Shootings in the back at 38 weeks.

Congratulations, you brought your pregnancy to term, now the birth will be considered urgent, and the baby will be born full term. It is noted that girls are more often born at this stage, and boys are carried to term until 40 weeks. Now all your thoughts are occupied with the upcoming birth, meeting your baby and how it will go. During childbirth, it is important to focus on making the birth of the child easier, listen to doctors and follow all their instructions, try not to forget about proper breathing. Now the baby has already reached his maturity and any day now he will be asked to come into this world, which will be the beginning of childbirth.

Changes in the body at 38 weeks

A period of 38 weeks is the tenth obstetric month, or the end of the ninth calendar month; at this period, childbirth is completely natural, and you can expect it from day to day. The baby is ready for birth, he is mature and has gained enough weight to fully exist outside the mother’s belly. But for labor to begin, both the child and his mother must be fully prepared and a special level of hormones must be achieved. You should not try to speed up the approach of this process - everything should be in due time so that no complications arise.

Now the fetus is no longer gaining height and weight so actively, it has become very crowded in the uterus, and in recent weeks there has been a physiological decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid so that physiological oligohydramnios is formed. This is necessary so that during childbirth there is less chance of malpresentation and umbilical cord prolapse. But if the child is in a breech position, then there is practically no chance of a revolution, and the issue of managing the birth is decided. Now everything should be ready for this event and the maternity hospital itself should be selected. You are already ready to meet the baby, and the last days of pregnancy bring a lot of discomfort to the mother. Now it is uncomfortable to move, walk, sleep, and the belly is at its maximum size. The skin on the abdomen is very stretched, it itches and dries very much. The navel has become stretched or even turned out, but after childbirth it will become normal. For convenience during childbirth, the fetal head is pressed tightly against the pelvic floor, causing the abdomen to lower. This is a signal of imminent labor, along with all other harbingers.

Fetal development at 38 weeks: weight, size and gender

The baby is ready for birth and labor can begin at any time; now his body weight is about 3100-3300 g, and his height is from 50 to 52 cm. Body weight increases by 30-50 grams daily. The child's skin is almost free of vernix, which can only remain in large folds, and the fluff (lanugo) has almost completely disappeared from the body. A lot of meconium, the original feces, has accumulated in the baby’s large intestine, which will be passed after birth. But if the fetus suffers in the womb, emptying can occur earlier, before birth, which leads to a greenish coloration of the water and the risk of intrauterine pneumonia.

In boys, at this time, the testicles have completely descended into the scrotum, and in girls, the large genitalia have completely covered the small ones. Doctors will check this at birth, determining the full-term and maturity of the baby. Now the child has become beautiful, he has become rounded and his cheeks have become plump, facial features have individuality and may be similar to the faces of his parents, the skin has become smooth and acquired a soft pink tint, quite long hairs have grown on the head, nails have grown longer than the fingertips, and the baby may be born with blue or dark eyes. Dark eyes usually do not change color, but blue-eyed children can completely change it.

The child is still growing and there is very little space in the uterus for him; he barely fits in it, curled up and bringing his arms and legs to his tummy. It’s difficult for him to move now, and you need to carefully monitor the rhythm of the fetus’ movements; if the baby doesn’t make itself known for a long time, you need to immediately report this to the doctor. In general, there should be at least one obvious movement per hour, with periods of more or less activity. Now the child’s organs and systems are already formed and actively working, except for the lungs, which will begin to work with the child’s first independent breath. Active maturation of the nervous system is taking place, which will continue after birth, the baby has now formed all the reflexes necessary for independent life.In the following weeks, the baby will also grow and gain weight, waiting with the mother for an early birth.

Childbirth and precursors at 38 weeks

At this time, the birth is already considered urgent, and the baby is fully term; most often, girls, twins, or second and subsequent children are born at this time. Emerging warning signs will clearly let you know that labor is about to begin. From the beginning of their appearance, everything needs to be thoroughly checked - bags, documents, dowries. During this period, precursors are found in almost all women, but the degree of their severity is individual for everyone.

First of all, false contractions become more active - they become more noticeable and more frequent, although they are not regular and do not lead to dilatation of the cervix. If childbirth is imminent, the uterus begins to train more actively, contracting more often and more sensitively. At such moments, it is worth lying down to rest; usually training contractions subside, but if these are true contractions, they will increase in strength and pain, occur with regularity and do not go away after sleep and rest.

The imminent approach of childbirth may also be indicated by a stop in weight gain or its loss of 1-2 kg; this occurs due to the convergence of edema and a decrease in the pregnant woman’s appetite, a special physiological “cleansing” of the body. Loose stools, nausea, and even vomiting may occur. There should be no fever or signs of infection.

An increase in discharge may also occur with the gradual release of a mucus plug or the immediate release of a lump of pink or brownish mucus. This occurs due to the gradual preparation of the cervix and the opening of the internal pharynx, which leads to injury to small vessels, which gives color to the plug.

A lowering of the abdomen can also occur; this occurs due to the pressing of the fetal head to the area of ​​the exit from the pelvis. This leads to easier breathing and reduced heartburn and relief from constipation. But due to increased pressure on the bladder and rectum, trips to the toilet may become more frequent and pain in the sacrum, pelvis and groin may occur.

The warning signs may not be present for everyone or may not be as obvious, especially for women who are not giving birth to their first child.

The birth this week will be urgent, the baby will be fully term and will not require special monitoring if he is completely healthy. If the birth is natural, you can arrive at the maternity hospital with contractions or the discharge of amniotic fluid. If a cesarean section is planned, usually during this period hospitalization is carried out in the maternity hospital in preparation for surgical delivery. The onset of labor is marked by the discharge of amniotic fluid or regular uterine contractions, intensifying and at gradually shorter intervals.

Feelings of the expectant mother

Now the main feeling of the expectant mother is enormous fatigue and impatience to meet the baby soon, the mother is physically tired of carrying such a load - her body weight along with her stomach has increased by almost 15 kg, or even more. Now the woman feels that the child has become less mobile, his movements are felt more strongly, but less frequently, which is quite normal - the child has grown up, and he has become more cramped due to a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid. Now his movements are felt like pushes, slight stretching or swaying. This is also useful for maintaining the correct position of the baby for childbirth, and the walls of the uterus tightly enveloping it on all sides. Despite all the unpleasant sensations, the movements of the fetus must be strictly monitored - from them the mother can determine its condition and whether the baby is experiencing discomfort. If the fetus is too active or inactive, you should immediately consult a doctor; this may be a sign of fetal hypoxia.

