For those who have already given birth, 38 weeks can be the final one. Also, the chances of giving birth increase if there is a girl. Boys like to go closer to 42 weeks.
Discomfort and discomfort continue to be annoying, but there is not much time left to endure. It is important to emotionally control yourself and direct all efforts towards a successful termination of pregnancy.
It is better to spend the last weeks at home in order to improve your well-being, you need to relax a lot and do special physical exercises once a day without heavy loads.
Such a warm-up will be beneficial for the body.
With sudden movements, dizziness may appear. Heartburn is quite common. This is due to pressure on the stomach due to the large size of the baby.
The body gave a lot of effort to bear a child and in recent weeks it is important to support him with special additives from minerals and vitamins. These drugs are prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
What happens at 38 weeks of gestation with a baby
The hair that held the grease on the baby’s body disappears. In some cases, it may remain in small areas of the skin, but will pass in the first days after birth. The skin is smoothed a little, and does not become so red.
Nails grow on the fingers and toes. Sometimes you can notice small scratches on the body, there is nothing to worry about.
In the colon of the child is feces from dead cells. Usually, emptying occurs after childbirth, but there are times when the contents exit inside. This is not dangerous, just a baby to be born with a little green mucus.
At this time, the weight of the child is about 3 kilograms, and the height is almost 50 centimeters. The figures are approximate, they may vary depending on heredity and other reasons.
All internal organs and systems are formed. The heart is actively working, between the cameras there is still a small hole that closes immediately after birth. The liver continues to accumulate iron, which is needed for blood production in the first months of the baby’s active growth.
The position and reactions of the child
Due to the large size of the space for active movements, the baby practically does not remain. He already took one position two weeks ago and is in it, moving as much as possible.
On the examination, you can notice how he moves the arms and legs, pushes, nods his head. The child reacts to light and sound, even before birth, you can notice what kind of music the baby likes.
The fetus at 38 weeks of gestation depends on the emotional state of the mother. It is also important to choose a suitable posture for sleeping and resting in order to reduce pressure on the stomach.
Stirring and active movements of the baby
The movements of the child in recent weeks are not very active. This is largely due to a decrease in free space due to the large size of the fetus. But tremors can still be felt, albeit somewhat less frequently.
Everything is also the baby shows his reaction to irritants. He squints at the bright light, tries to cover his ears with handles during loud sounds.
False contractions and pain at 38 weeks
Changes in the female body are aimed at the successful birth of a child. The pelvic bones are slightly displaced, the posture changes, a large load lies on the spine and lower back. All this can cause pain and discomfort.
Often there is pain in the lower back due to pinching of the femoral nerve. This is due to a long stay in one position. Try to choose a position of the body when the pressure on the stomach and internal organs is minimal.
Such positions are not always convenient at first, you need to get used to them. A lack of calcium can lead to muscle pain. Most often this happens in the legs, especially after long walks.
Pressure on internal organs weakens just before the birth itself. At this time, the fetus falls down, passes heartburn and shortness of breath. The size of the fetus at 38 weeks of gestation is quite large and greatly affects the mother.
False contractions bring a lot of trouble. This is a frequent occurrence in recent weeks. In order to stop them, just change the position and move.
Due to the large amount of fluid in the body, edema appears on the woman’s body. The fingers and toes, as well as other parts of the body, are susceptible to this. Try to drink no more than 1.5 liters of fluid per day, and eat more fresh fruits.
Nutrition in the last weeks before childbirth
A good diet and the right eating regimen is the key to the health of mom and baby. Despite the fact that there is very little time left before the appearance of a new family member, you must adhere to the rules.
Experts give the following recommendations:
- variety of products with different mineral elements;
- cottage cheese, meat and other protein foods;
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- nuts and dried fruits;
- natural drinks (stewed fruit, juices, jelly).
Thirty-eighth week of pregnancy requires a lot of vitamins. It is forbidden to eat fatty foods, smoked foods and drink plenty of fluids. Do not forget that now the main thing is to provide the child with everything necessary.
It is best to eat small meals 5-6 times a day, so you will not overload the stomach, which is now under pressure. A large amount of food at a time will cause heartburn and heaviness.
Before going to bed, it is also better not to eat. You can make a small snack of dried fruits, this will be enough. Do not forget to do a small exercise between meals at least once a day in order to avoid pain in the joints and muscles.
Examination and ultrasound at 38 weeks of gestation
In recent weeks, analyzes and tests are not carried out if everything goes well. But a pregnant woman can be placed on conservation. Here, specialists will look after her and monitor the health of the future baby.
The condition of the child is determined by tests and ultrasound. At the last scheduled appointment, the doctor determines how developed the baby is and when to wait for its birth. Height and weight may vary depending on genetic characteristics.
The position of the baby head down is considered the most successful, although modern medicine allows you to successfully deliver and in other cases.
Medical advice for avoiding complications
The advice of experts will help you feel better in the last months of pregnancy and approach the birth in good shape. It’s easy to implement them, rather disciplined and responsibly approach the recommendations.
It’s better to start the day with a slow wake up. Do not abruptly jump out of bed, this can cause tingling and dizziness. Rise slowly, after which you can do a little physical exercise.
The main thing is to stretch the lower back and spine well, the joints of the arms and legs also require attention. All this must be done in a clean, ventilated room. Hygiene is very important at any stage of pregnancy.
38 obstetric week of pregnancy is a late period, at which it is already difficult to do housework and walk outside for a long time. See how you feel and do not overload the body.
Although the rest should be long in a relaxed atmosphere, lying all day is also not worth it. This can lead to swelling and other unpleasant consequences.
If any complications should immediately contact a doctor. If necessary, you can go to the hospital in the last two weeks. There, under the supervision of doctors, prepare for childbirth.
Harbingers of childbirth and what to look for
To understand that the contractions are not false and the baby already plans to appear easily. Experts say that mom feels this on an intuitive level. Some changes in the body also occur.
The fetus sinks to the very bottom, which is noticeable in the shape of the tummy and a decrease in pressure on the lungs. Do not hesitate when the contractions begin. It is better to stay in the hospital for some time than to miss the right moment.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that you do not need to be nervous and worry.
The most important thing is to prepare things in advance, read the relevant literature, chat on forums with the same mummies. And try blogging. Thus, you can get rid of problems, and get appropriate advice that you can come in handy.
Therefore, even while in the hospital, do not worry that something will happen to you. Only tune in to good thoughts and positive childbirth. After all, all women give birth and this is an absolutely natural process! In the hospital itself, listen to calm music, read books that set up positive thinking.
And, when the time comes to give birth, remember everything that you taught: proper breathing, behavior, posture and mood. After all, thanks to the previously done training, you can easily give birth.
And we wish you a successful and easy delivery!
This material is for informational purposes only, before using the information provided it is necessary to consult with a specialist.
