40 obstetric week- this is 38 weeks from conception - embryonic period pregnancy, as well as 40 weeks from the beginning of the last menstruation. Here comes the 40th week. 9 months of pregnancy are behind us. This means that the estimated due date is rapidly approaching. If you have not yet become a mother, then this can happen literally any minute! As a rule, the fortieth week should end the pregnancy.
Dimensions of the baby at 40 weeks of pregnancy
What happens to the fetus at 40 weeks?
The child is ready to be born at any moment - his organs are functioning and are ready to perform the tasks assigned to them, even outside the mother’s tummy. While the child is inside the mother, his body continues to develop, the functioning of his organs is adjusted, and the missing nerve connections are established.Changes are taking place in endocrine system child. The adrenal glands enlarge and become much larger than the kidneys. During childbirth, they intensively produce stress hormones: adrenaline and norepinephrine. Studies have shown that the blood of a newborn contains much more of these hormones than an adult under severe stress. This is a necessary adaptive change that allows the fetus to be an active participant in labor and helps it be born.
At 40 weeks of pregnancy, the development of the nervous system and its sensory organs continues. The fetus reacts to emotional signals coming from the mother. Towards the end of pregnancy, the fetus gives the mother an impulse - a signal for the start of labor, which determines the onset of labor. Having traveled a colossal path of development, the baby is now ready to be born.
The nervous system will be fully formed by the end of the child’s first year of life. By the time of birth, only the nerve cells of the spinal cord are fully formed, as well as glial tissue, the purpose of which is to protect the nerves, as well as that part of the facial nerve that controls the vital process of sucking.
At the time of birth, the liver and kidneys are able to perform their functions independently, but the process of their development in the fetus will continue for some time.
Before the baby is born, free bilirubin formed in the fetus is excreted through the placenta and neutralized in the mother's liver. Bilirubin is formed during the breakdown of red blood cells, the dry matter of which consists of 90–95 percent hemoglobin. When a child is born, the umbilical cord that connects him to the mother is cut, and from that moment on, the baby’s body itself must cope with the bilirubin that is formed.
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After the birth of a child, the metabolism of bilirubin may be disrupted, and then its content in the blood increases. This is due to the fact that in newborns, especially premature babies, bilirubin metabolism is easily disrupted due to insufficient activity of the enzyme responsible for bilirubin metabolism. Characteristic symptom jaundice - yellowness of the skin and sclera of the eyes.
At 39–40 weeks from conception, the stomach is already producing enzymes that, after the first feeding, will begin to break down food. The intestines are already filled with villi, designed to help food move more easily through the digestive tract. The digestion process will finally improve when, with the first and subsequent intakes of mother’s milk, beneficial microflora populates the baby’s intestines, which will contribute to the breakdown and good absorption nutrition.
At the time of birth, the baby’s intestines are filled with original feces - meconium. Normally, it is passed with the first bowel movement after birth.
What does a baby look like at 40 weeks of pregnancy?
The fruit is absolutely ripe. The baby has a well-developed fat layer under the skin, it is quite plump and pink. In the upper part of the fetal head there is a gap between the bones of the skull, covered only by skin - the so-called “fontanel”. It facilitates the passage of the baby's head through the birth canal, and then, for several months after birth, ensures unimpeded growth of the baby's brain. Germinal hairs may remain on the back and ears, which will fall off over time. Due to the tightness in the uterine cavity, his movements are constrained and limited to the movements of the arms and legs. The newborn's limbs are bent and pressed to the body, and the fingers are clenched into fists. It is important to listen to the movements of the fetus, count them, and if there is the slightest suspicion of a decrease motor activity child, seek obstetric care immediately.
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With a cephalic presentation, by the 40th week of pregnancy the fetal head is already tightly pressed to the pelvic bones. She is bent and her chin is pressed to her chest. The back of the head faces the exit from the uterus: in this place the head circumference is smallest, which ensures its passage through the birth canal without difficulty.
Average fetal weight: 3400 g. Fetal height: approximately: 52 cm.
What happens in a woman’s body at 40 weeks of pregnancy
The estimated date of birth for particularly suspicious women becomes real - self-hypnosis makes itself felt. But for most, the period can vary within 1–2 weeks, which means that childbirth can find you anywhere and at any time. Multiparous women usually carry fewer babies than first-time mothers and often give birth in the same week or the previous week. There are still two weeks left for the birth of the child to happen as planned.
If an ultrasound has determined your expected date of birth (EDD), this does not mean that labor will begin on that day. Very few women give birth in due date, the rest have an error of 1–2 weeks.
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Labor begins due to the active production of the hormone prostaglandin, which causes the uterus to contract. If you did not give birth this week, then the fetus cannot be considered post-term. A post-term pregnancy is one that lasts more than 42 weeks.
By forty weeks, the fundus of the uterus drops low and often pulls the stomach in its lower part. It’s easy to breathe, the stomach works better, heartburn occurs only when the diet is broken or when lying down. However, the prolapsed uterus puts a lot of pressure on the bladder and intestinal loops. Women note that by the 40th week of pregnancy, urination and bowel movements have become much more frequent. The expectant mother loses 1–2 kg before giving birth, mainly due to the removal of excess fluid from the body in the form of urine.
