A period of 37 weeks means that conception occurred about 35 weeks ago. And this is the beginning of the 10th month. The weight of the crumbs during this period reaches 2.8 - 2.9 kg, and the growth varies within 48 - 50 cm.
The 37th obstetric week of pregnancy is the time when every expectant mother should already be ready for the birth of a baby. According to official medicine, a child born in the thirty-seventh week is considered full-term. This is especially true for multiple pregnancies and the birth of the second, third, subsequent children. The weight of the crumbs during this period reaches 2.8 - 2.9 kg, and the height varies within 48 - 50 cm. What is important for the expectant mother to think about at this time?
How many months?
A deadline of 37 weeks means that conception occurred about 35 weeks ago. And this is already the beginning of 10 months (here is about calculating the timing of pregnancy).
Fetal development
What happens to your baby this crucial week? His little body is already formed, only weight gain continues. Twins weigh less than normal babies. An unborn baby has all the characteristics of a full-term baby. At this time, the mother observes his reaction to his actions, sometimes she can even understand what the baby does not like, and what gives him special pleasure.
Internal changes in the fetus
Aging of the placenta begins, as a result of which less nutrients and oxygen are supplied to the baby. In contrast to the 36th week, at the 37th week, the lungs are already sufficiently developed. It's just that at the moment they are not yet included in the blood supply system, which is automatically corrected during delivery, when a valve in the heart opens for blood to flow to the lungs. A hormone called cortisone produced in a small organism indicates the full development of the respiratory system. And the child himself is already trying to make breathing and swallowing movements.
The organs of hearing and sight have already matured. They allow the fetus to perceive and distinguish human voices, enjoy the mother's native voice, and even hear melodies and music. The organs of the digestive system are also actively involved in the work. In the intestine, already performing peristaltic movements, the first feces (meconium) were formed in a small amount.
A process is started in the brain that lasts throughout the first year of life - the development of coordination of movements. A protective sheath (the so-called myelin layer) forms on neurons, which is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. The work of the brain is becoming more and more coordinated. Reflexes are becoming more and more stable, especially the sucking reflex. All the crumbs' pastime, except for sleep, is accompanied by thumb sucking, because this is how the preparation for natural feeding takes place.
External changes in the fetus
If the expectant mother could contemplate her child, she would see that the fluff (lanugo) has practically gone from his body, and the skin is light pink, as the subcutaneous fat layer has begun to form. Thanks to the fat, the baby's cheeks became plump and prettier. During this week, the head becomes even more covered with hairs, and the marigolds extend beyond the toes. So the baby can already scratch himself.
The skull is not yet ossified, so the head remains soft, which in the future will help the fetus to pass through the birth canal. The process of compaction of the nasal and ear cartilage continues, and now a fully formed nose and ears flaunt on the baby's head. By the thirty-seventh week, the reproductive system is also fully formed, and the boys' testicles descend into the scrotum. Sometimes by ultrasound at this time it is even possible to determine who the baby looks like.
The expectant mother should not be scared if she noticed that the child began to move less often. The fact is that in the uterus it became darker and less space, so it can only make kneading movements.
The baby's lifestyle is almost no different from the life of a newly born baby. Most of his time is spent sleeping, and the rest is spent sucking fingers or the umbilical cord. Sleep now consists not only of a fast phase, but also of a slow one, when the pressure decreases and the muscles relax. That is why the number of perturbations decreases. Hiccups (contraction of the diaphragm) of the baby gradually fades away.
Location of the fetus in the uterus
The position of the fetus is stable. The most common is the head, that is, the correct presentation. In this position, the baby lies head down, legs and arms crossed. Less often, doctors state a breech presentation (incorrect).
In some cases, due to the incorrect position of the fetus, a cesarean section is prescribed. However, don't panic right away. It is possible to induce the child to turn into the desired position through specially designed exercises. Whether the child has returned to the correct position is specified during the ultrasound scan.
What happens to a woman's body and sensations
For the thirty-seventh week, the state of continuous expectation of the onset of labor is characteristic. The desire to give birth is often reinforced by loved ones, constantly asking about when the baby will already appear. Remember that almost every expectant mother has to answer such questions. Therefore, the curiosity and excitement of others should be taken calmly. In addition, from this week onward, the desire for a speedy birth will only increase.
The cervix continues to mature. The fact that the cervix is ripe can be recognized by its length - it should be less than 1 cm, and the length of the immature cervix starts from 2 cm. Closer to the birth of the baby, the cervix softens, remaining dense only in the area of the internal pharynx. If the neck has softened enough, labor may begin.