The expectant mother may now be overcome by insomnia, this arises due to anxiety about the future birth, as well as due to a large belly, with which it is uncomfortable to lie on her back or even on her side. There is a feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen, pain and inconvenience. As the body prepares for childbirth, nausea and vomiting may occur due to decreased appetite, as well as diarrhea. Although during this period, while the stomach has not yet dropped, constipation is also common, which is painful for the pregnant woman. It gradually becomes easier, after the stomach has dropped, breathing becomes easier, especially during exercise. Swelling gradually goes away, which can lead to weight loss. But if swelling only increases, spots appear before the eyes and headaches - immediately go to the hospital, this may be the beginning of preeclampsia.

Pain

Typically, discomfort and pain occur when the stomach drops; its head presses against the pelvic area, which puts pressure on the pelvic bones. This can lead to pain in the lower back, sacrum and tailbone, many women also experience pain between the legs and problems with movement, the gait becomes waddling, slow and careful. Compression of the femoral nerve may occur with pain in the hip, leg, and sacrum. Pain in the back and arms may also occur due to a shifted center of gravity and a large belly, which puts stress on the back. Wearing a special bandage can help relieve these pains. Cramps and pain in the calf muscles may occur due to problems with blood circulation and calcium deficiency. Headaches may occur, especially due to fear of childbirth and stress. Getting enough sleep and walking can help in this case.

Abdominal pain, especially accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, requires special attention. It is no less dangerous if the stomach constantly becomes stone - these may be signs of uterine tone and placental abruption. In this condition, you must immediately call emergency services and go to the maternity hospital.

It is worth paying attention to swelling if it not only does not go away, but also intensifies, while your health worsens and severe headaches and abdominal pain, diarrhea and mouth pain occur, blood pressure rises sharply - this is very dangerous and may be a sign of complications of gestosis, preeclampsia .

Discharge

This week, the nature of the discharge may become different in comparison with previous weeks, the amount of discharge may become greater, and this is due to the active preparation of the birth canal for the upcoming birth. Normal vaginal discharge will be light or milky in color, uniform consistency and a very slight sour odor, although mucous discharge of a transparent or slightly pinkish, brownish color is now quite acceptable. This brown or pink discharge is part of the mucous plug from the cervix, which is shed as the cervix prepares for childbirth. However, the plug may come off at once in the form of a dense lump of mucus, this is also quite normal - you will soon be giving birth.

Bloody discharge, and especially scarlet or dark blood, which may indicate bleeding due to placental abruption, can be dangerous. In this condition and abdominal pain, you cannot hesitate for a minute, you must immediately go to the maternity hospital, otherwise the child may die in utero from hypoxia, and the woman from bleeding. No less dangerous during this period can be yellow or greenish discharge, discharge with a strong unpleasant odor, as well as crumbly, curdled or foamy discharge. This may be a genital infection that needs to be eliminated as soon as possible before birth, so as not to infect the baby with it while passing through the birth canal.

How to recognize leakage of amniotic fluid

You should immediately contact the maternity hospital if there is copious and watery discharge of a transparent or greenish color, with a sweetish odor. This could be amniotic fluid that leaks through defects in the amniotic sac. If the membranes rupture and odes leak, labor should take place within about 12-14 hours, otherwise there is a high risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus in the future. Leakage of water is possible with aging of the membranes or violation of their integrity, with various health problems. A doctor can determine water leakage using a special test, or you can use a special test pad, which can be bought at a pharmacy. If the test is positive, they will begin to actively prepare you for a very early birth, most likely through stimulation.

Condition of the uterus at 38 obstetric weeks

Now the uterus has reached its maximum size, both in height and in volume, the baby is getting more and more cramped in it, and often the uterus is now becoming toned, tense and very dense. At the same time, the stomach hardens, it pulls and aches in the lower back, and then the discomfort goes away. At 38 weeks this is not scary and indicates the imminent onset of labor - the uterus is actively training and preparing for it. Unlike real contractions, during such training there is no regularity and dilation of the cervix.

Gradually, contractions become more regular and more painful, with a gradual shortening of the cervix and then its softening and opening so that the child can be born. If uterine tension bothers you greatly, your doctor may recommend taking papaverine or no-shpa. They relieve spasms and relax the walls of the uterus. Due to the relaxation of the internal pharynx in the area of ​​the cervix and its smoothing, the abdomen lowers with the head pressed to the outlet of the small pelvis.

Ultrasound examination (Uzi)

At this stage, routine ultrasounds are no longer carried out; the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound to resolve urgent issues when planning a cesarean section or to decide on the management of childbirth. Usually, ultrasound is prescribed for previous studies to detect umbilical cord entanglement, as well as to determine the amount of amniotic fluid, the condition of the placenta, its maturity and the location of the fetus in the uterus and cervix. An assessment of the development of the fetus, its estimated weight and growth, and clarification of the PDP according to ultrasound data are also carried out. It is important to determine the size of the head and chest of the fetus, the length of large bones.

Also, at 38 weeks, according to ultrasound data, the size of the cervix, its maturity and state of readiness for childbirth are determined.

Symptoms and signs of oligohydramnios

At the end of pregnancy, from about 37-38 weeks, physiological oligohydramnios develops, which is necessary for the fetus to take a stable position in the uterus and to avoid complications during childbirth. At the same time, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases slightly, which can be determined by ultrasound. But with a sharp and significant decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid, complications may arise. The causes of oligohydramnios can be fetal malformations, developmental anomalies and certain diseases.

Symptoms and signs of polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios usually occurs as a result of diabetes mellitus, Rh incompatibility, or certain diseases of the fetus or membranes. At the same time, the amount of amniotic fluid is sharply increased, which leads to overstretching of the uterus and abnormalities in labor. Weakness of labor, loss of umbilical cord loops, and much more may occur. Typically, polyhydramnios is diagnosed based on ultrasound results and examination of the abdomen, with weakening of the fetal heartbeat and difficulty in identifying parts of its body.

