40 weeks pregnant: symptoms, tips and more

If you feel like this day will never come, take a moment to pat your back and belly....You are officially 40 weeks pregnant....Congratulations, the finish line is near, almost....For the past 9 months, the uterus has been providing a warm, soft environment for the fetus and the little one may not be ready to enter society yet.

It's time to give birth....maybe tomorrow, maybe in a week....what should you expect in the last days, hours and seconds of pregnancy?

Here's all the information you need, including how to not go crazy while you're anxiously awaiting labor.

Also read this article: 39 weeks pregnant: symptoms, tips and more

What is the state of the fetus in the 40th week of pregnancy?

At 40 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is almost the size of a melon. It is about 50 to 55 cm tall and weighs 3 to 4 kilos. Of course, every baby is different and your little one may be a little smaller or bigger.

The movement of the fetus slows down a bit at this time because it is bigger and everything is compressed in the uterus.

If you are worried and frustrated because of the decrease in small punches and kicks, take a deep breath, drink a sip of water and lie down....try to count the number of times you notice the fetus kicking.

It is necessary to pay attention to 10 movements in one hour... otherwise, contact your gynecologist, you and the fetus may need to be examined.

Ideally, the baby's head should be down and in the labor position at this point....If your doctor tells you that your stubborn baby's head is not down, it means that it is near the birth canal instead of his little legs.

The doctor can apply pressure on the stomach to turn the baby... if this maneuver doesn't work, don't worry... there is still time for the baby to turn itself.... But note that the midwife may talk to you about the possibility of cesarean section.

Also read this article: Is a preplanned caesarean section right for me?

Has the delivery date arrived?

These 40 weeks seem to be the longest and fastest 40 weeks of your life at the same time.... 9 months of pregnancy can go by like lightning and wind or drag on.... At this point you have probably gained 11-15 kg and you are absolutely ready to give birth.

You may be waiting to go into labor or hoping your pregnancy will last a little longer.. The confusing part of the puzzle is this: It's not your situation (unless you're artificially inducing labor or have already planned a C-section).

The last few days can be uncomfortable, but don't worry because it's not going to last forever.... 60 out of 100 women give birth on time, but another 40 take two weeks or more to go into labor.... You're not alone!

Date of birth rejected

If there are no problems and you have a healthy pregnancy, the doctor will allow you to skip the due date for another week.

The due date is an estimate, so the actual time of delivery will vary... However, the doctor will closely monitor you and the baby to make sure they are both healthy and strong.

Usually, the doctor does not wait more than a week from the due date and delivery time.... If the baby's head has not lowered, it is time to think about artificial induction of labor pain.

What you need to do during this time is to be patient... use this extra time to rest (of course if you can find a comfortable position) or make the necessary preparations.

What issues should you discuss with your doctor?

Last week there is not much... The fetus in the womb does not have a calendar and as the end of pregnancy approaches, you feel like you are losing your mind.

Since you will likely be seen by a midwife or gynecologist before, after or on the day of delivery, take this opportunity to ask ninety-minute questions and address concerns.

Here are some questions and tips to discuss with your midwife or doctor:

How long after the due date is it permissible to give birth?

Whether you're looking forward to the end of your pregnancy, or hoping to have a few extra days to catch up on ninety-minute labors, ask your doctor how long it's okay to skip a due date and when you should use artificial methods to induce labor.

How to accelerate the onset of labor pain?

If you have reached the 40th week of pregnancy and you are tired, you can ask the doctor to tear the membranes of the fetus... In this method, the doctor puts his finger between the membranes of the water sac...

When is artificial pain induced?

The health and safety of the mother is a priority.... If the doctor thinks there is no danger to the mother and the fetus, he invites you to wait until the pain of natural childbirth begins.... But sometimes it is necessary to artificially induce pain.... Ask the doctor what the threshold is in his opinion so that you have the necessary preparation.

What is the purpose of pain induction?

If it looks like you will be using this method in the near future, ask your doctor about protocols.

The midwife may use one or two drugs to start the labor... Prostaglandin can be taken as a pill or inserted into the vagina like a tampon to gently prepare the cervix for labor...Alternatively, once the cervix is ready, pitocin is injected through the serum.

Is it safe to have sex?

Do you want to keep yourself busy before you get too busy?... Ask your doctor if it's safe to have sex with your partner.... Your doctor will probably give you the green light and even encourage you to do it because it can help you start labor.