Increased pressure on the pelvic veins leads to filling of the hemorrhoids. Painful nodules appear in the anus, often causing light bleeding during bowel movements. Compression of the femoral veins impedes blood flow in the lower extremities. Only constant use of compression stockings and tight leg bandaging can prevent the development of complications associated with varicose veins veins
A woman's mammary glands are completely ready for breastfeeding, their blood supply increases. The production of colostrum begins - a thick, viscous, yellowish, highly nutritious liquid that will provide the child with the necessary substances in the first days of his life. About 3-4 days after birth, colostrum will be replaced by milk.
Insomnia often occurs before childbirth. There are several reasons for its occurrence: frequent urge to urinate, excitement and anxiety before childbirth, training contractions at night, as well as difficulties in finding a comfortable position for sleeping.
Occurs in the mother's body physiological changes- the birth canal is preparing for childbirth: the pelvic bones become softer, the cervix smoothes and contracts, which causes stabbing aching pain in the perineum and lower abdomen.
The cervix becomes short, soft and the mucus plug comes out in the form of a large lump of mucus, slightly stained with blood. Dilatation of the cervix indicates the proximity of labor.
Light discharge without an unpleasant odor is still considered normal. At 40 weeks, yellowish or brown mucus is mixed in. This is a mucus plug, which accurately indicates an imminent birth.
Before childbirth, when the baby's head descends into the pelvic cavity, the woman experiences a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the perineum and external genitalia, and often experiences pain in the lower back and back of the thigh caused by compression of the femoral nerve.
The tone of the uterus periodically increases, gradually turning into contractions that are harbingers of labor. With the development of regular labor, labor itself begins. Contractions intensify, become regular and frequent.
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The signal that it’s time to go to the maternity hospital is regular contractions, which constantly lengthen in time, become stronger in intensity and are accompanied by painful sensations. Contractions with a range of 5 minutes and a duration of at least 1 minute indicate that labor has begun.
Most often, childbirth occurs at 39–40–41 weeks of pregnancy. You need to be ready for them when they start. Many women experience warning signs of labor, which include:
- Irregular uterine contractions. They pass with ease, do not cause discomfort, and are not painful.
- Removal of the mucus plug.
- Abdominal prolapse.
- Weight loss of 1 kg or more.
- Decreased motor activity of the child.
- Immediately before childbirth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are possible.
Belly at 40 weeks pregnant
Perhaps these last days will seem the most difficult to you. Chances are your belly is bigger than ever. The state of clumsiness, the need for help from others, has tired you, you want to give birth faster and plunge into other sensations. Waiting sometimes results in irritability, tearfulness, and suspiciousness. In addition, endless calls and questions from friends and relatives add fuel to the fire. Do not despair! Make jokes, laugh, enjoy the last hours of your beautiful and unique pregnancy. This is one of the most amazing events in your life and another no less wonderful and amazing sacrament awaits you ahead, the sacrament of birth! 
By the end of 39–40 weeks of pregnancy, the abdomen reaches its maximum size and puts a lot of stress on the skin, which stretches greatly. This often causes severe itching, which can be avoided with the help of ointments against stretch marks. Doctors recommend using it from the first months of pregnancy. The baby can no longer actively move, but you should still feel movements. Moreover, its movements are very obvious: there is practically no space left in the uterus, so you feel any push of the baby very well. Be sure to listen to your baby's motor activity.
In general, about 10 perceptible movements within 12 hours are considered normal at 40 weeks. In the case where the baby is floundering much more actively, there is every reason to suspect that he is suffering from a lack of oxygen. A bad sign would be if the baby becomes quiet and does not move. If they are missing, notify your doctor.
In the last days of pregnancy, a woman should rest as much as possible. The right solution is to alternate short walks with relaxation.
If urination becomes more frequent, you should limit the amount of liquid you drink 2–3 hours before bedtime. There is no need to restrain the urge. It is recommended to empty the bladder for preventive purposes once every 2.5–3 hours.
Watery yellowish or greenish discharge is most likely amniotic fluid. If you notice such discharge, be sure to go to the doctor - ruptured membranes are an entry point for infection, the longer you wait, the more likely infection of the baby.
Bright bloody issues, a reason to immediately seek help - they indicate placental abruption - the condition threatens the baby’s life and often requires surgical intervention.
Check if everything is ready for the baby's arrival and your departure to the hospital. Carry documents with you at all times - labor can even begin in a store - be prepared.
If the family already has children, do not forget to pay attention to them, explain that you will not be at home, that you will return with the baby. Try to attract grandmothers to help - the baby will endure separation more easily if someone close to him is nearby.
Try not to overeat. Eat small, frequent meals. Do not eat heavy foods, give preference to fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables.