Fever may be a sign of an approaching meeting with a daughter or son. In general, an elevated temperature can last throughout pregnancy, since for a woman in a position, low heat transfer is the norm. But if the temperature indicator suddenly "jumped" the mark of 38 degrees, you should consult a doctor. This may be the result of an infection or other malaise, or it may be a signal that it is time for you to go to the hospital.
A woman begins to experience a whole range of new sensations for her. Despite the fact that you still feel the same awkward, you may lose weight. This is one of the points of preparation of the body for the upcoming birth. During a thirty-seventh week pregnancy, stretching of the skin can cause severe itching of the abdomen and the belly button that can turn out. You can also notice how the strip on the tummy darkens, but this is not a cause for alarm, since after childbirth the strip will gradually disappear.
Companions of a pregnant woman at the 37th obstetric week can become indigestion, nausea and loose stools. Thus, the body gets rid of everything that can interfere with the course of the birth process. If you are still comfortable wearing rings on your toes and have no problem wearing your shoes, you are very lucky. Most women during this period have to deal with swelling of the hands and feet. The reason is a sedentary lifestyle, an unusually large load on the kidneys, and an excess of salt in the diet.
Harbingers of childbirth
At the age of 37, the belly can go down, and the baby's head can move to the pelvic region. Together with this, heartburn and shortness of breath go away, so mom can breathe calmly. But now the whole weight of the abdomen falls on the bladder and abdomen, so the urge to go to the toilet will visit you more and more often. Since the fetus presses on the organs of the lower body, hemorrhoids may appear, causing not only inconvenience, but also painful sensations. In this case, it will be helpful to lean on foods with laxative properties.
The stomach has dropped - this is a signal of an impending birth. But the stomach before childbirth does not sink at all. In this case, you should not worry, as other signs will help to understand that you will soon give birth.
A speedy delivery also portends various painful sensations. The most striking harbinger of childbirth is the Brexton-Hicks contractions, reminiscent of pain during menstruation. These are training contractions that prepare the uterus for the serious "work" ahead. Such contractions are also called "false".
The contractions are becoming more and more like labor pains. Along with this, the woman's pains become longer. At this stage, due to the gained weight, pain can be given to the back, groin and abdomen. Training contractions are also destined to experience not everyone.
Pain
At the 37th obstetric week, the general feeling of discomfort increases, expectant mothers may be concerned about the following pains:
- manifested more and more clearly pain in the perineum;
- sore legs, especially when you have to stand or walk for a long time during the day;
- numbness of the legs and arms due to a violation of blood microcirculation;
- aching pain in the lower back and tailbone;
- the baby's pushes, which, although they have become less frequent, are becoming more and more tangible;
- pulling pain in the lower abdomen, which may indicate the imminent discharge of the mucous plug.
If you notice recurrent pain in the tummy area, contact your doctor right away. The feeling that the stomach is pulling is quite normal for this period. However, if you have already noted more than once that the stomach "turns to stone", this is also a reason to visit a doctor. A "stony" abdomen is most likely a sign that the uterus is in a state of hypertonicity, and this often leads to premature birth.
Allocations
The hormonal background changes throughout pregnancy. In connection with the next changes at term 37, the discharge becomes more intense and more liquid. However, if the discharge is too thin, it could be a sign of water leakage. Therefore, you should urgently conduct a special test, which can be done at the hospital or at home by purchasing it at the nearest pharmacy. If the waters have a greenish tint or stand out in large portions, immediately go to the maternity hospital.
Colorless, yellowish or pinkish mucus with a small amount of blood streaks is added to the usual secretions. This is a mucous plug that protected the entrance of the uterus from various microorganisms throughout the pregnancy. Usually, the cork begins to come out in parts half a month before the expected birth. If she has already departed, then it is better for a woman to suspend her intimate life and not swim in stagnant water so as not to infect an infection. Colostrum may also begin to flow from the breast.
It is very important: spotting is a reason to immediately seek help, especially if it is accompanied by pain! Such discharge can occur when falling and getting injured, or for no apparent reason.
What you need to know about 37 weeks pregnant
Intimate life
The thirty-seventh week of pregnancy in itself is by no means a reason for refusing an active sex life. However, if you feel unwell, the beginning of labor and the passage of the cork, sex is contraindicated. Also, doctors can prescribe sexual rest. And even if it seems to you that the doctor's prescriptions are not justified, it is better to listen to his opinion, because sex at this time can lead to the onset of labor.