Colds and treatments

In the later stages of pregnancy, colds and acute respiratory viral infections can lead to the fact that childbirth will take place in the observation department. You should immediately consult a doctor if you have a fever, cough or runny nose. Viral infections lead to problems with the placenta and abnormalities during childbirth. It is important to find out from your doctor how to treat a cold during your period.

Mom's diet and weight

From the beginning of pregnancy, the expectant mother could gain from 12 to 15 kg, depending on her body type and appetite; this week the weight may remain the same or even decrease by 1-2 kg. This occurs due to swelling and preparation for childbirth. Appetite may now be reduced, you need to eat fractionally, in small portions and mainly light food. In your diet, you should give preference to fermented milk products and fresh vegetables and fruits. It is important to drink at least one and a half liters of fluid per day, limiting it a little in the evening, so that you don’t have to go to the toilet so often at night.

Sex

If there are no contraindications, you can continue to have sex, although the woman’s libido is now reduced. As such, orgasm does not affect labor and the baby, and will not cause it if the woman’s body is not ready. But the components of the partner’s sperm can gradually prepare the cervix for childbirth. If you want this, have sex in a comfortable position and with shallow penetration, this will give you a charge of positive energy and increase the level of pleasure hormones. But if you are in doubt, it is worth discussing these issues with your doctor.

Congratulations, you brought your baby to term. Because, starting from the 38th week of pregnancy, childbirth is no longer considered. It is noteworthy that usually girls are born at this period, and boys reach the required 40 weeks.

Childbirth at 38 weeks of pregnancy: harbingers

And yet, if childbirth is to occur on one of the days of the 38th week, it would be nice to be fully prepared for it. And you can prepare for childbirth by discovering its harbingers, which in any case, to one degree or another, will appear by this time. Moreover, there are actually quite a few harbingers of childbirth.

One of them is more tangible and frequent. Shortly before childbirth, the uterus “trains” more intensely, contracting more often and more painfully. Sometimes a woman even begins to doubt: are these really just false contractions, or have labor contractions already begun? Changing your position will help you distinguish between training contractions and “real” contractions: if you doubt whether labor is starting, stand up, walk around the room, lie down. If the contractions have stopped, then there is no talk of childbirth yet.

A stoppage of weight or a complete decrease in weight will indicate that labor is imminent: shortly before the start of labor, five minutes before, the mother may discover that her body weight has decreased by 1-2 kg. As the weight stops or even decreases, a decrease in appetite or its complete absence is possible. Sometimes a woman literally forces herself to eat, because she doesn’t feel like eating at all.

It is likely that shortly before giving birth you will notice a slight increase in discharge with the presence of mucus - particles of the mucus plug. The mucus can be beige, pinkish, or brownish in color. The fact is that when the uterus opens and contracts, small vessels rupture, which explains the coloring of the discharge. The removal of the mucus plug - you will know that this is it by the appearance of a tight lump of mucus, possibly interspersed with blood - indicates that childbirth is very close.

Childbirth can also be preceded by prolapse of the abdomen - the baby moves closer to the birth canal and presses its head against the bottom of the uterus. In this regard, the uterus stops putting pressure on the internal organs, mommy’s breathing becomes easier, and heartburn disappears. But there is a need for more frequent urination - having dropped, the uterus puts pressure on the bladder. And, since the baby’s head is pressed tightly against the pelvis, you will probably feel pressure in the sacral area and nagging pain in the groin.

Fetus at 38 weeks of gestation: movements, weight and size

Although childbirth can occur on any day of this week, until it occurs, the pregnancy continues. How is your baby doing?

In male children, by this time the boy's testicles have already descended into the scrotum, but if this has not happened by the time of birth, there may be difficulties in the future. So the doctor should definitely check this “nuance” in the baby.

The original stool meconium is already formed by the 38th week of pregnancy. The small intestine will push it out after birth, but it may hurry up: then the black-green mass goes directly into the amniotic fluid, the baby can swallow it, and the baby’s body in this case is also covered with greenish mucus.

However, now the baby has already become very beautiful! The facial features have been sharpened, the skin has acquired a pleasant pinkish tint, smoothed out, the original fluff and grease have almost disappeared, and hair has probably grown on the head. You can find information about the eye color of a newborn: most of them are born with light eyes, but very often the iris later darkens. If the baby has dark eyes, then most likely they will no longer turn blue. However, from personal experience I say: everything is possible. And your beauty’s dark brown eyes may then unexpectedly become completely light. So don't set yourself up for anything in particular.

You obviously noticed that the baby has become less active - for good reason. There is very little space left, but it continues to grow! At week 38, the weight of the fetus is more than 3 kg, and the height exceeds 50 cm. Naturally, these are average data, and you need to focus more on the “dimensions” of mom and dad at birth.

Listen to the movements. Firstly, these are the last moments of enjoying this sensation. Secondly, if the child does not show any signs, you need to inform the doctor.

In general, by the 38th week of pregnancy, although the baby is not so active, its movements are detected by the mother very well. In half a day, if everything is fine with the baby and he does not experience any difficulties, the baby will make itself known about 10-12 times. If the baby kicks much more often, or, on the contrary, calms down, consult a doctor immediately. Such symptoms almost always indicate intrauterine suffering in the child, and it is quite possible that specialized medical intervention may be needed to correct the situation.

Future mom

Perhaps you are worried about upcoming contractions: how to recognize them so as not to mistake them for false ones. Be calm in this sense: you are unlikely to “sleep through” childbirth. Real contractions are more painful and noticeable; they are repeated periodically, increasing in frequency and intensity.

Belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy: tugs, hurts, droops

On the eve of the “arrival” of real labor pains, you will most likely feel some pain in the abdomen, and at the same time, in the lower back. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen and the same pain in the lower back are considered one of the harbingers of an early birth. Therefore, do not worry if your stomach feels tight and hurts at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Especially if these pains occur. Do you feel like your stomach has sunk to the bottom? Be prepared to go to the maternity hospital very soon with your prepared things. In the meantime, rejoice in the fact that, thanks to your lowered stomach, it has become easier for you to breathe, and the heartburn has subsided. Don't panic if your belly doesn't drop: in some cases, your belly doesn't drop until labor begins, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Pain at 38 weeks of pregnancy

The drooping of the abdomen is just a consequence of the baby moving closer to the birth canal: having dropped, it presses its head against the bottom of the uterus, putting pressure on the pelvic bones. Hence - pain in the pelvic area, in the pubis, in the groin.

