleasant process, so you shouldn't deny yourself. However, heavy work cannot be done. Let other family members do it.
Another sign of an imminent birth is indigestion. Feelings of nausea, indigestion, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea may increase.
Nevertheless, until the real contractions begin, you need to continue to lead a measured lifestyle, spend as much time in the fresh air as possible, and take walks. In this case, you should not go far from home, and it is better to keep the exchange card with you.
Abdominal prolapse
The abdomen most often descends between 36 and 39 weeks. This is one of the signs by which one can assume the imminent onset of labor. Although abdominal prolapse may not occur at all.
When the belly drops, it becomes much easier for the woman to breathe, because the strong pressure on the diaphragm stops. Belching and heartburn also disappear. However, urination becomes more frequent, as the uterus begins to press harder on the bladder.
You should also not worry too much about the appearance of pulling pain in the lower back. At 39 weeks gestation, this is normal, because labor will begin very soon.
Causes of pain at 39 weeks of gestation
The causes of pain at 39 weeks of gestation may be as follows:
- Pain in the lower back and lower abdomen occurs due to the fact that the body is preparing for childbirth: the abdomen drops, and with it the baby in the uterus.
- Pain in the pubic, pelvic and sacral regions occurs due to softening of the pelvic bones and ligaments. This happens under the influence of the hormone relaxin. Moreover, the bones gradually diverge so that the baby is easier to come out into the light. It is worth a little patience, because after childbirth everything will pass.
- Pain in the back and in the spine appears due to the fact that the woman's center of gravity is shifted. The same reason causes pain in the lower limbs.
- Aching or shooting pains in the area of the back of the leg occur due to the fact that the femoral nerve is pinched. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it even reaches the knee.
- Sometimes women notice some breast tenderness. This is also a variant of the norm, because the body prepares it for the upcoming breastfeeding process. Therefore, in addition to pain, a feeling of heaviness may appear in the chest, and colostrum will come out of the nipples.
To reduce pain in the back, lower back and legs, you need to relieve them as often as possible. Sleep should be in the correct posture, and it is equally important to wear a prenatal bandage.
What can be the discharge?
Discharge at this time should be milky white, with a uniform consistency. A slight sour odor may also be present. Pinkish or transparent mucus in the discharge is a variant of the norm and should not be scared. Thus, part of the mucous plug that closes the entrance to the uterus leaves.
Pathology is indicated by such discharge as:
- Purulent mucous discharge;
- Discharge with flakes;
- Cheesy discharge;
- Highlights green or yellow.
If such discharge is found, it is necessary to consult a doctor and treat the existing infection. If this is not done, then the risk of infection of the baby during childbirth is high.
When amniotic fluid flows, even in small quantities, it is necessary to go to the hospital. Water looks like a thin, watery discharge that can be clear or yellowish. Sometimes they leave immediately, and sometimes in small portions. The latter option indicates that the walls of the placenta have become thinner and fluid began to pass through. In any case, a medical consultation is necessary; the discharge of water cannot be ignored. So, when the wall of the placenta becomes thinner, the child becomes extremely vulnerable to various infections.
Allocations with blood require a woman to promptly call a medical team. Most often, this indicates a placental abruption, which has a normal location. Sometimes blood in the discharge is a sign of placenta previa. However, presentation by this time turns out to be excluded from the list of pathologies, since the woman underwent many examinations.
Intimate life
Previously, all doctors were unanimous against sex at such a late stage of pregnancy. This was justified by the fact that during orgasm, the uterus contracts, which can lead to the onset of labor. At this point in time, this theory is not considered correct. Doctors point out that a woman should rely on her own desires and listen to her body. If discomfort and fatigue reduces attraction to a sexual partner, then you should not step over yourself.
If a woman feels the need for intimacy, then she should not deny herself either. Sex is a gentle preparation of the cervix for an imminent birth, because the male sperm contains a special hormone (prostaglandin), which makes it more elastic. Orgasm, in turn, trains the uterus and prepares it for quality labor.
Doctors in a number of countries even recommend the practice of sex in the late stages of pregnancy as a method of natural induction of labor.
It is worth remembering that during sex you need to be as careful as possible, since the child is very close to the birth canal. If pain occurs, then intercourse must be interrupted. You should also abandon uncomfortable postures and eliminate any pressure on the abdomen.
Ultrasound examination
An ultrasound examination at 39 weeks of gestation can only be performed for special indications. During an ultrasound, the doctor assesses the size of the child, determines the degree of his development.
The condition of the uterus and cervix is also assessed, the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman is determined. The placenta by this time has the third degree of maturity. The higher this degree, the thinner the walls of the placenta. However, it is through her that the child receives from the mother the antibodies that he needs to form immunity.
Ultrasound examination eliminates the risk of the umbilical cord entwining the baby's neck. At the same time, it is not always necessary to carry out a cesarean section when entwined with an umbilical cord. The umbilical cord itself can be up to 65 cm long, so a woman is able to give birth naturally, and the doctors will simply remove the umbilical cord from the baby's neck immediately after birth. Even if the umbilical cord is short and begins to tighten during the baby's passage through the birth canal, doctors are able to decide on the need for an emergency caesarean section.