Don't go to the maternity hospital with an empty stomach. The beginning of labor is the most the right time to replenish energy reserves. But don’t gorge yourself on cutlets and potatoes. Snack on yogurt, soft cottage cheese, bread with cheese, drink sweet tea, compote or jelly.When contractions become frequent and strong, refrain from eating, although few people experience real hunger with such sensations. Contraction of the uterus is often accompanied by nausea, and even a piece of chocolate can trigger vomiting.
Dangers at 40 weeks of pregnancy
Week 40 is the time to give birth, but if your baby is not ready yet, you don’t need to help him, treat yourself with care and seek help if your health worsens, namely:- blood pressure increased
- there was a headache,
- dizziness,
- flickering of “flies” before the eyes,
- swelling of the upper and lower extremities, face,
- the baby does not move for more than 12 hours,
- there is bloody discharge from the genital tract or water breaks,
- contractions became regular and prolonged.
Tests at 40 weeks of pregnancy
Don't forget about visits antenatal clinic- they are still relevant. A consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is needed in order to clarify the condition of the fetus, as well as to assess whether the pregnant woman’s body is ready for childbirth.Analyzes and examinations:
- A general urine test is necessary to identify kidney and bladder diseases, as well as gestosis.
- Weight measurement.
- Blood pressure measurement.
- Measuring the height of the uterine fundus and abdominal circumference.
- Listening to the fetal heartbeat using an obstetric stethoscope.
- Determining the location of the fetus in the uterus by palpating the abdomen.
- CTG (cardiotocography).
An ultrasound at this stage of pregnancy may be needed to exclude unfavorable conditions - hypoxia, delay intrauterine development, umbilical cord pathologies.
With a fetal ultrasound at 40 weeks of pregnancy, your baby weighs approximately 3400 grams and is 52 cm tall. Of course, the weight of a child at 40 weeks of pregnancy can vary quite widely: from 2800g to 4500g. The doctor who monitors you during pregnancy will probably calculate the baby's weight. At least, thanks to examination and palpation of the abdomen, it is possible to determine the size of the child.
The child is fully formed and ready for life. An ultrasound scan of the fetus at 40 weeks of pregnancy reveals Beclard's nuclei - ossification nuclei near the long bones. Beclair's nuclei are signs of maturity (full term) of the child.
Fetometry (fetal size) with fetal ultrasound at 40 weeks of pregnancy is normal
- BDP (biparietal size) 89–103 mm.
- FZ (fronto-occipital size) 110–130 mm.
- OG (fetal head circumference) 312–362 mm.
- OB (fetal abdominal circumference) 313–381 mm.
Normal dimensions of long bones on fetal ultrasound at 40 weeks of gestation
- Femur 70–80 mm.
- Humerus 62–72 mm.
- Forearm bones 54–62 mm.
- Tibia bones 61–71 mm.
What to do if labor does not occur?
First of all, calm down. Contrary to popular belief, normal pregnancy may not last 40 weeks, but from 38 to 42 weeks. And even sometimes pregnancy lasts 42 and 43 weeks, and in some cases even more.Good to know:
Situations like this are not uncommon! The World Health Organization (WHO) notes almost 10% of pregnancies with this course of the total number.
In this case, post-term pregnancy can be divided into:
- Prolonged, which is associated with slower maturation of the fetus, however, pregnancy in this case ends with the birth of a child with no signs of overmaturity, so this course of pregnancy does not pose a risk of developing pathology in the fetus.
- A truly post-term pregnancy - in this case, the fetus is already fully mature, and proper labor does not occur in a timely manner.
Good to know
If a woman menstrual cycle was about thirty days, then her fetus ripens later, and pregnancy can last longer than usual. Such a pregnancy is called prolonged, it is considered a variant of the norm, the child is born full-term and functionally mature, without signs of overmaturity.
Not all pregnancies lasting more than 40 weeks are post-term. Some are simply the result of miscounts. Determining the exact age of the embryo, and therefore the date of the upcoming birth, is not so easy. More accurate data is available to women who were planning a pregnancy, who know exactly the date of their last menstruation, who may know the date of conception, who had an ultrasound scan before 12 weeks, and who have a precisely fixed date for the appearance of the fetal heartbeat.
With post-term pregnancy, no special signs are noted, except for prolongation of the pregnancy period. In this situation, particular importance is attached to the correct calculation of the gestational age, since an erroneous determination of the gestational age can lead to untimely provision of assistance or cause premature stimulation of labor.
In the case of prolonged pregnancy, the child is born full-term and functionally mature in all respects, with no signs of overmaturity noted. A truly post-term pregnancy is one that lasts longer than usual and ends with the birth of an overripe child. When examining post-term infants, dry, wrinkled skin without a layer of necessary lubricant is noted. These signs are due to the fact that due to a longer pregnancy, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases, which can lead to entanglement of the umbilical cord or even intrauterine death fetus Special signs of post-term babies include long nails and hair, open eyes, increased activity, greenish-yellow tint skin and umbilical cord.
But according to statistics, in 95% of cases, post-term babies born at 42 and 44 weeks later develop normally, without obvious health problems.