By the 38th week, some pregnant women complain of pain in the sacrum, the back of the leg - perhaps not up to the knee. This is a consequence of compression of the femoral nerve, which runs next to the uterus. But pain and even cramps in the calf muscles will indicate a calcium deficiency in the body.

If headaches are making themselves felt again, perhaps you should simply avoid nervous shocks, worry less about the upcoming birth, and get more rest. The best cure for headaches now is sleep in a dim, cool, well-ventilated room.

Be sure to monitor the degree of swelling and pay attention to whether any other warning signs are added to the swelling. So, some swelling at 38 weeks of pregnancy is considered normal, but! If, against the background of edema, you experience headaches, notice double vision, diarrhea suddenly appears, or you are vomiting, immediately call an ambulance: a set of such signs indicates preeclampsia, a serious complication of the second half of pregnancy.

Discharge

At the 38th week of pregnancy, as well as throughout her entire life, a woman is characterized by some discharge from the genital tract. Normally, vaginal discharge at this stage has a light milky color, uniform consistency and a subtle smell of sour milk. Don't be surprised to find some mucus in your discharge, perhaps clear, or perhaps pinkish or brown. These are particles of the mucus plug, which gradually comes out due to the softening and opening of the cervix. However, if at some point you notice the separation of a “full” plug in the form of a lump of mucus, maybe colored pink, maybe with bloody streaks, go to the maternity hospital: you will give birth very soon.

Do not hesitate to contact a specialist if bloody discharge appears: blood from the vagina signals the detachment of a normally located placenta. This dangerous phenomenon can, without a proper response to it, lead to very terrible consequences - the intrauterine death of a child. Therefore, spotting should never be ignored.

As well as unhealthy yellow or green discharge, discharge with a strong unpleasant odor, curdled or foamy, with impurities of pus. Discharge of this nature is evidence of the activation of a genital infection, which should be treated before birth. After all, if this is not done, passing through the mother’s birth canal, the baby will easily “catch” the infection.

Be sure to seek help if you notice watery, liquid discharge that resembles cloudy water or is slightly yellow in color. Most likely, you are experiencing separation of amniotic fluid. Keep in mind that amniotic fluid does not necessarily flow out all at once. By the way, such an event precedes the onset of childbirth, so if this happens, go to the maternity hospital. But, amniotic fluid can be separated in portions, in small quantities. This is possible with aging and damage to the integrity of the membranes, and also requires immediate medical attention: if the integrity of the membranes is damaged, the infection can easily penetrate to the fetus.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound at the 38th week of pregnancy can only be performed for some special indications, because, in theory, the woman has already undergone it. But, if you still need to clarify, for example, the location of the fetus in the uterus, exclude entanglement with the umbilical cord, or assess the degree of maturity of the placenta, the doctor may consider another ultrasound at 38 weeks as necessary.

As before, during an ultrasound, the specialist will examine not only the baby, but also the condition of the uterus. Of interest during the examination is the size of the baby and the relationship between individual parts of his body, the baby’s heart rate, and his position in the uterus.

During an ultrasound examination, the doctor will also evaluate the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid, examine the structure and size, and degree of maturity of the placenta. Also of interest is the maturity of the cervix, its size and condition in general.

You have probably already imagined the first meeting with the person most dear to you more than once! Expect the best and brightest from her, strive to get this moment closer and think about it during childbirth. You must work as a pair with your baby: try your best to make his birth easier. Learn to breathe and relax correctly, be prepared to push in time. At this time, think only about your miracle! Oh, I'm already really jealous of you!

I would like to note that the fatigue from this work is incredibly pleasant. You will certainly be satisfied with yourself and everything that happened. And you will truly feel like a heroine! It seems to me that only after the birth of a child does a woman fully realize her purpose and feel satisfaction from life.

Be sure to ask your doctor to put your baby to your breast immediately after birth!

There is nothing left until this moment! No worries!

Especially for- Elena Kichak

The third trimester of pregnancy is the final one in the development of the child, and every mother prepares for the birth of her baby.

Many women during this period listen to all their sensations. Often, at 38 weeks, the lower abdomen feels tight. The condition raises questions and fears for the expectant mother about the course of pregnancy.

The health and full development of a child depends on compliance with many factors.

You should pay maximum attention to your well-being and, if possible unusual symptoms appear, seek medical help as soon as possible.

38 weeks of pregnancy means that the baby will be born soon. In the last month of intrauterine development, a child very quickly gains the required body weight.

The belly increases even more, and the woman may feel unusual discomfort.

Do pulling sensations mean the onset of labor?

38 weeks of pregnancy is a serious period, which means that labor can begin at any time.

According to statistics, it is during this period that a large number of incomprehensible nagging pains in the lower abdomen occur.

This is because the uterus begins to prepare for childbirth and may contract from time to time. Most often, such symptoms do not mean anything terrible or dangerous for either the mother or the child.

As 38 weeks of pregnancy approaches, the fetus inside the uterus is positioned as it should be just before birth - upside down. The stomach drops noticeably.

Training contractions are characterized by the fact that the lower abdomen begins to pull. The tone of the uterine muscles increases briefly, then stops.

This may happen once a day or several times in a row. You can determine the tone of the uterus by feeling the abdomen; if the surface is very hard, then there is reason to think about the imminent birth.

Contractions of a training nature can be assessed by the following criteria:

  1. The interval of contractions is initially too short (once every 3-7 minutes). When labor begins, contractions begin gradually (approximately 1-2 contractions every 2 hours).
  2. The discomfort was eliminated with an antispasmodic or a warm bath.

If after checking the type of contractions there is no relief, you should call an ambulance or go to the maternity hospital in your own transport. Most likely the birth process has begun.

Then the tension subsides and the uterus relaxes. If you put your hand on your stomach, you can feel its surface becoming soft and pliable again.

Typically, softness is restored gradually over several minutes.

Training contractions are very often present precisely from the 38th week of pregnancy. This means that the woman needs to check whether all things and documents have been collected for the maternity hospital.

Be ready at any moment to call an ambulance and go to the hospital. The nagging pain is similar to the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Every second woman is familiar with such sensations.

Contractions are usually not regular and usually last no more than 15-20 seconds. There are very long gaps between the appearance of uterine tone and its relaxation.