What tests do I need to pass?
If there are no abnormalities during pregnancy, then the woman donates blood and urine for a general analysis.
At the same time, you need to go to an appointment with a gynecologist. Sometimes at 39 weeks, the doctor conducts a vaginal examination, assessing the degree of readiness of the cervix for childbirth.
How is labor going at 39 weeks gestation?
Childbirth at 39 weeks gestation is physiological and has a standard course. If labor has begun, you need to concentrate on your feelings. You need to monitor your breathing, take the correct body position. It is important to understand that not only the woman herself, but also the baby needs help, therefore it is necessary to listen to all the doctor's instructions and follow them.
You don't have to sit or lie down during contractions. It is best to stay on your feet as long as possible. If your contractions get worse, it's time to remember breathing exercises that help relieve pain. You need to breathe deeply and calmly. This will save energy for the upcoming attempts.
The second stage of labor is characterized by attempts. They can sometimes be confused with the desire to empty the intestines. However, you cannot push without medical supervision. This should be done only at the command of the doctor. When the woman takes a seat in the chair, and the body is ready, then you need to start pushing. At this time, the entire volume of air that is in the respiratory tract must be directed down the abdomen. The diaphragm must work, which helps the child to be born. When the doctor orders to stop pushing, you must stop. This time should be used to rest and relax all muscles.
During childbirth, all fears must be dropped. It is important to help the baby to be born, because he is experiencing stress, no less than the woman herself. The birth process takes a lot of energy from the child. It is very important to get yourself together and not panic. The calmer the woman, the easier the childbirth is.
When the baby leaves the birth canal, the final stage of labor will begin - the exit of the placenta. During this time, the child will be examined by doctors. The doctor will cut the umbilical cord, the uterus will contract, the placenta will separate and come out with the fetal membrane and the remaining umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is cut only after the pulsation stops. At the same time, the so-called afterbirth or children's place comes out. On this, the process of childbirth can be considered complete.
It is in the first 30 minutes of a child's life that it will be attached to the mother's breast. This moment will be remembered for a lifetime. The first colostrum is very necessary for the baby for the normal completion of labor, for the normal functioning of the intestines, for the development of immunity. Being close to the mother will make it easier for the baby to adapt to an unfamiliar world.
Pain relief methods during childbirth
Perhaps, most of all, women are afraid of severe pain that accompany the process of childbirth. Therefore, very often the question of pain relief arises.
Sometimes during vaginal delivery, epidural or epidural anesthesia is used. In this case, the lower torso becomes insensitive, the muscles relax, but the cervix continues to open. Conducting anesthesia helps to lengthen the attempts. Indications for pain relief are cardiovascular disease in a woman, slow dilatation of the uterus, or an extremely low threshold of pain sensitivity.
Anesthesia is also performed when it is necessary to start an emergency operation. It is important to understand that anesthesia for a child is dangerous due to side effects, therefore, only to reduce labor pains, anesthesia is not performed.
Answers to questions about 39 weeks pregnant
- At the 39th week of pregnancy, the plug came off. A day has passed since that time. How soon will labor start? As a rule, after the passage of the mucous plug, labor begins in the coming days. Sometimes she can go out a week before the onset of labor. It is important to monitor your condition. If the lower back pains become severe and training contractions become more frequent, then labor will begin very soon.
- Increasingly, at 39 weeks of gestation, the abdomen turns to stone, recently this sensation has become painful. Does this mean that you need to go to the hospital? You need to go to the maternity hospital when a woman has 5 painful and prolonged contractions in 1 hour. However, if a woman feels calmer in the hospital, then she can go there earlier. The doctor will examine the woman, assess her condition, and decide on hospitalization.
- At the 39th week of pregnancy, the stomach is pulling, the cork has come off, there are pains in the lumbar region, but the water has not yet departed. How soon will I give birth? These signs are harbingers of an imminent birth, so you need not panic, but get ready for the hospital.
- Why do legs hurt badly at 39 weeks of gestation? Pain in the legs appears due to the fact that the uterus presses on the venous vessels with a vengeance, which disrupts the venous outflow. It can cause discomfort in the legs, but there is no danger. You just need to lie as much as possible with your feet on the dais. Massage also helps. Sometimes leg pain occurs due to muscle spasm. They begin against the background of a lack of calcium and magnesium in the woman's body. In this case, you should consult your doctor.
- I am 39 weeks pregnant. Water leaks for several hours. What do we have to do? It is necessary to go to the hospital, since the discharge of water is a harbinger of an early birth. Moreover, the child's natural defense against infections is reduced, so a professional examination is essential.
The author of the article: Lapikova Valentina Vladimirovna | Gynecologist, reproductologist
Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Healthcare and Social Development (2010). In 2013 completed postgraduate studies at N. N. N. I. Pirogova.
