Condition of the expectant mother.

At the 38th week of pregnancy, many women are puzzled by packing things for the maternity hospital, trying to learn as much as possible about how childbirth takes place and what they can expect.

The expectant mother still has two weeks until the due date indicated on the exchange card. In fact, labor can begin at any time. Understanding this makes a woman restless and very vulnerable. We will talk in more detail about what happens to the baby and his mother at 38 weeks in this article.

How many months is this?

Over a long period of pregnancy, even the expectant mother herself becomes somewhat lost in calculating the due date. She gets used to the fact that the countdown is carried out according to obstetric standards and cannot immediately remember how many months it is in a regular calendar.

Let us recall that the obstetric period is the actual period of existence of the fetus plus two weeks.

The calculation is thus based on the first day of menstruation preceding conception.

38 obstetric weeks means that the baby has been around for exactly 36 weeks. The 38th week in calendar terms is exactly 8 months plus 2 weeks. The gestation period for a baby has already lasted 266 days.

How did the baby turn out?

The baby is ready for birth at 38 weeks. He is fully formed, in recent months he has “recovered”, gained weight and now, like his mother, is waiting for the mother’s body to give the “go-ahead” that he can begin his journey into this outside world.

Dimensions and weight of the fetus

The estimated weight of the fetus is determined by ultrasound using mathematical formulas embedded in the scanning device program. On average, at 38 weeks the weight of babies is about 3 kilograms with a wide range of fluctuations.

There are babies that already weigh 3800 grams, and there are smaller babies whose body weight barely reaches 2800 grams. Boys weigh a little more girls. At this stage, hereditary appearance traits already appear: if mom and dad are large, the baby weighs more, if the parents are thin and short, then the child will not be able to boast of being overweight.

The baby's height at 38 weeks is approaching 50 centimeters. This is also an average value, since there are children whose height at 38 weeks is 56 centimeters, and there are babies who have grown to only 48 centimeters from the back of their heads to their heels.

An ultrasound scan at this time will show the following fetometric indicators:

• biparental head size on average - 94 mm;
• fronto-occipital size - 118 mm;
• femur length - 75 mm;
• chest diameter - 101 mm.

The baby, if it is not yet about to be born, will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace than it was in previous weeks.

Nervous system

During this period, the active development of the nervous system continues. It will not end even after childbirth, because nervous system- the only system human body, the formation of which continues after the intrauterine period. Nothing new happens in the structure of the brain and spinal cord - physiologically their formation is complete, but every day new neural connections and new neuromuscular impulses arise.

Already, the baby has more than 70 automatic reflex movements that are provided by nature for survival. It is best for the baby to still have sucking, grasping and swallowing reflexes.

He will demonstrate them immediately after birth.

Also, by this age, the child has learned to control his limbs: now his arms and legs do not move or throw up chaotically, but are completely controlled by the brain.

The baby is quite emotional. He distinguishes between familiar and unfamiliar sounds, can be scared, experience joy, peace, worry and worry with your mother. Controlling your emotions at this time is of great importance for a woman.

Movements

The normal range of movements is 38 obstetric week remains exactly the same as before - The expectant mother must record at least 10 movements of the baby within 12 hours. However, many women note that babies become more “lazy”, clumsy, and the number of movements subjectively decreases.

Indeed, the baby no longer has the opportunity to move as quickly and vigorously as before, because he occupies almost the entire space of the uterus, and there is practically no free space left for “maneuvers.”

This week, women are also complaining about painful movements of their son or daughter. There is nothing unusual in this either - the amount of amniotic fluid decreases, along with it the natural “shock absorber” disappears, and now, when moving, the baby comes into direct contact with the walls of the uterus, which sometimes causes not the most pleasant sensations in women.

The absence of movements for 4-5 hours or active, painful, sharp movements that practically do not subside for 2-3 hours are grounds for an urgent unscheduled visit to the doctor.

It is through movements that the child can tell his mother that not everything is all right with him - there is not enough oxygen, the umbilical cord has become entangled, etc.

Organs and systems

The main event of the 38th week of pregnancy is the completion of the process of accumulation of surfactant by the baby’s lungs - a special substance that prevents the alveoli from gluing together. Thanks to the surfactant, the baby will be able to take his first full breath and exhale, and the lungs will not stick together.

The remaining organs and systems are completely ready to work autonomously outside the mother’s body. The heart pumps blood, it still beats faster than mom’s, but this is completely normal.

Vessels can narrow and expand, adapting to the characteristics of blood flow. The small stomach works smoothly, because the baby swallows up to 300 ml of amniotic fluid per day.

A supply of the first stool is deposited in the intestines - rich green original meconium.

Meconium will come out on the first day after the baby is born, thereby starting the work of the intestines in new conditions. Baby's kidneys and bladder They work like clockwork - every hour and a half the baby pees. The liver, spleen, pancreas and gallbladder.

Sense organs

The baby's senses at 38 weeks are well developed. The baby can hear, he listens with pleasure to everything that is available to him. He knows the voices of mom and dad and recognizes them from the mass of other voices, is wary of unfamiliar strangers' voices, sharp sounds, unpleasant in timbre and volume, for example, the slamming of a door.

The baby can show his dissatisfaction with what he hears in different ways. It all depends on the character of the baby, which he is already able to show. Some are frightened by extraneous sounds and become quiet, instinctively trying to “hide”, others are quite actively indignant, expressing their emotions with active movements.

The baby cannot see yet. More precisely, he cannot see the way we see. But he perfectly distinguishes between light and dark, day and night, general contours, and he will “hone” the clarity and focus of vision in the first months after birth. Many babies at this stage have their own daily routine, when they sleep and are awake. Usually, by the 38th week, expectant mothers know their baby’s routine quite well.

Smells still remain inaccessible, because the baby does not breathe through his nose yet, but his taste buds work perfectly. He can distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid well: if the mother has eaten sweets, he begins to swallow them more actively, and if there is garlic, then less actively, while he makes grimaces of disgust just like an adult.

A baby’s sense of touch at 38 weeks is a solid “A”. In the first days after birth, the tactile way of understanding the world will be the main thing for the baby - skin-to-skin contact with the mother, to whom he has become accustomed for 9 months, will give him a feeling of security and peace even in incomprehensible and frightening situations.

Metabolism and immunity

The baby's metabolism proceeds quite quickly, his metabolic processes are rapid. At 38 weeks, the placenta remains the main organ that nourishes and provides everything necessary. She has not yet begun to actively age.

Also, a woman’s body weight is affected by the aging and thinning placenta, which becomes lighter, and the amount of amniotic fluid, which noticeably decreases.

The breasts of a pregnant woman at this stage are beautiful, full; many, when touching the nipples, release thick colostrum, which a few days after birth will turn into full-fledged breast milk.

If there is no colostrum, there is no need to worry, this is also a variant of the norm, and it will definitely appear, but after childbirth.

Pain

For a woman at 38 weeks, it is often easier to answer the question of where she doesn’t have pain than to describe all her pain sensations - there are too many of them, and they are quite varied.

Expectant mothers at this stage often complain of headaches of varying intensity. There can be many reasons for this phenomenon. Headaches are often caused by increased blood pressure.

A woman prone to hypertension must monitor her blood pressure levels by measuring it twice a day in both arms. If the pressure rises, you should call ambulance.

Headaches in pregnant women in late stages are often psychogenic in nature - worries, fears, and anxiety cannot pass without leaving a trace. The frequency and intensity of headaches is also influenced by the general condition - with insomnia, for example, headaches in the daytime are a completely understandable phenomenon.

Often, expectant mothers at this stage of pregnancy are worried about their breasts - the nipples hurt and itch. There is nothing unusual about this, it's just how the breasts prepare for breastfeeding.

The uterus, which has become so large that it barely fits in the abdominal cavity, shifts the center of gravity, resulting in pain in the lower back, back, and tailbone at 38 weeks.