The reason to call an ambulance is to reduce the interval to 5 contractions in 60 minutes. Increased uterine tension means labor is approaching.

Not many pregnant women experience severe pain during training contractions. Severe pain may be associated with increased sensitivity or high activity of the uterus.

There is a small percentage of women who experience absolutely no unpleasant symptoms. In case of intolerable pain, it is recommended to take an antispasmodic.

The pregnancy period allows you to use the drug without harm to the baby. If the tone cannot be eliminated, then you need to call an ambulance.

During periods of training contractions, it is necessary to take a lying position, relax and avoid nervous and mental stress.

Sometimes a woman is advised to wear a prenatal bandage, which can reduce the likelihood of pain in the lower abdomen and reduce physical stress on the spine with a large fetus.

The load is especially high at 38 weeks of pregnancy, the stomach pulls down.

Signs of cervical dilatation

When the 38th week of pregnancy lasts, the lower abdomen pulls, this may be a consequence of the development of labor. The pain is similar in nature to menstrual bleeding.

If the pain does not cause serious discomfort, there is no need to worry about this condition. In this way, the body prepares for the upcoming birth.

Pain in the lower abdomen is sometimes a sign that the cervix is ​​beginning to dilate. The process lasts from several minutes to several days.

Depending on the individual, at 38 weeks the cervix may take some time to dilate.

The intensity and severity of nagging symptoms come from the hormonal background of the mother and the diligence of the fetus.

If your lower abdomen feels tight at 38 weeks of pregnancy, you need to pay attention to possible discharge.

Dilatation of the cervix is ​​accompanied by the following signs:

  1. The frequency of contractions increases. The periods of uterine relaxation become shorter. The more the neck is dilated, the more often and more intensely the pain is felt.
  2. A pulling sensation appears in the lower abdomen. As each contraction increases, the cervix opens wider, the pain syndrome becomes longer, and anesthesia may be required.
  3. As the cervix opens, the mucus plug comes away. Appears in the form of a thick white to yellow mucus. Sometimes there are spots of blood.

The cervix is ​​an elongated organ of the female reproductive system. Consists of muscle tissue, similar to the structure of the uterus.

Before labor, the cervix is ​​tightly compressed and protects the amniotic sac with the baby from harmful factors.

As the due date approaches, the cervix shortens and becomes much thicker. The initial opening occurs at 1-2 fingers (gynecological measurement).

As the contractions progress, it opens completely to allow the fetus to come out freely. Therefore, the 38th week of pregnancy is sometimes accompanied by the fact that the stomach is pulled down.

It is this process of temporary modification of the cervix that first causes nagging pain in the lower abdomen, and then a severe pain syndrome of a temporary nature.

The baby's movement is accompanied by a kind of tension of the cervical tissues over his head. The stomach feels tight at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

There are many ways that help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of dilatation: a warm shower, light exercise on a large ball, massage of the sacral area.

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus and baby during a full pregnancy is approximately 12 kg. Therefore, manifestations of pain in the sides and lower back are possible.

The spine is not always able to cope with the growing load on it. The center of gravity changes, the stomach noticeably protrudes forward of the woman.

To distribute the center of gravity, a pregnant woman leans her body back a little, creating a serious load on the back muscles. The spine takes time to get used to.

A woman may complain that her lower abdomen is tight at 38 weeks of pregnancy. You may notice an increase in unpleasant symptoms with active, long walking or standing for a long time.

In order to reduce the spread of discomfort, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

  1. Use a specialized bandage for pregnant women. It will help to properly distribute the excess load. Eliminate the pathological effect of heavy weight on the spine.
  2. Perform simple exercises to unload your back. Swimming, fitball, warm baths (but not too hot) are recommended.
  3. Learn breathing exercises. Many breathing exercises, when performed correctly, help eliminate discomfort in the lower abdomen.

Modern expectant mothers use schools for pregnant women, which teach all the necessary techniques to ease contractions and directly the rules of behavior during labor.

Uterine tone

The end of pregnancy is accompanied by severe discomfort. In addition to pulling sensations in the lower abdomen at 38 weeks, pain of various types may occur caused by the weight of the uterus with the fetus.

Often the body does not have time to adapt to the stress that has arisen, so even a light walk or doing household chores can cause uterine tone.

The concept of uterine tone refers to prolonged tension in the muscular tissue of the organ, which threatens premature birth and fetal hypoxia.

The condition has the following symptoms:

  1. The stomach pulls down and hurts.
  2. When palpating the uterus, a pronounced hardness of the surface of the abdomen can be noted.
  3. In case of strong tone, a change in the shape of the abdomen may occur during tissue tension.

An antispasmodic (no-spa) and a warm bath will help relieve the tone of the uterus. In any case, consultation with a gynecologist is required.

You may need hospital treatment using droppers of the drug Genipral.

The pathology is dangerous due to rapid labor and the formation of fetal hypoxia. At 38 weeks, the uterine tone is usually removed and the baby is expected to be born soon.

At the same time, the lower abdomen pulls a little, but under the influence of the drug the symptom is eliminated.

Placental abruption

Such a pathology as placental abruption is accompanied by a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen and copious purulent vaginal discharge with blood. Such discharge has a strong, unpleasant odor.

Such symptoms are very dangerous and indicate serious problems during pregnancy. Urgent medical attention is required.

When the disease occurs at 38 weeks, the stomach first feels tight, then more acute symptoms may appear.

Causes of placental abruption:

  1. Intoxication of the body.
  2. Nervous or mental experience.
  3. Endocrine and hormonal abnormalities.
  4. Diseases of the liver, kidneys.
  5. Severe aggravated toxicosis.
  6. Excessive physical activity.
  7. Past infectious disease.
  8. Cardiovascular system disorders.
  9. Malposition.
  10. Various pathologies of pregnancy.

Placental abruption is dangerous due to its negative impact on the fetus, oxygen starvation, and disruption of brain activity.

Risk factors include the following: smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy lifestyle, unhealthy diet, abdominal injuries, family factors.

Exposure to infections

Intrauterine infection is also a common pathology during pregnancy. The disease is accompanied by vaginal discharge of a mucous, purulent or foamy nature.

Most often there is an unpleasant odor. Pulls in the stomach when exposed to infections during any week of pregnancy.