Risks and dangers of post-term pregnancy
From the fetus:- The placenta's ability to provide the baby with enough oxygen and nutrients decreases after 42 weeks. The possibility of hypoxia arises. Due to a lack of oxygen, the fetus can take its first breath while still in the uterine cavity and inhale amniotic fluid with meconium. And then, in the first hours of life, the newborn develops a serious complication - meconium aspiration syndrome, which requires long-term artificial ventilation and powerful antibacterial therapy.
- A child who is not born on time begins to “overripe”: he gains excess weight, the skull bones become dense, and the head can no longer change shape when passing through the birth canal, which creates the risk of various complications and birth injuries for the child and the mother.
- About 10% of babies begin to lose weight and their skin is wrinkled and dehydrated at birth.
- The amount of amniotic fluid also decreases, which can lead to entanglement in the umbilical cord. The waters become cloudy, with the skin intrauterine child generic lubrication disappears, and skin infection may occur.
- The mother may also experience certain complications: weakness of labor, bleeding. Frequency increases caesarean section- both due to complications of labor and due to acute fetal hypoxia.
- Post-term pregnancy is extremely dangerous for women with Rh-conflict. They have a high risk of having a child with a severe form of hemolytic jaundice or even death. Therefore, women who have a history of giving birth to children with Rh conflicts need hospitalization and prenatal preparation.
How to determine a post-term pregnancy?
Typically, post-term pregnancy does not have pronounced manifestations, and diagnosing a post-term pregnancy can be difficult. Fortunately, there are methods by which a doctor can monitor the condition of a post-term baby. A combination of various examination methods will make it possible to find out whether it is worth waiting and letting the child decide for himself when to be born, or whether emergency measures need to be taken.There are many examination methods that can be used to identify a post-term pregnancy. For example, a blood test, an analysis of secretions secreted from the mammary glands (milk may begin to be released rather than colostrum), an analysis of the quality of amniotic fluid (if labor is delayed, the waters become cloudy, the amniotic membrane loses transparency), the absence of labor fluid on the skin of the intrauterine child and etc. You can distinguish a post-term pregnancy from a prolonged one using ultrasound scanning. If the placenta is thinned and deformed, the woman is prescribed hormonal therapy to hasten the onset of labor, or if the pregnancy is post-term, doctors insist on a caesarean section to avoid possible complications.
A doctor observing a pregnant woman may notice a cessation of weight gain or a decrease, or a decrease in abdominal circumference. These symptoms are also often associated with a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid. In post-term pregnancy, there is often an increase or decrease in fetal movements, which indicates a lack of oxygen due to poor circulation in the uterus and placenta.
Good to know
A truly post-term pregnancy, which is pathological, is considered to be one that lasts 10-14 days after the expected due date (290-294 days), and the child is born with signs of overmaturity and health problems. In addition, there are signs of morphofunctional disturbances in the placenta.
Reasons for post-term pregnancy
A number of reasons can lead to post-term pregnancy, often provoking one another or overlapping each other.- In women who carry their pregnancy to term, the nature of menstrual function is usually changed. Thus, most often they experience too early or late onset of menstruation, an unsteady menstrual cycle, and irregular menstruation.
- The cause of post-term pregnancy is often a lack of hormones that contribute to the development of labor. Typically, post-term pregnancy occurs in women with ovarian hypofunction, chronic inflammation of the appendages and impaired fat metabolism.
- In addition, post-term pregnancy can also be associated with psycho-emotional shocks the woman has suffered.
- Scientists also drew attention to the fact that post-term pregnancy often occurs in women suffering from diseases of the liver, stomach and intestines.
- In pregnant women, long time who are on bed rest due to concomitant diseases, the fetal head may not descend into the entrance to the pelvis in a timely manner and may not irritate the receptor apparatus of the cervix.
- Among the maternal risk factors, it should be noted chronic diseases genital area, hormonal disorders, hereditary factors, a history of post-term pregnancies.
- The cause of postmaturity may also be so-called macrosomia (fetal weight more than 4000 g).
What should a woman do if she is post-term?
If the pregnancy is more than 40 weeks, hospitalization in a hospital is recommended to clarify the gestational age and condition of the fetus. The issue of delivery is decided depending on many factors. The “maturity” of the cervix, the condition of the fetus, concomitant pathology, etc. are taken into account.In some cases, doctors immediately decide to give birth by cesarean section. These include the combination of post-term pregnancy with a large fetus, breech fetus, primigravida over 30 years old, uterine scar, etc.
During the postpartum period, mother and baby also need careful monitoring, especially if the birth was complicated. However, you should be reassured that approximately 95% of babies born between 42 and 44 weeks do not experience any health problems associated with postterm pregnancy.
In this regard, you should not rashly refuse hospitalization if your pregnancy is more than 40 weeks. Following all doctors’ recommendations, as well as timely identification of women at risk for post-term pregnancy, will prevent possible complications in mother and newborn.
By this time, the child is completely ready for birth, all his organs are mature, he is ready for his first breath and feeding on mother’s milk. In many ways, birth depends on the fetus and its adrenal glands secreting a special hormone, cortisol, which triggers labor.