Pain in the groin in the area of ​​the pubic bone is associated with the action of the hormone relaxin. The pelvic bones soften, the ligaments become more elastic. This should make it easier for the child to pass through the birth canal. The softening process with simultaneous load on the bones and ligaments from the heavy and large uterus is associated with pain in the area of ​​the symphysis pubis.

If the pain is moderate and does not hinder movement, you just need to be patient a little - after childbirth everything will return to its place. If the pain in the perineum is sharp and unremitting, if it prevents you from walking, climbing stairs, standing and turning over in bed, you should inform your doctor about this in order to rule out symphysitis - a pathological divergence of the symphysis pubis.

Almost all women at 38 weeks have lower back pain, and uterine tone is observed from time to time, on the right and left side of the lower abdomen pain appears as during menstruation. These are training contractions that pass quickly if you take a horizontal position and have a good rest.

Pain when the fetus moves is sometimes combined with a sensation of electric shock; women often characterize it with the expression “shooting in the groin.” This unusual sensation can occur when the baby puts pressure on the nerve nodes.

Often, at 38 weeks, teeth suddenly begin to hurt.

During pregnancy, the baby took a large amount of calcium from the mother’s blood, so the tooth enamel could be damaged.

Under the influence of hormones that are released before childbirth, gums may begin to bleed. Dental treatment during this period is undesirable.. But if the pain is severe, then it is better to visit a dentist and treat the problem tooth. Modern methods of pain relief in dentistry are allowed even for pregnant women.

Discharge

Normally, the amount of discharge at 38 weeks may increase slightly, but it should remain transparent or light-colored, without any blood or changes in color or odor. A panty liner is an excellent indicator of the condition of the reproductive organs, because it is very convenient to monitor changes in the nature of discharge.

If the discharge becomes pink, brown, spotting, or if there is mucus in it, this may indicate a plug is coming out. If the plug comes off completely, it looks like a clot of mucus with blood streaks. If the plug comes off in parts, which is also considered normal, then a mucous pinkish daub will be observed for several days. Sometimes the plug comes off completely unnoticed when a woman empties her bladder or along with the release of amniotic fluid.

A plug is a collection of mucus that blocks the entrance to the cervical canal, located in the cervix. Such protection was required throughout pregnancy, starting from its first hours, in order to avoid the penetration of foreign bodies, viruses, and bacteria through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity.

When the cervix is ​​ready for childbirth, the internal and then the external os begins to gradually open. At the stage of expansion of the internal pharynx, the plug is no longer necessary and it comes off.

Greenish and dirty-gray discharge with a fishy unpleasant odor at 38 weeks is not considered normal, nor is it a sign of imminent labor. Rather, such discharge may indicate the presence of infection in the genital tract. The infection must be treated before delivery. If this is not done, the woman will be sent to the observation department of the maternity hospital, and during childbirth there will be a high probability of infection of the fetus.

White, curdled discharge with the smell of yeast or sour milk may indicate that thrush has begun. This is a common occurrence in late pregnancy.

Thrush develops against the background of poor hygiene and/or due to changes in hormonal levels.

It is also advisable to treat the symptoms of thrush before giving birth. To sanitize the genital tract, use Hexicon solution and suppositories and the drug Terzhinan. Another medicine may be recommended, it all depends on the reasons for the appearance of atypical discharge, so the choice of remedy is the doctor’s task.

The appearance of discharge that resembles colorless, odorless water may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid. A rapid outpouring of water is difficult to confuse with anything; it is usually leakage that raises questions. In doubtful cases, a pharmacy test for amniotic fluid and an examination by a gynecologist will help determine it. Watery discharge is a reason to consult a doctor.

Digestion

At 38 weeks, the expectant mother may experience a dramatic change in appetite. If you previously wanted to eat all the time, now you may experience complete indifference to food, and, conversely, your appetite may “erupt.” But It is better for a woman to avoid heavy lunches and dinners, because at this stage, digestive problems are very common.

The grown uterus compresses the intestinal loops, as a result of which the expectant mother suffers from diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and these unpleasant symptoms can alternate, replacing each other.

The intestinal loops are shifted back, compressed, peristalsis is disrupted, and gas formation increases. You can often come across complaints like “I go to the toilet in a big way with tears in my eyes.” Defecation at this stage really causes a lot of trouble.. Diarrhea is no less painful than constipation. When a woman has loose stools, she may experience symptoms of dehydration.

The stomach is also pressed down from below. Because of this, it hurts and there is heartburn. Many pregnant women believe that the baby's hair grows at this time. In fact, the causes of heartburn lie in mechanical compression of the stomach, which results in the reflux of gastric juice in the opposite direction - into the esophagus. Due to the fact that the gallbladder is compressed, the outflow of bile is obstructed, for this reason the woman suffers from belching, she feels sick, and she may even experience vomiting with bile impurities.

Meals at the 38th week of pregnancy should be fractional, not plentiful, and portions should be small. You should avoid fatty and salty foods, large amounts of meat, fish and dairy products, giving preference to vegetable dishes, fruits, and light, thin porridges.

This will help relieve constipation, ease digestion, and reduce heartburn and nausea.

Possible problems

Preeclampsia

A dangerous and unpredictable complication of late pregnancy is gestosis. The death of every third full-term baby in the last weeks of pregnancy is associated with it. 15% of maternal deaths at the very end of pregnancy and during childbirth are also associated with the development of gestosis.

Late gestosis manifests itself as swelling of the legs, arms, and face. Often such swelling is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, a deterioration in general health, and the detection of protein in the urine.

Swelling is not always noticeable to the naked eye; sometimes it is internal in nature and associated with the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, so it is not always possible to notice the symptoms of gestosis. But an experienced doctor will be able to navigate.

If gestosis is detected at 38 weeks, the woman is hospitalized and, as a rule, they decide on the issue of delivery, so as not to risk the health of the mother and fetus.

Fetal presentation

There is practically no chance that a child who occupies an incorrect position in the uterus will change it to the correct one - head position - at 38 weeks. The baby is too big, and the uterus is too crowded for the baby to turn over, although this sometimes happens.

A control ultrasound for breech or transverse presentation is usually carried out at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy, and if the baby still remains in a sitting position or lies across the uterus, then at 38-39 weeks a planned caesarean section is performed.

Most babies at this stage have a head position in relation to the exit from the uterus, that is The baby's head is pressed tightly against the pelvic outlet. This position is ideal for natural childbirth.

At this stage, the woman herself can feel the pressure of the fetal head - these sensations are not the most pleasant, they occur sporadically. With pressure from the head, the woman begins to feel a strong urge to urinate.

Placenta, amniotic fluid

"Children's Place" still performs its functions, but does not do it as well as before. The placenta began to age. Her thickness at 38 weeks ranges from 27.5 mm to 45.5 mm, with an average of 34.07 mm. The amount of amniotic fluid also becomes less. Normal the range of amniotic fluid index for a given period is 65-269 mm, on average - 132 mm.

If the amount of water decreases, if it is contaminated with meconium, which is visible on ultrasound as turbidity and suspension in the water, immediate delivery will be indicated, since such signs indicate fetal hypoxia and a number of other pathologies.

Childbirth or cesarean section will also be planned if the placenta is thinned, if foreign inclusions are found in it, as well as if the uteroplacental blood flow is disrupted.

Haemorrhoids

An unpleasant and very painful condition in which blood flow in the hemorrhoidal veins is disrupted occurs in seven out of ten women in the later stages. This is due to the pressure of the uterus on the lower veins, which leads to a violation of the pressure inside the vessels.

External or internal hemorrhoids, accompanied by prolapse of nodes or proceeding without prolapse, with or without anal bleeding - there are many varieties of the disease in pregnant women.

If symptoms appear - itching and pain in the anal area, defecation problems, constipation, bleeding during bowel movements, pain in the anus when walking and sitting, a woman should definitely consult a doctor.

Today there are many medications, which can quickly relieve pain and inflammation in the rectum and stop bleeding. It is advisable to do this before the birth.

Cystitis

Many pregnant women at 38 weeks complain of pain when urinating, frequent urination in small portions. This phenomenon in itself may be due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder, but the appearance of cutting acute pain cannot be ignored.