Fungal infection of the reproductive system provokes the appearance of white cheesy discharge with the smell of rotten fish.

Bacterial diseases cause yellow, green, or clear mucous discharge. Any infectious influence is extremely dangerous for the fetus and mother.

The most common types of infections:

  1. Ureaplasma.
  2. Mycoplasma.
  3. Thrush.
  4. Toxoplasmosis.
  5. Gardnerella.

There are a huge number of infectious diseases that are not necessarily sexually transmitted. Perhaps the development caused a decrease in immunity at 38 weeks.

In case of any deviations from the norm, it is necessary to determine the cause of the discharge and consult a doctor to receive adequate therapy.

A pregnant woman with infectious diseases must be hospitalized in a hospital, where she undergoes a full course of treatment that is safe for her and her unborn baby.

The penetration of pathogenic agents at 38 weeks of pregnancy can cause labor. But this is not the worst thing, because the fetus is already fully formed and physically ready to be born.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract

Despite the fact that a pregnant woman devotes herself entirely to the development of her unborn child, problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract cannot be ruled out.

Pregnancy at 38 weeks is accompanied by great pressure on the digestive organs. The intestines and stomach, under the influence of the ever-growing uterus, change their normal position.

This causes discomfort and sometimes a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.

Among the most common problems with the gastrointestinal tract at 38 weeks of pregnancy, the following pathologies can be noted:

  1. Poisoning.
  2. Indigestion.
  3. Diarrhea (may be a precursor to labor).
  4. Low bowel activity.
  5. Disturbance of microflora (dysbacteriosis).

Following the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition will help reduce the likelihood of developing diseases; in the absence of contraindications, moderate physical activity is necessary, which activates intestinal motility and prevents feces from accumulating.

Conclusion

The 38th week of pregnancy is a difficult period that requires increased attention. It is necessary to consume the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals.

A tummy tug at the end of the third trimester can happen for many reasons. In any case, you should contact your doctor. It is not recommended to postpone your visit.

If the doctor determines that the lower abdomen is tight because the precursors of labor have begun, then the woman is admitted to the hospital to maintain the pregnancy.

The patient will remain under observation until delivery. Any other causes of discomfort require mandatory treatment and control. It is important to follow all recommendations every week of pregnancy.

Useful video

The 38th week of pregnancy is the real home stretch. The baby can be born at any time: either this week or a little later. Considering how much of a journey has been made, it is not surprising that various pain sensations accompany this period almost constantly.


What time period is this

The 38th week of pregnancy is nine and a half obstetric months, each of which lasts 4 weeks. Since obstetricians always add two weeks to the real (embryonic) period, the baby is now in the 36th week of development. In the usual calendar sense, exactly 8 months and 2 weeks have passed.

Enter the first day of your last menstrual period

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2019 2018

There is a little more than two weeks left until the date that the doctors noted as the expected date of birth of the baby, but this does not at all guarantee that the birth will occur exactly on the day indicated by the doctor in the pregnant woman’s exchange card. The current 38th week is a very realistic time for the birth of a baby. The baby has matured, he is developed enough to live in this world. Therefore, most women have already packed their bags with things for the maternity hospital and have been in the most visible place for a long time.

Physiological features of the week

Most pregnant women experience a feeling of constant fatigue by 37-38 weeks. It becomes very difficult and difficult to carry the belly, because the uterus has already filled the entire abdominal cavity, and inside it is the baby, which, in turn, does not leave any free space inside the female reproductive organ. The center of gravity changes, which increases the load on the back muscles and lower back. A large belly creates a lot of inconvenience when performing habitual daily actions: it is impossible for a woman to bend over, quickly change body position, walk or stand for a long time.

This week, the uterus may strongly compress the diaphragm with its bottom, causing the woman to suffer from shortness of breath and an obsessive feeling that she cannot breathe deeply. As the uterus descends, and in most women by this week it is already located lower than before, due to the fact that the baby has taken a “pre-launch” position: resting his head on the outlet of the small pelvis.


Hormonal prenatal changes make a woman sensitive and emotional. Fear of what awaits during the birth process, again, does not add peace of mind. For this week, a slight weight loss is considered completely normal, and if this happens, then childbirth is just around the corner. Weight goes away along with excess fluid that previously accumulated under the influence of progesterone. The production of this hormone decreases before childbirth, and therefore weight begins to decrease.


The placenta still copes well with its functions, but is already beginning to “age” and become thinner, which also “contributes” to the mother losing a couple of kilograms of weight. The volume of amniotic fluid also decreases.

More and more often, women are tormented by training contractions. The stomach, even if it has dropped, becomes hard from time to time. The baby puts pressure on the nerve endings with his head, which can cause tingling sensations of varying intensity in the perineum. Both at this stage and at the next 38-39 weeks of gestation, the expectant mother may be plagued by quite pronounced pain in the abdomen.


Abdominal pain

The variety of abdominal pain is now surprising in its quantity. However, not all of them are signs of the onset of labor and do not indicate that it is time to go to the maternity hospital. It is much easier for multiparous women to navigate the “signals” of the body, but for those who are expecting their first child, it is not easy, and every stretching and tingling seems to them like a “long-awaited beginning.”

False contractions

Women who are about to give birth for the first time may begin to feel them first. In multiparous women, training contractions usually begin a little later, and sometimes just a few days before the upcoming birth. Such contractions help the uterine muscles prepare for the test that is coming very soon. If the first birth is expected, then this week training contractions are observed in approximately 95% of pregnant women.


False contractions are distinguished from real contractions primarily by the fact that they are not long-lasting and do not have a temporary pattern. They are felt as a pulling sensation, similar to what a woman previously experienced during menstruation. The lower back hurts slightly, the lower abdomen pulls. The uterus “turns to stone,” and then, when it stops pulling, it becomes soft again.

If a woman lies down and takes a nap or simply rests in a horizontal position, false contractions will pass without a trace. The same cannot be said about true contractions, which are considered a sure sign of the onset of labor.

Training contractions do not cause unpleasant pain in all pregnant women. There are expectant mothers who only feel stretching in the lumbar region and ovaries.


Real contractions

True contractions begin just before labor and are part of the birth process. The cervix dilates, which is accompanied by contractions. The beginning of them resembles training contractions, but the advice to lie down so that “everything goes away” will not work here. Even in a resting position, contractions will intensify, their frequency will increase, and the time between them will decrease. Painful sensations will also become more and more pronounced.