Despite the fact that the baby is already ready for life outside the mother’s womb, the child’s development does not stop at 40 weeks of pregnancy. He is constantly gaining weight, adding about 20 grams every day. It also continues to grow, the average height of the baby at this stage reaches 50 cm or more. The baby has become round, has accumulated subcutaneous fat, and is very cramped in the uterus. That is why a baby at 40 weeks of pregnancy is extremely constrained in his movements, he can only move his arms, legs, and head, but he has no freedom of movement. He took a special position, the most convenient for childbirth, pressing his knees and arms to his chest - the “fetal position.” In this position, it occupies the smallest volume in the uterus, which allows it to feel most comfortable.
Intrauterine development of the fetus is almost complete at 40 weeks of pregnancy. However, the child actively makes swallowing and breathing movements, swallowing amniotic fluid. He can now hiccup, practicing his breathing technique, suck his finger, practicing further sucking on the breast, open and close his eyes, wince, make faces.
Fetal weight at 40 weeks of gestation: normal
An important indicator of fetal development is its weight; it is determined approximately by ultrasound data, but the actual weight at birth may differ slightly.
Now, the minimum permissible weight of the fetus at 40 weeks should be about 2700g; fetal indicators less than these norms may indicate developmental problems, intrauterine retention, fetal diseases.
Often, the low weight of a child at 40 weeks of pregnancy indirectly indicates that the pregnancy proceeded with abnormalities; the child could suffer from a deficiency of oxygen and nutritional components due to problems of the placenta or uterus, if there are problems in your health. However, sometimes small children are born to parents who are short in height and weight, as a hereditary trait.
It is also worth knowing, on average, how much a child weighs at 40 weeks of pregnancy, usually the figures range from 2900 to 3800g, the average weight is about 3500-3600g.
Fetal size at 40 weeks
No less important than the weight and height of the fetus are other dimensions of the fetus at 40 weeks of gestation. It is especially important to determine the basic parameters of the fetus if you have a narrow pelvis in order to decide whether the child can be born naturally. Determining head circumference at 40 weeks of pregnancy is especially important. On average, this figure ranges from 315-360 mm. Along with it, other dimensions of the baby’s head are determined at 40 weeks of pregnancy. These include the biparietal size, which ranges from approximately 90 to 103 mm, as well as the fronto-occipital size, which ranges from 110 to 130 mm. If these indicators do not correspond to the size of the mother's bony pelvis, childbirth in this case can be carried out by cesarean section to prevent injury to the fetal head and the mother's birth canal. Naturally, during childbirth the fetal head is configured, the bones overlap a little in the area of the sutures, but their limit is small. Therefore, doctors so carefully evaluate the fetal indicators on the latest ultrasound.
Can a baby roll over at 40 weeks?
The head position of the baby at 40 weeks of pregnancy is detected in approximately 98% of expectant mothers, and this is the most optimal and correct condition for childbirth. In rare cases, children assume a pelvic position, in which natural birth is sometimes quite possible. In case of oblique or transverse positions of the fetus, childbirth is carried out only by operation, since the conditions for the child to turn head up at 40 weeks will no longer be created. The uterus is too crowded for the baby to take a different position.
At 40 weeks of pregnancy, the head dropped in the pelvic area, especially during the first pregnancy. This will make breathing easier, but will bring discomfort from the bladder, intestines, and lower back. This position of the fetus leads to the preparation of your birth canal, the formation of anterior and posterior waters, and the onset of labor.
The 40th week of pregnancy is the ninth obstetric month. If you look at the pregnancy calendar ->, then 274-280 days have passed since conception. Now is the most important and responsible time for a woman and a child: literally one of these days the birth will begin, the world will come new person, who had been waiting for this for forty weeks. The main thing is not to worry, tune in positive mood and take all measures to ensure the safety of yourself and the child.
Childbirth at 40 weeks of pregnancy is very rare. This often occurs due to incorrect indication of the due date at the very beginning of pregnancy. However, do not worry if labor begins at 40 weeks - everything is fine, the baby just took a little longer to fully develop.
40 weeks of pregnancy - general characteristics of the baby
At such a long time, the baby is fully formed and ready for birth. The standard weight is 3-3.5 kg, height is 50-55 cm. But children can be born with either less or more weight. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with them, but, just in case, they are immediately examined to prevent a threat to life or health.
At this stage, the baby occupies almost the entire uterine cavity. It may seem to the mother that the child has become lethargic and less mobile, which is true to some extent. It is difficult for the baby to move in such cramped conditions, so he can no longer move freely inside his mother’s belly. Every movement, every small turn, the woman feels more acutely than it was on early stages.
During a standard pregnancy, the fetal head is lowered down and the legs are pressed to the chest. Rib cage The child's ears are convex and fully formed.
Many mothers worry that the baby's head is too low to the pelvis, sometimes even a slight dilatation occurs. This is fine! This happens to many women: it does not threaten either the mother or the child.
40 weeks of pregnancy - the state of the expectant mother
When the 40th week of pregnancy arrives, a woman experiences really great stress: carrying a fully formed baby under her heart, which is about to be born, is difficult both physically and mentally.