Causes of cystitis in this long term Pregnancies can be associated with both physiology and colds, with decreased immunity, in which the mucous membranes of the bladder become especially susceptible to infections.

The fact of cystitis at the 38th obstetric week must be reported to the attending physician.. He will prescribe an additional urine test, including a Nechiporenko test and bacterial culture. This is important to exclude the infectious nature of the phenomenon. Canephron helps relieve symptoms.

Harbingers of childbirth

There is still time before the expected date of birth, but women at this stage are already waiting for possible “precursors”, because the onset of labor this week is not at all uncommon, and only about 7% of babies are born on the expected date of birth.

During a twin pregnancy, labor can begin any minute; during a singleton pregnancy, this probability is lower, but it also occurs.

Women who give birth for the first time are at a loss, because the signs of labor beginning are unfamiliar to them, and multiparous women do not always have time to orient themselves, since each birth differs from the previous ones, including in the nature of the initial symptoms.

Let's look at what signs and symptoms you should go to the maternity hospital for.

Signs in primiparas

The most discussed symptom is abdominal prolapse. Indeed, in a woman who is about to give birth, her stomach drops down as the baby takes the “starting” position, pressing its head against the pelvic outlet. However, in first-time mothers, such a sign cannot be considered reliable, since the tummy of expectant mothers drops long before the date of birth. If it's 38 weeks, the belly may already be drooping, or may drop from day to day.

False (training) contractions are considered a more reliable sign of impending labor. For women who are preparing to become mothers for the first time, they can begin approximately 5-7 days before birth, sometimes a little earlier. Training labor activity is an individual trait, and there is no single standard here.

Medicine is still not very clear about the reasons and purpose of false contractions, and therefore the version of “training” the body before the upcoming real test was chosen as the basis. They manifest themselves as a nagging, aching pain on the left and right side of the lower abdomen, as during menstruation, at the same time it noticeably pulls the lower back and slightly “presses” on the rectum.

Such contractions do not have a specific time duration, frequency, or rhythm. If a woman feels that the uterus has become toned (pregnant women often call this condition a sign of “the stomach is turning to stone”), or nagging pain appears, you should lie down and rest a little.

Training contractions go away after a half-hour rest, but real contractions only intensify.

If labor does not begin with the rupture of water, but from the appearance of contractions, you should make sure that they are not training, and as soon as it is possible to detect their cyclical nature (for example, a painful attack lasts 30 seconds and repeats every 10 minutes or more often), you should also take the things and documents collected in advance and go to the maternity hospital.

An indirect sign indicating that labor will soon begin is considered to be the so-called “nesting instinct,” when a few days before the onset of labor, a woman begins to experience an irresistible urge to clean up, put everything in its place, once again stroke and rearrange all the diaper rompers and Be sure to move the piano in the living room so that it stands differently.

If such an instinct has not awakened, this does not mean that childbirth is being postponed.

Another indirect sign is the appearance of loose stools. Before childbirth, the body strives to get rid of everything superfluous and unnecessary as much as possible; in addition, during bowel movements, special hormones are produced - prostaglandins, which stimulate the onset of labor, having a softening effect on the cervix.

Signs in multiparous women

In a second pregnancy and in a third pregnancy, the symptoms may be the same, but with some important nuances. Training contractions in women who have already given birth, as a rule, begin immediately before childbirth - just a couple of days.

The reproductive organs of the expectant mother “remember” the previous experience, and all processes of preparation for childbirth proceed much faster. So, in first-time mothers, the internal os of the cervix opens first, and only then the external one, and sometimes many hours pass between these two processes. In multiparous women, only a few minutes may pass between the opening of the internal and external os, sometimes they open almost simultaneously.

If it is not training contractions that have begun, but actual contractions, a woman who is not giving birth for the first time should not wait until the frequency of these contractions is intense, because the process may happen too quickly. It is better to immediately go to the maternity hospital in order to be under medical supervision in case of rapid labor.

Indirect symptoms of the imminent onset of the second or third birth are often the appearance of a feeling of causeless anxiety, restlessness; many expectant mothers claim that a couple of hours before giving birth they feel either hot or cold, chills, and slight dizziness.

Analyzes and examinations

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, a woman has a scheduled appointment with her obstetrician-gynecologist. During the appointment, the expectant mother will be weighed to determine weight gain (or weight loss), blood pressure levels will be measured, and her arms and legs will be examined for possible swelling indicating preeclampsia.

If the pregnancy was problematic, there are certain complications, the woman will be offered an unscheduled CTG. Cardiotocography will help find out how the baby feels on the eve of birth. If doubts arise or the device produces results indicating abnormalities in the condition of the fetus, an ultrasound scan with Doppler (USDG) will be performed.

This examination will show how the uteroplacental blood flow is carried out, whether the child has enough oxygen and nutrients, and whether there are any pathological changes in the structure of the placenta and umbilical cord entanglement.

All women without exception are prescribed a general urine test at 38 weeks., a clinical blood test and an analysis called “coagulogram”. This laboratory test will allow us to judge the processes of hemostasis - blood clotting, which is very important on the eve of childbirth, in order to assess the possible risks of thrombosis or extensive birth hemorrhage if there are deviations in clotting factors.

If a woman feels signs, “precursors” of labor, the doctor in the gynecological chair, during a scheduled visit, will conduct a manual examination and examination of the cervix to determine its readiness for childbirth. The mature cervix is ​​smoothed out, shortened, and a slight opening may be observed - 1-2 fingers, if labor is to begin in the next day or two.

Sex - is it possible or not?

If a woman does not have objective problems with carrying a pregnancy and the attending physician does not prohibit it, it is possible and necessary to have sex at 38 weeks. Sexual intercourse that gives pleasure to both partners will only benefit the pregnant woman. Orgasm helps the uterine muscles become more elastic, “trains” the cervix, and promotes the release of the hormone oxytocin, which in certain quantities stimulates the onset of labor.

Unprotected sex is doubly useful, provided that the woman’s sexual partner is completely healthy and does not have sexually transmitted infections, including hidden ones. Sperm contains prostaglandin hormones, which relax the muscles of the cervix, helping it to quickly prepare for labor. Sex has a positive effect on the relationship of future parents, improves understanding in the family, gives peace and lifts the mood.

However, it is definitely contraindicated if the mucous plug begins to come off at week 38 or if it comes off entirely.

Labor may then begin within a few days. During this time, sexual contact is undesirable, since the cervical canal is no longer protected, and any infection can penetrate directly into the uterine cavity and cause intrauterine infection of the baby.

Childbirth at 38 weeks

Childbirth at this stage is not considered premature; the baby is fully term and ready for independent life outside the mother’s belly. According to statistics, labor begins this week in approximately 35% of women, that is, approximately every third pregnant woman at this stage is sent to the maternity hospital.

Natural childbirth proceeds usually, without any special features.

In some cases, this week there is a need to stimulate the birth process. This is necessary when a woman’s water has broken and contractions have not started, if there are indications for delivery and there are no contraindications against natural childbirth.

Indications for delivery are considered to be signs of fetal distress - hypoxia, fetoplacental insufficiency, signs of pathologies in the mother - the appearance of symptoms of preeclampsia, for example. In other words, if the child needs to be “hurried”, if he becomes unsafe in the mother’s womb, induction of labor is prescribed.

It is carried out with medications, mainly hormonal drugs, as well as puncture of the amniotic sac. If the situation is not critical, time is of the essence, Treatment may be prescribed to ripen the immature cervix- introduction of turundas with hormonal gels, and at the same time sanitization of the birth canal. All these actions take place strictly in a hospital.

Caesarean section at this stage is performed routinely for women who have an Rh conflict with the baby due to differences in Rh factors or blood groups, and for women carrying twins after IVF (independent childbirth in this case poses a high risk). If a repeat caesarean section is due, it may also be scheduled for this week or next.