At first, a woman may notice that her tummy is aching and hard, with pain localized in the lower abdomen. Then the uterus turns to stone more and more often, and the pain becomes encircling, not only the lower abdomen aches and hurts, but also the lower back and back. Pulling on the lower back more and more. A “stone” belly means that the uterus is becoming toned and tense. This happens at the peak of the contraction, then the muscles relax and the woman feels relief.


At first, contractions usually last no more than 30 seconds and repeat every 10-15 minutes. A woman who is about to give birth for the first time can remain in this stage for up to 8 hours or even more. The dilation of the cervix will be only 3 centimeters.

The second stage is the duration of contractions for a minute or more, repeated every 4-5 minutes or more often. This period lasts less than the first, and therefore it is advisable for the woman to already be in the maternity hospital under the supervision of doctors.

The third stage, preceding pushing, is the shortest. Contractions repeat after about half a minute and last up to 90 seconds each.


The question of when to go to the maternity hospital is not easy to answer. A first-time mother may not be in much of a hurry, because her first stage of true contractions is longer than that of expectant mothers who have already given birth.

If the birth is repeated, then you need to go to the maternity hospital immediately when regular contractions appear that are different from training ones. It is usually believed that you need to arrive at a maternity facility, regardless of the number of previous births, with contractions every 7-10 minutes.


Digestion

Since the physiological feature of this week is such that the internal organs are pressed by a large and heavy uterus, in the later stages, abdominal pain sometimes has nothing to do with childbirth, but is associated exclusively with impaired peristalsis, intestinal disorders, and impaired outflow of bile. These pains manifest themselves as pain or tingling in the lower abdomen, the stomach “twists”, and it can also be hard. Changes in body position can cause increased pain, and the stomach often gurgles. Loose stools or constipation, nausea, and vomiting are possible.

Abdominal pain, which occurs at 38 weeks due to disruption of the digestive organs, is accompanied by feelings of severe intestinal bloating and distension. Most often, pain is observed in the iliac region and may intensify after defecation. This is what suspicious and impressionable expectant mothers often perceive as a harbinger of childbirth.


A small percentage of women experience no pain at all at 38 weeks. They usually have high compensatory abilities, thanks to which the body continues to work without interruption even in extreme conditions.

Discharge

The discharge always becomes different towards the end of pregnancy. “Daily pads” are designed to help a woman navigate the situation in a timely manner. They will not allow you to miss the moment when it is time to go to the maternity hospital or an urgent consultation with a doctor is needed. What might discharge at this time indicate:

  • Norm. The fact that everything is normal with a woman is indicated by light, white or yellowish discharge, which has a faint sour odor or no odor at all. The amount of discharge depends on the hormonal background, but in general it is assessed as moderate.
  • Mucous discharge. If a woman notices that the discharge has become mucous, this may indicate the release of the plug, which throughout pregnancy tightly closed the cervical canal from the penetration of foreign bodies, bacteria, and viruses into the uterus. The plug may come off entirely as a clot of mucus, transparent and streaked with blood. Sometimes the plug comes off gradually. In this case, mucous discharge continues for several days, and brownish or pink streaks of blood may be visible in it.

The removal of the plug is a sign of the imminent onset of labor. A woman should, without unnecessary panic, calmly pack her things and go to the maternity facility. After the plug begins to come off, hot baths, sex, and douching are contraindicated.


  • Watery discharge. Such discharge may indicate the release of amniotic fluid. As with a plug, the amniotic fluid may leak entirely or leak in parts. Complete effusion usually does not raise any questions. If your water breaks, it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. If a woman notices that there is more discharge and that it is watery in nature, then we may be talking about leakage. The woman’s actions in this case should also be aimed at prompt hospitalization. Leakage is dangerous for the baby. Sometimes such watery discharge has a greenish tint. If such discharge is noticed, you need to urgently go to the maternity hospital, because it is possible that the leaking water contains meconium - original feces from the intestines of the fetus.

It usually comes out after the baby is born. But in the case when there is a Rh conflict, the child experiences hypoxia, with entanglement, placental insufficiency, defecation may be premature: right in the womb. This situation is grounds for urgent delivery.


  • Brown and pink discharge. Brown discharge, as well as pink discharge, if it is not associated with mucous discharge and is not a sign of a plug coming out, may indicate blood impurities. There can be many reasons: from problems with the placenta to pathological changes in the cervix. Be sure to report bloody discharge to your doctor. Even though childbirth is very close, there should be no blood in it.
  • Saturated yellow or greenish discharge. Such discharge may indicate that the woman has a genital tract infection. Inflammatory and purulent inflammatory processes can be caused by bacteria and fungi.

Usually, a change in the nature of the discharge occurs simultaneously with the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the area of ​​the external genitalia - itching and burning. The discharge has an unpleasant odor and often foams. Consultation with a doctor is mandatory, since before childbirth it is necessary to sanitize the genital tract, otherwise the child risks becoming infected.


Discharge after examination by a doctor

If at 38 weeks of pregnancy, after a doctor’s examination, a woman develops brown discharge, then this is considered normal. There is no need to panic or worry. The mucous membranes of the genital tract under the influence of hormones become more loose and vulnerable, and therefore examination of the cervix may well provoke the appearance of bloody discharge. They usually go away within a few hours after returning from the consultation.

If, during an examination of the uterine cervix, the doctor provoked the discharge of the remnants of the mucous plug, which will manifest itself as discharge after the examination, then labor will begin in the near future. Again, there is no need to panic, you just need to be fully prepared.



The 38th week of pregnancy is the period when labor can begin at any minute. As practice shows, female babies are most often born at 38 weeks, but boys remain in the womb longer and are born at 40 weeks.

The chances of giving birth at 38 weeks are especially high if a woman is not giving birth for the first time. No more than 5% of all multiparous pregnant women reach the required 40 weeks. However, babies who are born at 38 weeks of pregnancy are not considered premature.

How does childbirth happen at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

The process of delivery at 38 weeks proceeds as expected.

It consists of three main stages:

    First, the woman goes into labor. During this time, the cervix becomes thinner and stretches.

    Then it is necessary to make attempts so that the child begins to move through the birth canal and is born.

    The final stage is the release of the placenta or the so-called placenta. This is where the birth ends.