What symptoms are common in the 40th week of pregnancy?

During the last week of pregnancy, your mind is confused... along with discomfort, cramping, pain and anxiety, you probably suspect the onset of labor with every contraction.

In fact, you're probably experiencing all the physical symptoms at this point, and it can be overwhelming, overwhelming, and confusing.

Braxton Hicks

You've probably experienced Braxton Hicks at this point, or you've been practicing contractions for weeks, if not months..

One thing to remember: if contractions are irregular and not increasing in intensity and frequency, they're probably just a prelude to real pain.

Loss of plaque mucus

The plaque mucus acts like a barrier to prevent pathogenic bacteria from passing through the birth canal.... As the cervix dilates at the end of pregnancy, this plaque disappears in pieces or completely.

While many women experience this a few days or hours before labor pains begin, others experience it weeks earlier... There may be a little red and bloody discharge that can be a warning, but don't go to the hospital right away, it's probably not time to go into labor yet.

falling of the uterus

Have you recently been told that "it looks like the baby is down?" If you and your loved ones have noticed a sagging belly, it is because the baby's head has lowered and is ready to give birth.... Again, this may happen a few days before the pain starts or a few hours earlier.

diarrhea

The body knows what it is doing... Diarrhea is one of the most common signs that labor is approaching, as the bowel is constantly cleaning itself so that the uterus can contract better and ready.

Building a nest

If you suddenly feel an urgent need to decorate the child's room, organize things, clean the closet, cook food and iron underwear, it means that the nesting instinct has awakened in you.

While many pregnant women tend to feel ready during the third trimester, others experience an outburst of this feeling right before labor approaches.

fatigue and insomnia

Of course, if you don't feel like doing housework, it's completely normal... you may be so tired that you don't even think about getting up from the sofa, let alone cleaning the toilet.... The last week of pregnancy makes the body and mind tired.

Also, a big belly, braxton hill, cramping, and anxiety will keep you up and tossing and turning all night long.

contraction

As the cervix thins and dilates in preparation for the grand finale, you'll experience real contractions at 40 weeks pregnant... You don't need to go to the hospital with the first contraction because labor probably isn't imminent... but you should let your doctor know if the contractions become intense at regular intervals.

Diagnosis of real labor pain

Yes, the end of pregnancy is speculative and full of false alarms and doubts....however, there are a few ways to recognize real labor pains.

rupture of water bag

If the water sac ruptures before or after spontaneous contractions begin, it can be said with certainty that the time of delivery is near... The rupture of the water sac may be severe (as in the movies).

If your bag of water has broken on its own, call your doctor or go to the hospital.... You are going to have a baby in the next 24 hours.

Contraction

Early contractions can be difficult to distinguish from the jolts and cramps of pregnancy, but if the pain is severe and occurring at close intervals, it's time to let your midwife know.

Also read this article: Natural childbirth and pregnancy process

What should be done in the 40th week of pregnancy?

You may feel that everything depends on the fetus (or the midwife) and there is nothing you can do, but you can use this opportunity to your advantage.

Here are some tips to pass the time and even start the labor pains:

Walking: If you want the time to go by faster, do it yourself....a walk might be all you and your baby need to start the labor pains...the movement will cause the baby to descend, resulting in a wider opening of the cervix.
Sex: If your doctor allows and approves and you are motivated, you can enjoy cuddling with your partner.... Although there is no definitive proof that sex is effective, it doesn't hurt to try.
Note: Many mothers turn to tea, supplements, and even castor oil to induce labor pain.... You may be willing to try anything, but before you go for alternative methods, be sure to consult your doctor.... If you are going to take help from traditional beliefs, first of all, start by eating your favorite spicy food.
Relax: Your rush to give birth is understandable, but keeping you and your baby healthy is more important than anything else....so ditch the home remedies and relax.

It might sound cliché, but things get crazy at home, so enjoy these moments while you can, or you can use your last chance to make the final preparations.

Summary of week 40 of pregnancy

You did it, mom!.. You have been through 40 long, tiring, exciting and truly amazing weeks.... the journey may not be over yet but the grand finale is very close... Cherish these moments and wait for the reward: soon you will be holding your baby... you will succeed.

These days, mom is usually very anxious and sensitive, so be sure to check with your obstetrician to make sure everything is in order.