At 39 weeks of pregnancy You're in the home stretch: the baby is practically ready to be born and your body is finishing preparing for labor. It's normal to feel heavier, with discomfort when walkingdifficulty sleeping and many doubts about what is normal and what is not in these days before birth.
At this point, the gynecologist usually performs a abdominal examination to check the baby's position and you can check the neck of the uterus to assess whether it is effaced or if there is already some dilation. The cervix is softening and shortening in preparation for childbirth, and it is also common to notice Braxton Hicks contractions more intense, which prepare the uterus for actual labor.
If break water You must go to the hospital immediately, because the baby will no longer be protected in its sterile environment and could be affected by an infection. If you have painful and regular contractions (approximately every 5-10 minutes) and your stomach is hard, it is very likely that the labor has begunIf the contractions are neither painful nor rhythmic, they usually correspond to a false alarm and they subside with rest or a change of position. If you notice that the baby is moving much less than usual, or you stop feeling their movements, you should go to the hospital for an evaluation.
At 39 weeks the baby weighs around 3-3,4 kg and measures approximately 48-51 centimetersAlthough these figures can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. The space inside the uterus is very small, which is why you may notice fewer wide movementsBut you should still feel kicks and changes in position. The baby's skin has lost almost all of its shedding. fluff (fine hair) and much of the vernix caseosa, the fat that protected him from the amniotic fluid, although some may still remain attached to his skin at birth.
Your uterus has grown considerably: it has gone from a few grams before pregnancy to about 1 kilo in weight, and the uterine height can be located around the 36-40 cm from the pubic symphysis. The baby is usually engaged in the pelvis, which increases the pelvic pressure and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. It's also normal to feel the urge to urinate more frequently because the baby's head is pressing on the bladder.
Common symptoms at 39 weeks include increased cramp-like contractions, the possible loss of mucous plugDiarrhea, nausea, back pain, extreme fatigue, and increased sleepiness. Some women notice a strong “nest instinct”With intense desires to clean and tidy the house; it can be reassuring to do it calmly, avoiding effort and heavy loads.
When should I go to the hospital at 39 weeks?
Recognizing the signs of labor is key to knowing when to go to the hospitalBesides the water breaking and regular contractions, there are other symptoms to be aware of. true contractions They last between 30 and 60 seconds, do not disappear with rest or a change of position, and become increasingly frequent and intense. Braxton Hicks contractions, on the other hand, are usually irregular, less painful, and subside with rest.
You can also observe the expulsion of the mucous plugMucus, a thick, clear, whitish, yellowish, or blood-streaked substance that seals the cervix. Its appearance indicates that the cervix is preparing to dilate, but it doesn't always mean that labor is imminent: it can occur hours or even days before.
In short, you should go to the hospital immediately if:
- Water breakereven if you don't have intense contractions.
- You have painful and regular contractions every few minutes.
- You can't feel or clearly notice decrease in movements of the baby.
In addition, see or contact your healthcare professional if you experience severe bleedingSevere headache with visual disturbances, sudden swelling of the face or hands, difficulty breathing, or significant general malaise, as these may be signs of complications such as preeclampsia.
Your baby is ready to be born and the delivery will consist of three great phases which can be experienced differently in each woman, but which follow the same basic physiological pattern.
Dilation
During the dilation phase, your baby will push towards the cervixThe uterine muscle contracts and begins to draw the baby into the pelvis. The pressure exerted by the baby's head on the cervix allows the baby to descend. I deleted and dilated gradually until reaching the 10 centimeters necessary for expulsion.
In the first few hours, contractions may be more spaced out (every 10-15 minutes) and somewhat irregular, but they will gradually become more regular. more frequent and painfulThis phase is usually longer for first-time mothers. Many women take advantage of this period to walk, use [unclear - possibly "use" or "use"] birthing ballsTake a shower with lukewarm water or practice breathing techniques learned in the preparation classes, always following the instructions of the medical team.
The expulsion
The expulsion phase begins when the cervix is fully dilatedThis process can take around 20-30 minutes, although the duration varies depending on the fetal position, the baby's size, and whether or not it's your first birth. Your baby will begin to push with its legs to descend through the birth canal, but you will also need to perform [the necessary maneuvers]. pushes coordinated with contractions to facilitate their departure.
When the baby's head becomes visible at the vulva, it is said to be "crowning." From there, with one or more more pushes, the nuchal translucency will begin. Shoulders and finally, the rest of their body. In some centers, contact is encouraged. skin to skin immediate to promote bonding, thermal stabilization of the newborn and early initiation of breastfeeding.
Congratulations, you already have your baby!
Delivery
About 15-20 minutes after the baby is born, it is your turn to expel the placentaThis phase, called the third stage of labor, may cause further contractions, generally milder than those of the expulsion phase. The midwife or healthcare professional will help you expel the placenta by gently pressing on the uterus and ensuring that the placenta and membranes are delivered completely to reduce the risk of bleeding or infection. The original article simply stated that the midwife helps by applying pressure to the uterus; this article elaborates on this action with greater detail regarding monitoring and its purpose.
During this time your overall statusThe amount of bleeding, blood pressure, and whether a tear or episiotomy has occurred are all monitored and repaired. If everything goes well, you can continue to enjoy close contact with your baby.
More information - Labor contractions When to go to the hospital?
Source - Famille actuelle
Photo - baby center.
In this final stage, attend to the signals from your bodyMaintaining communication with your healthcare team and having everything you need ready to go to the hospital will help you experience the moment when you finally meet your baby with more security and confidence.