If the baby is in no hurry to be born, under no circumstances should you rush him from the outside. The period still allows him to stay in his mother’s tummy for at least 2-3 weeks, and therefore You should not try to induce labor using folk remedies or grandmother’s remedies., which included taking massive doses of castor oil, squats until you lost your pulse, and exhausting “walks” up the stairs to the ninth floor.

No matter how tired mom may be during 8.5 months of pregnancy, it’s worth being patient a little longer. If the baby is not in a hurry, then it’s better for him.

At 38 weeks, you should pack a bag that the woman will take with her to the maternity hospital.. If this has not been done before, now is the right time. It must include clothes for the woman in labor, clothes for the baby, hygiene items, disposable diapers, and special panties for women in labor. Don’t forget to put the necessary documents in one folder - passport, medical insurance policy, birth certificate and exchange card.

Walking on fresh air useful and necessary for a pregnant woman.

But This week you should walk without fanaticism, without making long “marathons”, without moving far from home, since labor can begin at any time.

If you need to go somewhere further than the next block, you should take documents with you that may be needed during hospitalization in the maternity hospital (the list is above), and put the collected bag in a visible place so that family or friends can deliver it to you at the hospital at any time.

Aching, stabbing, pulling pains that are not true contractions can be relieved by such a well-known and popular among expectant mothers medicine, like “No-Shpa”, but do not exceed the dosage recommended by the manufacturer and your doctor.

In stressful situations and insomnia during this period, you can take light herbal sedatives, for example, Valerian tablets. Everyone else Medicines can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.. If an infection is detected and antibiotics are prescribed, for example, Flemoclav Solutab, there is no need to stop taking them. Over such a long period of time, antibacterial drugs will not be able to harm the baby; they are dangerous at the stage of formation of organs and systems, but now everything in the child is already formed and functioning.

A woman should not lead a “sofa” lifestyle, even if her stomach is large and she doesn’t want to move. It has long been noted that the more active a mother behaves before childbirth, the easier the birth process is for her and the faster the recovery after childbirth. However, you should not be overzealous. A woman now needs light physical activity and a complete absence of stressful situations.

The expectant mother should be attentive to her own health, especially if the end of pregnancy occurs during the cold season, when there is a chance of contracting seasonal acute respiratory viral infections, influenza or other infections. These illnesses can greatly complicate the last weeks of pregnancy.

They most likely will not harm the baby itself, but the woman’s immunity will be significantly undermined just before giving birth. In addition, when admitted to the maternity hospital with such symptoms and illnesses as a runny nose, cough, sinusitis, otitis media, sore throat, etc., a woman in all cases without exception is placed not in the general ward for women in labor, but in the observational ward, where patients who were not examined, as well as those with identified infections.

9.5 obstetric months of pregnancy (or 8.5 normal months) have ended. Another two weeks maximum - and mommy will finally see her baby. Of course, sometimes pregnant women give birth at 42 weeks, but most births occur at 38–40 weeks. Many factors indicate the approaching birth - the produced oxytocin makes the mother thirst for activity and the desire to put the house in order before childbirth, a drooping tummy brings relief, contractions become more painful and rhythmic.

If you feel that your body is ready for childbirth and it is about to begin, do not waste time, check again that you have packed everything for the trip to the maternity hospital, leave the future dad a list of necessary things after leaving the maternity hospital, visit a beauty salon - after all, You won't be able to get a pedicure and manicure anytime soon!

At the 38th week of pregnancy, the baby’s weight is at least 3000g, and its length exceeds 47cm. Its size and degree of organ maturity indicate that it is completely ready for childbirth. While he is still feeding through the placenta, which can weigh up to two kilograms, he is quite capable of feeding on mother’s milk if birth occurs at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

How many months have passed? Nine and a half obstetric months have already passed (one obstetric month has 28 days, or exactly four weeks).

What's happening?

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is no longer growing as rapidly as before - after all, all his organs and systems are fully formed, and he is absolutely ready for independent life.

At this time, the baby gains no more than thirty grams per day, and accordingly, the mother should not gain much weight. The main reason for weight gain during this period is swelling. Try to eat right, don’t eat too sweet or fatty foods, limit yourself to liquids - this way, the appearance of edema can be, if not prevented, then significantly reduced.

Quite serious signs that should be immediately treated at the maternity hospital are headache, diarrhea, dizziness, combined with severe swelling and high blood pressure. This is preeclampsia, which is extremely dangerous for both mother and baby. If you notice several of these symptoms, call an ambulance and immediately go to the maternity hospital. If you receive timely assistance, you and your baby will not be in any danger.

Your baby is already fully formed: the lungs are ready to breathe air, the heart is able to supply the entire body with blood, the kidneys and intestines regularly remove harmful substances from the body, and the brain is mature enough for the baby to be outside the mother.

The child loses lanugo and vernix, becomes pretty - after all, he has already accumulated sufficient fat reserves, so the baby’s body and face acquire a charming baby plumpness. Marigolds continue to grow - some babies are born with a long manicure, which can scratch themselves and their mother.

During this period, the child no longer grows as actively as before, and its size does not allow too active movement in the uterus, so most of the time the baby rests, preparing for the upcoming birth.

Photo of the baby, ultrasound

A few photos from an ultrasound at 38 weeks of pregnancy will give you a better idea of ​​your baby at this stage.

At the 38th week of pregnancy, the belly usually already drops (although in some pregnant women it does not drop until the very birth), and the expectant mother becomes much easier. The uterus does not put so much pressure on the stomach, which is why heartburn and nausea go away and appetite returns. The lowering of the abdomen occurs due to the fact that the baby’s head begins to descend into the pelvis before birth.

Despite the improvement in well-being, you should not go too heavy on food - the weight gain by the end of the 38th week of pregnancy should be from 8 to 15 kg (the greater the initial weight, the greater the gain). On the contrary, you should completely exclude smoked foods, pickles, and sweets from the menu, and you should more often consume fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, and low-fat varieties of fish and meat. If you follow the right diet, you will certainly be able to minimize swelling and not gain overweight before childbirth. Each kilogram gained above the norm significantly complicates the birth process for both the mother and her baby.

Fetal movements at 38 weeks

By the end of pregnancy, the child gains significant weight - on average, the weight of babies born at 38 weeks of pregnancy is 3000 - 3500g. This fact does not allow the baby to move in the mother’s tummy as actively as before - after all, he is quite tightly surrounded by the uterus. By the 38th week of pregnancy, the number of movements the baby makes per day is about 10; the rest of the time he rests and gains strength before giving birth. However, you still need to monitor the movements - if it seems to you that you have not felt the baby’s kicks for too long, contact the doctors to make sure that everything is fine with the baby.

Mom's feelings

The last weeks of pregnancy are the most difficult for the mother: her health does not improve, fatigue accumulates, and the pregnant woman begins to suffer from swelling and frequent false contractions. Often, it seems to the expectant mother that her pregnancy lasts forever and will never end. But the proximity of the long-awaited meeting is encouraging!

Swelling is often a real scourge for mothers. They are associated not only with compression of the ureters and bladder, but also with compression of the inferior vena cava, through which blood flows from the legs. When it is pressed by the uterus, the blood stagnates in the veins of the legs, they swell significantly and hurt. To avoid this, try to lie on your left side more often, stand less, and do not sit in one position for a long time. You should absolutely not cross your legs - this will worsen venous congestion in the legs. Limit yourself to liquids. If your legs are very tired, lie down and put them on a pillow or other elevation.

Also, due to compression of the bladder by the descending head of the fetus, the mother begins to visit the toilet even more often. Frequent awakenings due to this are aggravated by anxiety before childbirth, so at 38 weeks of pregnancy, insomnia is also a common companion of pregnant women.

Discharge at 38 weeks of pregnancy should be whitish, with a slightly sour odor. Mucous discharge streaked with blood or pink in color is the release of a mucus plug before childbirth.

Be careful - heavy spotting is a sign of bleeding and requires urgent hospitalization in the maternity hospital! Abundant watery discharge indicates the breaking of water and the onset of labor.