The fruit is already quite large and takes up a lot of space. It puts pressure on the diaphragm, so it is often difficult for the expectant mother to take a deep breath. In this case, it will be useful to master such an art as breathing exercises. There are many methods and techniques, but the main one is breathing from the diaphragm (belly, not chest), calm and measured. This way tissues and organs will be better saturated with oxygen. You need to lie on your back, put one hand on your stomach, the other on your chest. You should breathe so that the hand lying on your chest does not move.
A baby at 40 weeks of pregnancy also puts pressure on the bladder, causing the woman to have to visit the restroom too often. At the beginning of pregnancy, the expectant mother also often visits the ladies' room, but in the early stages this happens due to changes in the body. In the later stages, due to the fact that the liquids in bladder becomes larger, and the passage is restricted by the fruit.
Carrying a child is not easy, literally. Over such a long period of time, a woman’s legs may become very swollen, her back may ache, and she becomes less active and less mobile.
At 40 weeks of pregnancy expectant mother All thoughts are occupied with the child. Emotionally it is difficult, there are many different thoughts in my head. The main thing is not to panic, not to think about the bad: the baby already feels everything and he doesn’t want to worry about something like this. important event- birth.
At 40 weeks of pregnancy, you need to keep yourself occupied with something. Of course, you shouldn’t overexert yourself too much, but you shouldn’t lie on the bed for the entire trimester, if that’s not the case. medical indications, not necessary. This time is popularly called simply “nesting”: the expectant mother prepares things and space for the baby. It is very exciting and interesting to look at cute little things, toys, children's furniture. The main thing to remember is that not only the woman, but also the baby is charged with positive emotions.
40th week of pregnancy: photo. Belly at 40 weeks pregnant
40th week of pregnancy: harbingers of labor
The 40th week of pregnancy is marked by the onset of Braxton-Hicks contractions, the so-called “false” contractions. They are painless and may be irregular. Perhaps the expectant mother will not feel the “practice” contractions at all. This depends on the tone of the uterus and the woman’s pain threshold.
At 40 weeks there is a huge chance of having a baby. The period of childbirth begins already at 38 weeks, that is, the child, in fact, could have been born two weeks ago. A period of 38 to 42 weeks is considered normal, so a woman should be on guard for a whole month.
How to recognize the onset of labor? Some women do not even immediately realize that labor has begun: dilation can be up to 10 cm, and they do not even feel it. An expectant mother can be giving birth to a baby for half a day and not even know it! There are a number of signs by which you can understand that labor is about to begin.
- The stomach becomes lower. This is even better for the woman's condition. Many people notice that breathing becomes easier and they have the opportunity to take a deep breath. The pelvic muscles become more relaxed, the bones move slightly apart, and it is in this gap that the baby descends. This may not even be noticeable visually, only by sensations.
- Hormones are raging, a woman’s mood can change literally every five minutes. At this time, the expectant mother may even start renovations or urgently need to buy new furniture. This is the same instinct of “nesting”: the desire to create the most favorable living conditions for the child.
- Braxton Hicks contractions also herald imminent labor.
- The expectant mother loses several kilograms before giving birth.
So, what happens when childbirth is no longer on the way, but literally on the threshold? The main thing is not to worry, follow the doctor’s instructions and think positively.
Water breaking at 40 weeks of pregnancy
Not in all cases, labor begins with discharge. Leakage of amniotic fluid is possible, but it is rare. In this case, you cannot wait for the interval between contractions to shorten; you need to go to the hospital immediately. The fact is that water protects the child from infectious, mechanical and other damage. It is best to be under the supervision of a doctor during this period.
If your water breaks, you need to pay attention to the color and smell. The discharge should be clear and odorless. A yellowish tint to the water may indicate aging of the placenta. If the amniotic fluid is opaque and has bad smell, you must definitely inform your doctor about this.
When the water breaks, it is impossible not to notice it: approximately 200-300 ml of liquid literally pours out of the expectant mother. A woman may think that this is incontinence, but water and urine can be easily distinguished by color and smell.
40 weeks of pregnancy - prenatal contractions
At first, contractions can be very weak and painless, some women do not notice them. You should not immediately go to the maternity hospital, because this process will be long and grueling; it is better to spend time at home, in a familiar environment and among loved ones.
It’s very easy to confuse training contractions and real ones, get overexcited and put everyone on edge ahead of time. “False” contractions differ from real contractions in their non-periodicity: they can last 5 minutes, or 10 or 15. During childbirth, contractions are repeated at approximately equal intervals; it is recommended to go to the maternity hospital when the interval reaches 5-7 minutes.
At the very beginning, contractions last up to 10 seconds, and the interval between them is 15-20 minutes. Just before the baby is born, contractions last longer and the interval between them is shorter. The sensations are no longer painless. During contractions it is impossible to sleep; women often experience a feeling of nausea, which can even lead to vomiting. This is more of a psychological factor than a physical one.
- Take a comfortable position, lie on your side, sit on a fitball - a large rubber ball. However, you should not sit or lie on your back: in this case, the woman creates an obstacle to the inflow and outflow of blood.
- Record the beginning of contractions; if possible, record their duration and frequency.