Sometimes the parents-to-be themselves, in the last weeks of pregnancy, voluntarily give up their intimate life. They understand that the child is already an "adult", and this becomes a psychological barrier for them. Others are afraid to harm the baby. And some couples are simply uncomfortable with having sex when their belly is already very big. This is especially true for a woman who, instead of a pleasant pastime, can only get a feeling of discomfort.
Examination of a pregnant woman
Unless other tests are shown to you, the main procedure this week is cardiotocography (CGT). This is a record of the fetal heartbeat and the contractions and movements of the uterus. KGT is needed to determine the presence of possible pathologies of the fetus and mother. This examination will help to identify disorders such as hypoxia, anomaly in the development of the cardiovascular system, the threat of premature birth, fetal infection, low and polyhydramnios.
In the obstetrician's office, they will check the results of the tests you have already passed, as they usually measure blood pressure, find out the circumference of the tummy, and die the height of the standing of the uterine fundus. The limbs should also be checked for edema. In addition, the doctor may check if the cervix is ready for labor.
What to fear
Each week of pregnancy has its own risks, and week 37 is no exception. The most important danger at this time is the possibility of gestosis. This term refers to a condition where the body cannot cope with a double load, as a result of which the kidneys are disrupted. The first symptoms are increased blood pressure, edema and an increase in the protein index in the urine analysis.
If the early signs of gestosis are ignored, then more serious symptoms may occur. These include headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness and the appearance of "flies" before the eyes. In this case, you may not even have time to call an ambulance. Therefore, it will be much wiser to deal with gestosis at the initial stage (here they wrote about toxicosis and gestosis).
In the final weeks of pregnancy, there is a risk of premature placental abruption. This can lead to the loss of a significant amount of blood, oxygen starvation of the fetus and even death. You can find out about a possible placental abruption by the sharp pain in the abdomen and the traces of bloody discharge on the underwear. Women, whose last childbirth was performed by cesarean section, should be aware that there is a risk of uterine rupture due to an old, already healed scar. Therefore, any significant pain in the abdomen should serve as a reason to check the condition of the uterus.
Cesarean section
This is too early for a scheduled cesarean section. But cases of emergency caesarean section for thirty-seven obstetric weeks from the beginning of pregnancy are not uncommon. Operation at term 37 is prescribed when something threatens the life of the baby and mother.
There can be many indications for urgent surgery. The main ones are acute hypoxia (insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus), the discrepancy between the size of the head of the baby and the mother's pelvis, entanglement of the fetus with the umbilical cord and placental abruption. But a woman should not be overly worried if she was prescribed a caesarean section. All systems and organs of the child are already formed, so he is quite ready for extrauterine life.
What can you recommend to a future mother
- The very first and foremost advice is to be mentally prepared for childbirth. The baby may decide to be born this week, so you must understand that contractions can begin at any time.
- Continue to attend antenatal clinics and follow doctor's appointments.
- Find out exactly in which maternity hospital you will have a baby. It's time to pay a visit to the doctor who plans to take your childbirth and discuss all possible details with him. Also discuss what additional services you will use. If your husband wants to be personally present at the minute of the birth of the baby, it is time for him to pass all the tests necessary for this.
- If your travel bag to the maternity hospital has not yet been assembled, get it done as soon as possible (here's a list of things for you).
- Don't relax. You should not spend all your free time at embroidery or a computer. Keep walking and moving. The main thing is to do everything in moderation.
- Are you using a bandage? Then it's time to take it off, as it can prevent the timely lowering of the abdomen, which can delay the birth of the baby.
- Watch your daily diet and drink at least one and a half liters of clean water. There should be as little spicy, fried, fatty and sweet as possible on your table. Eat more vegetables and foods to prevent constipation. Avoid allergenic foods.
- It's time to familiarize yourself with the rules of caring for an infant, especially if you are becoming a mother for the first time. For example, you can explore all questions about breastfeeding. This will make it easier for you to take on parenting responsibilities. (Here is the article "The most important tips for caring for a newborn. The best memo article for moms and dads", and here is the article "Fundamental tips for breastfeeding mothers about breastfeeding")
Your pregnancy is coming to an end. If you are expecting your first child, birth usually occurs around the fortieth week, although there are exceptions. Don't let fears and negative thoughts darken the joy of meeting your son or daughter soon. Enjoy the last minutes of such a wonderful state as pregnancy!
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