Pain at 38 weeks of pregnancy

Pain during this period is associated with the fact that the body is actively preparing for childbirth: the pelvic bones move apart, the ligaments and joints become more pliable, and the cervix gradually begins to open. All these processes cause pain in the lower back and abdomen. In addition, the uterus begins to contract more and more often - for now these are so-called false contractions. If this is your first pregnancy experience, then you can distinguish false contractions from real ones by changing your position or walking around - the false contractions will immediately become weaker. During the 38th week of pregnancy, the stomach feels quite often, it becomes stiff and painful. If contractions become rhythmic and become more frequent, most likely you are in labor and it’s time to go to the maternity hospital.

Harbingers of childbirth

The body is already completely ready for childbirth. And are you afraid to miss the moment when this very birth begins? Don’t worry, it’s quite difficult to miss your own birth, and the harbingers of labor will help you prepare for it:

• Your stomach drops and it becomes easier for you to breathe.
• There is slight weight loss.
• Discharge from the genital tract is pinkish, streaked with blood, or copious and watery.
• The uterus is constantly in good shape.
• Periodically, the stomach turns to stone.
• Contractions become more frequent and rhythmic.

The appearance of precursors suggests that labor can begin at any time. Now try not to be alone, all things should be completely assembled and packed, and your husband should be in constant readiness to take you to the maternity hospital.

Contractions

Contractions at 38 weeks of pregnancy can be false, but real contractions can also begin. False contractions are not as painful; usually only the stomach hurts. They usually go away when changing position or moving. Also, between two false contractions, a woman may well fall asleep, which will not happen during real contractions.

Real contractions are quite painful, the stomach and lower back hurt, they do not go away with a change in position. In addition, actual contractions become more frequent and rhythmic over time. As soon as your contractions begin, start counting how long they last and what is the interval between them (this will help the doctor determine the expected time of birth), and also call an ambulance - it’s time to go to the maternity hospital.

The following parameters indicate the onset of labor:

• At least 10 contractions per hour lasting from 30 seconds to a minute.
• Contractions are accompanied by increased discharge.
• Your water suddenly broke in large quantities.

If these signs appear, you should urgently go to a medical facility, although the duration of contractions before birth can be up to 10–12 hours.

Research and analysis

In the last weeks of pregnancy, you should visit a gynecologist every week, and you should also have a weekly test to detect serious problems (preeclampsia) in a timely manner.

When visiting a antenatal clinic, the doctor will take measurements of the circumference and abdomen and the height of the uterus, and listen to the fetal heartbeat.

An ultrasound at 38 weeks is done only if there are any problems or malfunctions on the part of the mother or baby.

38 week of second pregnancy

If you already have experience going to the maternity hospital, then your second pregnancy will be easier - after all, you know everything and are ready for anything! The only thing to remember is that the second pregnancy almost always ends in childbirth at 38–39 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, by this time everything should be ready for the trip to the maternity hospital - the bags are packed and standing at the doorstep, you and your loved ones have long ago decided who will take you to the maternity hospital, and the baby’s room is ready for his arrival home.

Usually, the second birth is easier and faster than the first, although many mothers complain of more severe pain during the second birth. You should know that the cervix opens much faster during the second birth, so lifting weights or traveling on public transport while standing can lead to an unplanned onset of labor - under the weight of the fetal head, the cervix can open very quickly, and the baby can be born in just a couple of tens of minutes. A multiparous mother in late pregnancy should take care of herself so as not to provoke labor ahead of time.

38 weeks pregnant with twins

Of course, it is rare that a twin pregnancy continues until 38–40 weeks of pregnancy, but there are some, and there are quite a few of them. Most often, a multiple pregnancy ends in childbirth before the 37th week of pregnancy - this is due to the heavy load on the body of the mother of twins. If you carried your babies to this date, they are now guaranteed to be born absolutely mature and ready to meet this world!

Twin babies born at 38 weeks of pregnancy are practically no different from other children, except for size - often twin babies have slightly less weight (from 2500g) and height (from 45cm). In terms of development, they are completely comparable to the children who lived alone in their mother’s tummy, and sometimes even ahead of them.

Sex at 38 weeks pregnant

Of course, sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy can be a little more traumatic than at earlier stages - especially if the cervix has already begun to dilate. If you are experiencing strong sexual attraction- you shouldn’t deny yourself pleasure, but you need to be careful during sex. Many women are advised by their doctors to have sex to stimulate labor - the surge of hormones during orgasm helps the cervix open better and contractions become more coordinated.

Questions - answers

I was 38 weeks pregnant - frequent urination began to bother me at night. I used to get up much less often at night. Doesn't this indicate inflammation (cystitis)?

By the 38th week of pregnancy, the fetus begins to lower its head into the small pelvis - the lungs and stomach become much easier, but the baby’s head puts pressure on the bladder much more intensely than before. In this regard, before giving birth, many mothers complain that the frequency of the urge to urinate has become such that they literally cannot leave the toilet. If during a routine visit to the antenatal clinic no changes are detected in the urine test, this means that the due date is approaching.

After the 38th week of pregnancy has arrived, you want to sleep almost all the time. At the same time, I often get up to go to the toilet at night, don’t get enough sleep, and then during the day I want to sleep even more. I feel overwhelmed and very tired.

Towards the end of pregnancy, many mothers feel tired and look forward to giving birth. This is normal, especially since bladder problems and anxiety are keeping you from getting enough sleep. However, when visiting a antenatal clinic, it will not hurt to take urine and blood tests, examine blood glucose levels, and measure blood pressure. If after these studies the doctor does not find any pathology in you, there is no reason to worry, but you should try to rest more, walk in the fresh air before going to bed.

Is it true that an orgasm at 38 weeks of pregnancy can trigger labor?

It is believed that sex, and especially orgasm at 38 weeks of pregnancy, can improve the course of labor - with a surge of hormones in a woman’s body during orgasm, the cervix begins to open better, and contractions become more coordinated. There is no evidence that regular sex can trigger the onset of labor. at the moment No. Of course, if you do not have careless sex, during which the genital mucosa or amniotic sac may be injured.

The 38th week of pregnancy is ending - it has become painful to walk, pain in the pelvis, lower back and legs is bothering me.

Before childbirth, the pelvic bones diverge quite noticeably, which can cause moderate pain when walking in the symphysis pubis, and aching of the pelvic bones. Also, due to swelling and impaired blood flow from the legs, they quickly get tired and begin to hurt when walking. All these are normal signs of imminent labor. If the pain in the pubis is unbearable, sharply intensifies when you try to move your legs, you need to urgently go to the hospital, as this may be a sign of a rupture of the symphysis pubis.

At the 38th week there comes, one might say, a “turning point”: now mommy can give birth at any minute. Moreover, it is more likely that childbirth at the 38th week of pregnancy ends in the birth of girls, while boys like to “sit” longer in their mother’s tummy, waiting for the allotted 40th week.

And yet, childbirth at 38 weeks of pregnancy is highly likely, especially for women giving birth repeatedly. Thus, only about 5% of those pregnant with their second child “finish” all 40 weeks. Childbirth at the 38th week of pregnancy occurs according to the standard pattern, in three periods. The first stage involves contractions, during which the cervix thins and stretches. In the second stage, efforts are required - for the baby to come out and be born. The third, concluding period is the birth of the placenta, or placenta, after which the woman becomes a happy mother.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound at the 38th week of pregnancy is usually no longer performed - three planned ultrasound examinations are already a thing of the past, and the woman is preparing to become a mother with a calm soul. An ultrasound at 38 weeks of pregnancy may be needed only for some special indications, for example, to accurately exclude entanglement in the umbilical cord, to confirm the correct location of the baby in the uterus.

Belly at 38 weeks pregnant

The woman, of course, can’t wait to meet her beloved baby. And not only because she has been carrying the baby for 9 long months, but also because her stomach is already causing understandable inconvenience. The belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy has increased, it seems, to huge size, it’s uncomfortable for mommy to walk with him and find a comfortable position to sleep. The skin on the abdomen is very stretched, sometimes dry and itchy.