- Go to the toilet more often in a small way, then labor will begin faster.
- Stroking the abdomen and massaging the lower back will help a lot during contractions.
- You should not eat food during the onset of labor. Even if you really want to, you need to endure it, but not eat. This is life-threatening for both mother and child. If a situation arises in which you have to undergo general anesthesia, a full stomach is a very negative factor.
- In addition to food, a woman should not take painkillers or other pills without a doctor’s recommendation.
- You cannot stay at home, you need to urgently go to the doctors if the child begins to move too actively or, on the contrary, no movements are felt.
In this article:
At 40 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is fully developed and formed. However, the likelihood that he will be born during this week is negligible. According to statistics, only 5% of women give birth at this time, while the rest either give birth earlier or 2 to 3 weeks later.
And this is completely normal, there is no reason to worry. Most likely, this is due to an incorrect deadline, and not to deviations. Many women give birth at 41–42 weeks, and this is also considered normal.
How does the expectant mother feel?
This period is difficult for a woman. The abdomen hardens, becomes very large and prevents free movement. Some women at this stage cannot even get out of bed or get dressed on their own. Constantly bothered by aching pain in the lower back and joints. In this case, the pain can radiate to both the arm and leg.
Most women complain that at this stage their stomach seems to turn to stone. This is absolutely normal phenomenon. This is due to lowering of the abdomen and increased tone of the uterus.
By the end of the 39th week it may appear pulling sensation in the lower abdomen - this is a sign that the cervix is softening, preparing for the onset of labor. In addition, there may be painful sensations in the perineum and lower body. During this period, the fetal head puts a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor. As a result, severe pain occurs in the sacral area, as the pressure causes pinching of the hip joint.
Every day the pressure on the pelvic veins increases, which leads to the filling of hemorrhoids. As a result, painful nodules appear in the anus, which leads to light bleeding during bowel movements.
Compression of the femoral veins prevents normal blood flow in the lower extremities. Which usually leads to temporary numbness in the legs.
At 39–40 weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s mammary glands are completely ready for breastfeeding. During this period, colostrum appears, which can provide the baby with all the necessary substances from the first days of his life. Then, approximately 3 to 5 days after birth, colostrum replaces milk.
Expectant mothers need to remember that during this period all inconveniences and unpleasant sensations should be reported to the doctor immediately. After all, these can be both characteristic events of the final stage of pregnancy, and a “signal” foreshadowing the imminent opening of labor.
How does the fetus feel?
By the end of the 39th week, the fetus is fully formed. His height is approximately 50 – 55 cm, and his weight is 3200 – 3500 kg. He no longer has enough space in the uterus, so his movements are limited. But this does not mean at all that the baby’s activity decreases. On the contrary, he begins to move more often, mainly with his arms and legs. If your physical activity decreases, you should immediately visit a doctor.
However, excessive activity of the fetus may indicate a lack of oxygen, which is typical for 39–40 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the placenta is no longer able to fully cope with its responsibilities, as a result of which the child experiences colossal oxygen starvation, which can lead to serious disturbances in the brain activity of the fetus, the functioning of its heart and other organs. And in severe cases, prolonged oxygen starvation even leads to the death of the child.
At this stage, the uteroplacental barrier is disrupted due to a decrease in the thickness of the placental walls, which protects the baby from infections and the penetration of toxic substances. The consequences of this are the unhindered penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the fetal body, which lead to the development of intrauterine infection.
Harbingers
As a rule, literally a week before the onset of childbirth, the stomach turns to stone, and the woman begins to actively lose weight. There is nothing wrong with this, unless, of course, the pregnant woman’s weight has decreased by more than 5–10 kg. Otherwise, urgent hospitalization is required.
Weight loss occurs due to the release of excess fluid from the body. Manifests frequent urination and excessive sweating, especially if the 39th – 40th week of pregnancy falls in the summer.
About 3 to 4 weeks before giving birth, aching pain appears in the lower back and lower abdomen, reminiscent of cramps during menstruation. Periodically there is pain in the pubic area and a feeling of fullness. This is due to the pressure of the presenting fetus on the pelvic floor.
At 39–40 weeks of pregnancy, false contractions may periodically occur or
Oddly enough, as a rule, those women for whom childbirth is not their first react to false contractions, since they already know what to expect and most carefully monitor all processes in the body. Accompanied by pain or simply unpleasant sensations lower abdomen. It is very easy to determine whether contractions are false or labor. When labor begins, contractions of the uterus occur after a certain time, for example, every 15 to 20 minutes, while false contractions are not systematic.
The closer the birth is, the more often you can observe uterine contractions. This happens 1 to 2 times a day and lasts from 1 to 20 seconds. At this time, the uterus contracts strongly and becomes hard.
In about a day, drill mucus begins to be released from the vagina, reminiscent of the beginning of menstruation. The color and amount of discharge vary from person to person, but their presence indicates the imminent onset of labor.
Immediately before the birth itself in a woman’s body digestive system The stomach begins to empty. This is a kind of reaction to hormones that regulate labor.