The navel, which used to be a neat “button,” has become flat, and for some it even turned outward. There is no need to worry too much about this: after childbirth, the navel will return to its “original size”.

Usually at the end of pregnancy, a woman feels that her stomach has dropped down. This is a natural phenomenon, which is explained by the lowering of the baby and pressing its head to the pelvic floor. Thus, the baby is preparing to travel and meet the new world.

Fetus

The fetus at the 38th week of pregnancy is already completely ready for birth, all its organs and systems are perfectly adjusted and functioning. If the pregnancy continues further, no significant changes other than weight gain will occur. At this stage, the baby has “impressive” compared to early dates pregnancy, parameters: weight reaching 3 kg or more, and height having about 50 cm.

The baby’s skin has already smoothed out and acquired a pinkish tint, the original lubricant has disappeared, and with it the lanugo has practically disappeared. By the 38th week of pregnancy, the original stool meconium has also formed - the baby’s intestines will get rid of it after birth. True, it may happen that the baby is “freed” from meconium even before birth, then the amniotic fluid acquires a characteristic greenish tint, and the baby itself is born covered with greenish mucus.

If a boy is preparing to be born in the womb, then by the 38th week of pregnancy his testicles should have descended into the scrotum. If this does not happen at the time of birth, the boy may have difficulties in the future, which is why at birth the doctor always checks whether the testicles have descended into the scrotum.

Weight at 38 weeks of pregnancy

The mother primarily owes her significant weight gain throughout her pregnancy to her baby. The normal weight at 38 weeks of pregnancy, if its course is favorable, should be approximately plus 14-15 kg to the initial weight. If the weight at 38 weeks of pregnancy exceeds the recommended one by several kilograms, the woman should be prepared for a more difficult birth.

Feelings

Regardless of whether a boy or a girl grows in the mother’s tummy, the sensations at 38 weeks of pregnancy hardly change. So, the mother notices that the baby has become much less active than a few weeks ago: he has grown to such a size that there is simply not enough space in the uterus for intense movements. So, at this stage the baby can only turn or move slightly, because the cephalic presentation greatly limits his movements. But the woman still feels the kicks and movements of the baby, and it is also necessary to monitor them now. Normally, the baby usually moves at least 10 times a day. If movements are felt less frequently or are not felt for quite a long time, you should urgently consult a doctor - the absence of movements may indicate problems in the baby and even a possible threat to his life, which can be eliminated with timely medical intervention.

In general, the sensations are characterized by agonizing anticipation of childbirth and fatigue from bearing a baby. A woman who is burdened by clumsiness and bulkiness impatiently awaits the start of contractions. Therefore, at the moments when the stomach begins to pull, one increasingly hopes that childbirth will occur right now.

At the same time, the mother’s well-being due to the prolapse of the abdomen is somewhat improving. Due to the decrease in uterine pressure on internal organs, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe, digestive problems, belching and heartburn disappear, which definitely cannot but rejoice.

Pain

Pain at 38 weeks of pregnancy can occur quite justifiably. Let's say, pain in the lower back - as a result of relaxation of the ligaments and joints that prepare the mother's birth canal for the baby to pass through it. Pain at the 38th week of pregnancy, sometimes even very severe, is a consequence of the same softened ligaments and joints and a significant shift in the center of gravity due to the growth of the baby.

Now the baby has already pressed his head against the pelvic floor, which increases the load on the pelvic bones. This is why pain also occurs at the 38th week of pregnancy in the area of ​​the symphysis pubis. Painful sensations in the sacrum and back of the leg almost up to the knee are explained by compression of the femoral nerve, which runs next to the uterus. It is likely that pain in the calf muscles will appear at 38 weeks of pregnancy as a consequence of calcium deficiency.

Pain at 38 weeks of pregnancy is accompanied by false contractions. False contractions are not Braxton-Higgs contractions at all; the difference is that they are more frequent and more painful. To distinguish false contractions from true ones, just change your body position and walk around the room: usually in such a situation, false contractions subside, unlike labor ones.

The norm is considered to be slight swelling at 38 weeks of pregnancy, not accompanied by a deterioration in the mother’s well-being. If the swelling is severe, does not go away for a long time, and in parallel with the swelling, headaches and dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and double vision are observed, you should immediately call an ambulance. Such signs indicate the manifestation of preeclampsia - gestosis with impaired cerebral circulation.

Discharge

Discharge at 38 weeks of pregnancy is quite common. Discharge with a milky hue, uniform consistency and a slight sour odor can be considered normal. Since towards the end of pregnancy the cervix softens and slowly opens, it is quite possible for some mucus to appear in the discharge. However, if the discharge at 38 weeks of pregnancy generally looks like mucus interspersed or mixed with blood, or mucus colored pinkish, you should prepare for an early birth - such discharge indicates separation of the mucus plug.

It is urgently necessary to consult a doctor if the discharge at 38 weeks of pregnancy is cheesy, flakes or pus appear in it, and the discharge has an unpleasant odor. Most likely, in this case, there is an infection that requires mandatory treatment.

You should also call an ambulance as an emergency if spotting appears at 38 weeks of pregnancy. They usually indicate abruption of a normally located placenta or its presentation, although the latter is usually excluded during preliminary examinations during pregnancy. Placental abruption is a threatening condition for the health and life of the baby, and even if the bleeding is insignificant, at any moment the quantity can take on alarming proportions.

If liquid and cloudy discharge appears, most likely it will be a case of rupture of amniotic fluid. Their effusion indicates either the likelihood of an early onset of labor, or the depletion of the membranes. A doctor can determine exactly what is causing the rupture of amniotic fluid (if it is accompanied by contractions, then so can the woman, of course). In any case, there is no need to hesitate - it is advisable to go to the maternity hospital as soon as possible.

Sex at 38 weeks pregnant

The possibility of intimacy at 38 weeks of pregnancy is a rather controversial issue. On the one hand, sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy can be extremely beneficial for the mother, because it brings her pleasure and promotes the production of joy hormones. In addition, sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy improves blood circulation, which means the baby receives more oxygen through the placenta.

On the other hand, since the cervix is ​​highly sensitive towards the end of pregnancy, and the birth canal is already open, sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy can cause some damage to the cervix and cause light bleeding.

And sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy is one of the methods of stimulating labor. Many women who are already tired of pregnancy practice sex as a natural way to induce labor. True, it is better to resort to it after first discussing this topic with the obstetrician-gynecologist leading the pregnancy.

If 36 weeks have passed since the conception of your baby, then, according to the obstetric counting system, you are already 38 weeks pregnant and be prepared that labor can begin at any moment. The baby is already fully formed and ready for extrauterine development.

Baby development at 38 weeks

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, what happens to the baby can be considered as preparation for childbirth and life outside the tummy.

• At 38 weeks of pregnancy, fetal development follows a cumulative principle. The baby will need active accumulation of subcutaneous fat for thermoregulation;
• The adrenal glands actively accumulate adrenaline and norepinephrine, which will help him cope with the stress of birth;
• There is a sterile environment in the baby’s intestines; beneficial bacteria will enter it with the first sips of your colostrum;

• Placenta at 38 weeks of pregnancy of the second or third degree of maturity;

It still copes with its functions, but you need to protect yourself and the placenta from premature wear. And this is the most healthy lifestyle, walks and breathing exercises that you can do right up to childbirth.

• The respiratory system of the fetus at the 38th week of pregnancy is formed and immediately after birth it will start with the first breath;
• The child’s body accumulates iron, which is useful for independent hematopoiesis;
• Externally, the baby is already fully formed, its weight can reach 3 kg, with a height of up to 50 centimeters. Please note that in recent weeks, weight gain should not exceed 200 grams;

The weight of a child at 38 weeks of pregnancy can vary significantly and genetic inheritance, in this case, plays an important role.

If your husband or you were strong newborns, then you can’t expect your baby to weigh less than 3 kilos at birth.

• The baby’s skin is pink, there are hairs only on the head, and the nails on the fingers are soft from water, which will immediately harden after birth;
• The volumes of the head and abdomen practically coincide, the shoulders are retracted and somewhat rounded;
• The baby should already be in the correct position in the uterus with its head down.

Breech presentation of the fetus at 38 weeks is a reason to refuse natural childbirth, but now more and more maternity hospitals are accepting natural births even with this position of the baby.

Mom's well-being

Every week your weight and the weight of your baby is steadily growing and this does not make you feel any lighter. But at the same time, we can talk about some advantages of the last weeks of pregnancy.

1. As a rule, by the 38th week of pregnancy, the stomach has dropped, so you can breathe deeply, and the feeling of heartburn practically goes away;
2. But you are already quite fed up with the constant urge to go to the toilet. The reason is simple - the uterus is pressing on the bladder, so try to lie down more comfortably to reduce the pressure or visit the restroom more often;
3. Your mood may change several times a day; at the same time you want to hug your baby quickly, but at the same time you are scared of childbirth.

If you haven’t attended an in-person course on preparing for childbirth, then take a look at the online course, where you will find an analysis of each stage of childbirth + methods for naturally easing the sensations of labor. Follow the link to the course: Easy childbirth >>>

Uterus size

The uterus at the 38th week of pregnancy is 36 centimeters in height, the cervix at this stage is somewhat softened and gradually shortens, which provokes the passage of the mucous plug.

Know! This process can last several days or the plug comes off all at once.

Pain at 38 weeks

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, your weight has increased from your initial body weight by at least 11 kilograms, and sometimes this figure exceeds 20 kilograms.

With these parameters, the load on your back and legs increases, so you may experience various pain symptoms:

• Back pain;

A protruding belly, a change in the center of gravity, and a gradual expansion of the pelvic bones cause constant nagging pain in the sacral area; at 38 weeks of pregnancy, the lower back hurts.

• Abdominal pain;

Training contractions and the feeling that your stomach is turning to stone become more frequent at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

If they become systematic, and the time between contractions decreases, it’s time for you to go to the maternity hospital.

The stomach may also hurt due to digestive problems. Do not overeat, make sure that your stool is regular, eat healthy and quickly digestible foods.

Feelings of tugging in the abdomen at 38 weeks of pregnancy are associated with prolapse of the abdomen and additional stress on the muscles or additional pressure on the pubic area.

• Leg pain;

It is quite normal if after a walk you feel tingling or heaviness in your legs; as a rule, these unpleasant symptoms go away after rest.

The same principle with swelling. Your body stores fluid in the prenatal period to cover blood loss during labor, so evening swelling is normal at 38 weeks pregnant.

• Headaches;

Worries and insomnia that accompany you in the last weeks of pregnancy can trigger headaches. The best medicine– rest and walk in the fresh air.

• At 38 weeks, you may experience constipation or inflammation of hemorrhoids.

There must be a comprehensive approach to this problem. Nutrition is adjusted, local medications are used to eliminate inflammation and itching in the perineal area, and bowel regularity is monitored.

Bleeding. Discharge

1. Bloody discharge is normal in the first days after childbirth, but before that it is a dangerous symptom that requires consultation with a doctor;
2. But don’t be alarmed if you see small brown mucous clots in the discharge, this is a plug coming off;
3. Inflamed hemorrhoids or cervical erosion can also bleed, especially after examination by a gynecologist;
4. Normal discharge at the 38th week of pregnancy is clear, without any obvious odor, but note that its amount is slightly increased compared to previous weeks;
5. Curd discharge with a sour milk smell, accompanied by a burning sensation - this is a sign of thrush;

1. A greenish, yellow tint of discharge is a pathology indicating inflammatory or purulent processes in the genitals. Urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary;
2. Abundant transparent discharge, with a clear sweetish odor - this is the release of amniotic fluid and a reason to immediately go to the hospital.

Feelings at 38 weeks

At the 38th week of pregnancy, everything that happens to the mother is a preparatory stage for childbirth.

• If you feel sleepy, do not deny yourself the opportunity to sleep, you need sleep;

During rest, the nervous system is restored, the body relaxes, and swelling decreases. In addition, no one knows how quickly labor will occur, so you need to save your strength.

• Along with rapid fatigue, you may feel a surge in activity, which is due to the hormone oxytocin;

But you shouldn’t move mountains, so as not to provoke premature birth, but it’s time to go through the baby’s dowry and check the contents of the bag at the maternity hospital.

• You may note that the baby’s movements at 38 weeks of pregnancy are not so strong, the baby is just very cramped in the tummy and he practically does not move his arms or legs;

But although small, there should be fluctuations at least 10 times in 12 hours. Fetal subsidence can be regarded as a harbinger of labor.

• At 38 weeks you may notice a lack of appetite. Your worries about the upcoming birth process may be to blame. You may even lose a few kilos at this stage;
• In addition, stool disorders are often observed at 38 weeks of pregnancy;
• Another sensation at 38 weeks of pregnancy is severe breast swelling and yellowish discharge from the nipples. This colostrum, which will become the main food for the baby after childbirth (read on the topic: Colostrum during pregnancy >>>).

Narrow issues of pregnancy

In the last weeks of pregnancy, you need to be especially attentive to your health.

Temperature

One of the precursors of labor may be a slight increase in body temperature.

So, a temperature of 37 or 37.3 degrees is considered quite normal, this is explained by an increase in blood flow in the prenatal period, the accumulation of fluid in the body and an increase in sweating.

Cold at 38 weeks of pregnancy

Be careful, if, in addition to a rise in temperature, you have aching joints, a runny nose, a sore throat or a cough, then most likely you have a cold.

Before giving birth, your body is most susceptible to various types of bacteria and viruses, immune system weakened, so treatment should be started immediately.

Of course, from medicines It’s better to refuse, but folk remedies are safe and no less effective.

Mandatory conditions for the treatment of colds at 38 weeks of pregnancy are:

1. bed rest;
2. plenty of warm drinks;
3. vitamins, in the form of fruits and vegetables;
4. teas from medicinal herbs that are not contraindicated during pregnancy (read the article: Herbal tea during pregnancy >>>).

Sex

If there are no contraindications and you feel normal, then sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy is allowed.

• Firstly, positive emotions and the hormone of happiness will be useful for both you and the baby;
• Secondly, during orgasm, the uterus contracts, and these are a kind of training contractions, quite acceptable at 38 weeks of pregnancy;
• Thirdly, the partner’s seminal fluid has a softening effect on the walls of the cervix, which contributes to its normal opening during labor.

Alcohol at 38 weeks

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and especially in the last weeks, is prohibited. Alcohol easily penetrates the baby’s body, poisoning it. Ethanol also has a negative effect on brain activity.

In addition, alcohol can cause bleeding, increased blood pressure, and swelling in the mother.

Harbingers of childbirth

After 37 weeks, the pregnancy is considered full-term and labor can begin at any time. Be attentive to changes in your body and do not miss birth warning signs. At 38 weeks of pregnancy there may be several of them:

1. Training contractions become regular, the time between them is reduced, while the contractions themselves lengthen;

To distinguish real contractions from training contractions, simply walk around the room or take a warm shower. Braxton Hicks contractions should subside.

1. A drooping belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy indicates that labor is imminent;
2. At 38 weeks of pregnancy, period-like pain that does not subside may be a sign of the onset of labor. But there is no need to rush or go anywhere. Wait for rhythmic contractions and then go to the maternity hospital;
3. Slight weight loss, stool upset;
4. Removal of the mucus plug;
5. Quiet baby.

Pay attention! At the 38th week of pregnancy, precursors of labor in multiparous women may appear on the eve of the onset of labor, and the process itself continues at an accelerated pace.

But in first-time mothers, the belly may drop a few weeks before giving birth, and the plug will come off gradually, a few days before the main event.