Also, literally within a day or two, a woman may experience an increase in temperature.
Discharge
Discharge from the genital tract at 39–40 weeks, purulent or mucopurulent in nature, indicates the presence infectious diseases requiring urgent treatment. Especially if they have a characteristic smell. You should not wait for childbirth, since if there are pathogenic microbes in the vagina, infection of the child is inevitable. It is necessary to go to the maternity ward and undergo treatment on the spot, because childbirth can occur at any time.
In case of heavy liquid discharge, it is necessary to immediately call " Ambulance"and go to the maternity hospital, even if contractions are not observed yet. Since they indicate premature rupture of amniotic fluid. Normally, the discharge of amniotic fluid occurs immediately at the onset of labor. A long anhydrous period is fraught with infection of the fetus.
A very unpleasant symptom is when bloody discharge appears from the genital tract. They cannot be ignored, even if the stomach does not hurt and the amount of blood is small. Bleeding can open at any moment, which can become a great threat to both the life of the expectant mother and the unborn child. The pregnant woman requires urgent hospitalization.
The appearance of a large lump of mucus, slightly stained with blood, from the genital tract indicates the imminent onset of labor. This lump of mucus is called a plug, which throughout pregnancy blocked the entrance to the uterus and protected the baby from infection entering its cavity. When the plug comes out, you need to wait until regular contractions appear, and then go to the maternity hospital. The plug can come off either a couple of hours before the onset of labor or a day before. Therefore, it is not worth going to the maternity hospital without the appearance of regular contractions.
Ultrasound and tests
An ultrasound at 40–41 weeks of pregnancy determines the level of development (full term) of the child. In addition, you can see Beclair's nuclei - ossification nuclei near long bones. Also, ultrasound at this stage allows you to compare the echogenicity of lung tissue with liver tissue, suspension in the water, which is exfoliated skin particles and cheese-like lubricant of the fetus.
When performing an ultrasound, the following indicators are considered normal:
- biparental size (BPR) – 89-103 cm;
- fronto-occipital size (LZ) – 110-130 cm;
- head circumference (HC) – 312-362 cm;
- fetal abdominal circumference (FA) – 313-381 cm;
- forearm bones – 5.4-6.2 cm;
- humerus – 6.2-7.2 cm;
- femur – 7-8 cm;
- shin bones – 6.1-7.1 cm.
On the Internet you can find and watch a video guide that tells in detail about the ultrasound at the 40th week.
In the period from 39 to 41 weeks, a pregnant woman needs to undergo tests of the UBC and OAM every 5-7 weeks. Based on the test results, if deviations from the norm are detected, the pregnant woman is placed under strict control. She is prescribed medications and undergoes additional ultrasound and Doppler measurements.
Intimate life at 39 - 41 weeks of pregnancy
On later pregnancy, namely at 39 - 41, you can have sex only with the approval of a doctor. In some cases, sex is beneficial for pregnancy, and in others it is not. It all depends on the health of the mother and child, as well as the location and thickness of the walls of the uterus.
Sex at this stage can contribute to the onset of labor, since prostaglandin hormones contained in male sperm soften the cervix, and orgasm stimulates the onset of contractions. This method of stimulating labor should not be used without the consent of a doctor, since labor provoked by this method is prolonged in nature - contractions are long and strong, which can cause significant harm to the health of both the child and the woman in labor.
Dangers of the 40th week
The main danger that can accompany a woman in late pregnancy is rapid labor. A child can be born very quickly; there have been cases when only 2–3 hours passed from the moment contractions appeared until the birth of the child. Therefore, you should go to the maternity ward in advance, about one week before the expected date of birth, or, if your home is not far from the maternity hospital, avoid long trips and shopping trips. Basically, rapid labor is observed in second-time women.
It is also extremely important to monitor vaginal discharge. The likelihood of fetal infection at this stage increases several times.
Lack of oxygen is associated with a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, so you should carefully monitor your diet. Be sure to include buckwheat, beans, peas, apples and other foods containing a large number of gland.
It is very important to remain calm during this period. Emotional condition the expectant mother directly affects the child. During this period, you should tune in to the upcoming birth, think only about its good outcome, rest more and listen to calm music. Overall you should enjoy it last days pregnancy, because after the birth of the child you will not have time to rest.
As soon as you feel the onset of contractions, do not go to the hospital on an empty stomach. You need to replenish your energy reserves. But don’t gorge yourself on cutlets and fried potatoes. Snack on light yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, bread with cheese, or drink a mug of sweet tea, compote or jelly. During labor, even a small piece of chocolate can cause nausea and vomiting, which makes labor difficult.
Another reason why you should not eat a lot before going to the maternity ward is the possibility of emergency surgery.
During contractions and pushing, food and liquid intake is completely excluded. But after childbirth it is necessary to restore strength. You should not “lean” on food immediately after the end of labor. You should wait about two hours, and then you can eat something light, for example, fruit puree or vegetable broth.
As soon as contractions begin to last about one minute, and the break between them is 5-7 minutes, it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. Very soon you will see your long-awaited baby!
Video guide 40 weeks pregnant