Lifestyle and preparation for childbirth at 38 weeks of pregnancy

• You continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, despite fatigue, do not skip evening walks in the fresh air, which help normalize sleep (see article

Pregnancy is often called special condition a woman, because she bears the fruit within herself. The situation is truly unusual, incomparable. Every month brings with it new sensations, moods, fears, dreams and hopes for happy motherhood. There are nine of these months - in theory, 40 weeks. Many expectant mothers are fussing, they want to provide for everything and insure themselves against everything, to comprehend at once everything regarding the prenatal development of the baby and diagnosis. Doctors help them with this, directing them to undergo a huge number of tests and ultrasounds.

And now comes the third trimester of the perinatal period, when the formation of the fetus enters the completion stage. The last ultrasound at 30-34 weeks confirms all the positive results of previous studies or allows you to give additional recommendations and take action. You can calm down a little and prepare to meet a miracle, because the birth of a new person is always akin to magic. The baby is absolutely ready to be born at 37 weeks. Therefore, the 38th week of pregnancy can be a very confident start for him.

Features of the 38th week

In the last trimester, every day counts because your belly is so big and uncomfortable. It is difficult for an expectant mother to find a comfortable position even on a bed with the best orthopedic mattress in the world. With a grown baby inside, it is problematic to do anything in the house or on the street. Sometimes it's hard to even breathe. But those who have not their first, but a second pregnancy know that at week 38 the stomach gradually, and for some quickly, drops. It becomes easier to breathe. But immediately the pressure on the intestines and bladder increases, because the fetus takes a position closer to the exit along the birth canal. The mother's body is in full swing preparing for the birth of the baby.

Something not very pleasant, but quite justified on a physiological level, often happens to expectant mothers during this period:

• insomnia;
• swelling;
• attacks of hunger;
• heartburn;
• the skin on the stomach is stretched and dry, it seems like stone;
• frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• discharge;
• sensations of tingling or heaviness in engorged mammary glands;
• nagging pain in the sacrum, back and along the sciatic nerve.

This whole set of discomfort, often even heartburn, is attached to the last prenatal weeks and usually disappears after being freed from the burden.

During the 38th week of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the femoral nerve, causing pain. They are often of a pulling nature, sometimes sharp, penetrating all the lower limbs. This stretches the ligaments and joints, preparing the birth canal for the fetus to move through. By week 38, pain can become quite acute. They are often accompanied by cramps in the calf muscles if the mother’s diet contains insufficient calcium.

Swelling during this period is considered normal as long as it does not cause severe anxiety to the pregnant woman.

Sometimes they may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and pressure surges. These are symptoms of gestosis in pregnant women, which in no case should be ignored. It is necessary to urgently call a doctor. Nephropathy in pregnant women begins with edema and protein in the urine. It is possible to determine how to treat it only after a series of blood, urine, ultrasound and CTG tests.

The 38th week of obstetrics is also famous for false contractions. This may be a kind of rehearsal for childbirth, and not its beginning. Fake contractions usually stop after a little physical activity, for example, changing position, walking around the apartment. If they increase in strength and frequency, urgent obstetric care will be required. It should also be borne in mind that a second pregnancy may be resolved with small or weak contractions, or even without them at all.

At the 38th week, you need to pay special attention to vaginal discharge so as not to miss the onset of labor.

At this time, discharge may be a signal to go to the maternity hospital or vice versa:

• if they are light, whitish and have the usual sour smell - everything is in order, you can watch a TV series or read a book;
• if the mucus comes out pink or with bloody fragments, childbirth is not far off;
• if they are brown, the plug comes off;
• if they are abundant and represent a cloudy liquid, the water breaks.

Baby development at the end of pregnancy

At the 38th week, children are born full-term, and the birth falls into the category of urgent - that is, it comes at a normal time. This is confirmed by ultrasound images, which are easy to find on the Internet. The fetus has grown to standard sizes: height is approximately 50-52 cm, weight ranges from 3000 to 3200 g, its head has two fontanelles, its circumference is about 35 cm. The systems inside the child’s body are developed and function normally, reflexes work.

By this time, sexual characteristics are fully formed, which can also be seen on an ultrasound. In boys, the testicles have already descended into the scrotum. In girls, the labia minora are covered by the labia majora and the genital slit is completely closed. Both have neat circles around their nipples.

A baby at 38 weeks already has a subcutaneous fat layer, beautiful pink skin without lubrication, muscles in normal tone, and the lanugo has almost disappeared. The toes are protected by nail plates, the ears are equipped with elastic cartilage. How could we know what was happening there if there were no ultrasound!

The fetus has formed its first stool, meconium, which is usually passed after the baby is born. Although there are often cases when a child empties his intestines while still in the womb, which gives a green color to the amniotic fluid. There's nothing wrong with that. The baby may just be born covered in greenish mucus. For a long time, doctors considered fetal meconium to be sterile. Later, scientists found out that this is not entirely true. Thus, more has become known about the immunity of newborns, which is established during the period of prenatal development.

At the 38th week, the placenta reached its maximum: it weighs about 2 kg, its diameter is 20 cm. It gradually ages and becomes empty, losing plethora and its purpose as a nurse, so that the fetus cannot increase greatly in size and feels the need to look for other sources nutrition, outside the womb.

The former sensations of constant activity of the baby are now replaced by relative calm. The child received enough nutrition, grew up and occupied the entire space of the uterus, which had already increased to its maximum. Now it’s a bit cramped for him, and he can’t tumble and flounder like before. He devotes more time to sleep, gaining strength for the most crucial moment.

Having satisfied her fears and concerns regarding the health and beauty of the unborn baby, admiring and looking at him in ultrasound images, the expectant mother at 38 weeks can relax a little. But sometimes during this period a woman has to face a new alarming situation.

A serious concern is often the question of which presentation the fetus has chosen. The classic position at 38 weeks is with the head facing out. If the baby turns his butt or legs, this can complicate childbirth and become an indication for surgical intervention in the form of a caesarean section during obstetrics. In order to collect additional information about the dislocation of the child in the mother's womb, doctors again resort to the help of the all-seeing eye - ultrasound.

38 weeks and heartburn

At the 38th week, the fetus is already strong and grown. You should not overfeed it, as ruptures and complications during childbirth may follow. Mom's diet should be less calorie and fractional. You should remember about fiber, since constipation at 38 weeks is common. In this case, it is also good to include beetroot, pumpkin and carrot salads and wholemeal bread in your diet. And in the morning it is useful to wake up the intestines with a glass of cool water.

Often in the last trimester, pregnant women suffer from heartburn. You should not immediately look for causes in diseases of the digestive system, run to an ultrasound scan and take a bunch of tests. This phenomenon often occurs over a long period of time, since the grown fetus puts pressure on all organs, including the stomach. Its juice, which is an acid, enters the esophagus, irritating its delicate mucous membrane.

An enlarged child is one of the common causes of heartburn.

The second objective reason lies in the increased secretion of progesterone by the woman’s body during pregnancy. This hormone reduces the muscle tone of the expectant mother, which is necessary for labor. At the same time, the bridge between the stomach and esophagus relaxes, opening the way for acid. Under the influence of a large number of hormones, digestion is also inhibited. It takes longer to digest food, which upsets the stomach, causing heartburn and accompanying nausea, belching, and flatulence.

It is important that a pregnant woman’s diet does not consist of abundant fatty, fried, spicy and sour foods, which require additional effort from the digestive system. Heartburn often becomes acute and occurs even when you refuse to eat or drink. In such cases, a doctor should be involved in solving this problem. After all, a mother’s refusal to eat can harm not only her, but also the child.

After determining the nature of the problem by conducting the necessary tests and ultrasound, the doctor can prescribe medications that will reduce the woman’s suffering. However, we must not forget that these drugs, while fighting acid in the stomach, can harm the child due to their magnesium content. Therefore, it is better to use folk methods alternative to pharmaceuticals.

For example, the burning sensation can be relieved with a decoction of St. John's wort, chamomile and alder. Oatmeal, jelly, hazelnuts and almonds, ginger, carrots grated on a fine grater ease the situation.

But the most important thing to remember is that the 38th week has already begun and there is just a little more patience left! The baby will be born soon, the ailments will pass and new pleasant chores will begin!