Ultrasound at 38 weeks of pregnancy

If there are no medical indications, then ultrasound is not performed at this time. At this time, the woman had already undergone 3 planned examinations. However, an ultrasound may be prescribed, for example, if there is a suspicion that the umbilical cord is entwined around the baby’s neck or if it is incorrectly located in the uterus.


The size of the abdomen increases greatly at this time, and it can be difficult for a woman to even move with such a load. Problems also arise when choosing the most comfortable body position during a night's rest. The skin on the abdomen is very tight, dry and may itch.

The navel becomes flattened and sometimes even turns outward. There is no need to worry about such an unaesthetic appearance of the navel; after childbirth everything will return to normal.

At 38 weeks, many women notice that their belly has dropped down. This is a variant of the norm. The baby is simply preparing to be born, and his head is pressed closer to the pelvic floor.

Features of fetal development

At this time, the child turns out to be completely ready for life outside the mother’s belly. All organ systems function fully. If a woman continues to bear the fetus, then no significant changes in its development will occur. The baby will simply continue to grow in length and gain weight. At this time, the baby weighs 3 kg or more, and his height is on average 50 cm. Every day his body weight increases by another 30 g.

The baby's skin became pink and smooth. Lanugo and vernix have almost completely disappeared.

The baby's first stool (meconium), which is dead skin cells, has formed in the baby's intestines. As a rule, it comes out after the baby is born. However, there are situations when the baby has bowel movements while still in the womb. In this case, the amniotic fluid becomes greenish in color, and the baby itself will be covered in green mucus at birth.

If a woman is carrying a male child, by this time his testicles have already descended into the scrotum. This is a very important point, so after the baby is born, the doctor will definitely check this fact.

How much does the expectant mother weigh?

A lot of time has passed since conception, and the woman has gained significant weight. The normal increase by this period is 14-15 kg. If your body weight has increased by more than 15 kg, the birth may be more difficult.

Feelings at 38 weeks of pregnancy

At this time, the woman notices that the child has begun to move less compared to previous weeks. The fact is that there is very little space in the uterus, so the baby can no longer afford too intense pushes. In addition, cephalic presentation of the fetus affects it.

At 38 weeks, the baby can only turn and make slight movements. But the woman will definitely feel these movements. Moreover, they need to be carefully monitored. The number of movements in one day should be at least 10. If they are absent for a long time or their number has decreased significantly, then you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Often this indicates problems in the child and even a possible threat to his life, which can be quickly eliminated if timely surgical intervention is performed.

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, most women are already expecting an imminent birth. Some of them feel tired, some are burdened by obesity and restrictions in movement. Therefore, many pregnant women eagerly await the onset of contractions.

Lowering the abdomen helps ease breathing, improves digestion, and eliminates belching and heartburn. After all, the uterus no longer puts so much pressure on the diaphragm and stomach.

Causes of pain at 38 weeks of pregnancy

Unpleasant and even painful sensations that occur at the end of pregnancy are a completely natural phenomenon.

    Low back pain is the result of ligaments and joints relaxing. This process helps prepare the birth canal for the upcoming event. In addition, the center of gravity shifts due to the increased body weight of the child. Therefore, lower back pain can be quite intense.

    The pelvic bones also experience increased stress, because at this time the child is already tightly pressed to the pelvic floor. This provokes the appearance of pain in the area of ​​the pubic symphysis.

    Pain localized in the sacral area is caused by compression of the femoral nerve, which is located next to the uterus.

    Painful sensations in the calves can occur due to a lack of calcium in a woman’s body.

    Sometimes the pain occurs like contractions, but these contractions may not be real, but false (not to be confused with Braxton-Higgs contractions, which are painless). False contractions will be characterized by pain and increased frequency. In order to eliminate them, you need to walk around the apartment or change your body position. If the contractions are truly false, they will stop.

Also, at 38 weeks of pregnancy, a woman may experience slight swelling, which is normal. At the same time, the woman’s well-being should not worsen. If the swelling is severe, and there are also symptoms of malaise such as: double vision, diarrhea, then you should call an ambulance. As a rule, such signs indicate preeclampsia - this is gestosis, accompanied by impaired cerebral circulation.

Which discharges are considered normal and which are pathological?

Discharge is always present at 38 weeks of pregnancy. Normally, they have a milky color, a uniform consistency, and may have a slight sour odor.

Don't panic if there is mucus in the discharge. The fact is that at such late stages of pregnancy the uterus becomes soft and can open slightly. This explains the presence of mucus in the discharge.

The imminent onset of labor is indicated by the release of the mucous plug. In this case, the discharge becomes stretchy and thick, with streaks of blood present. Sometimes the mucus has a pink tint.

Most often, the plug comes out at 38 weeks of pregnancy, although this can happen a week earlier or a week later.

A deviation from the norm is the appearance of cheesy discharge. You should immediately consult a doctor if there is pus or flakes in the discharge, or if there is an unpleasant odor. Such discharge indicates the addition of an infection, which requires proper treatment.

Bloody discharge at 38 weeks requires an immediate call to an ambulance. Blood most often indicates placental abruption. Blood can also appear as a result of placenta previa. However, if the woman was observed by a doctor, then presentation should be excluded. Placental abruption is a serious complication that threatens the life of the fetus. You should not ignore even minor bloody discharge, because it can start at any moment.

Cloudy discharge with a liquid consistency indicates the release of water. This is a clear signal that you need to go to the maternity hospital. The waters break before the approaching birth, or due to the thinning of the placental wall. In any case, the woman needs medical assistance.


Having sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy is a rather controversial point. Of course, intimate life will bring pleasure to a woman, and the level of the joy hormone in the body will increase. Sex also increases blood circulation in the pelvis, which means the placenta will be enriched with oxygen.

However, at this late stage the uterus becomes very sensitive, and the birth canal opens slightly. Therefore, during sex, you can damage the cervix and cause minor bleeding.

Having sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy can result in the onset of labor. This is a natural way to induce labor, but you can resort to it only after consulting a doctor.

What dangers can await a woman at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

Preeclampsia is one of the most dangerous conditions that requires immediate emergency medical attention. Preeclampsia is indicated by severe swelling, surges in blood pressure,.

If a woman experiences severe pain in the lower abdomen, which resembles electric shocks, then she should go to the maternity hospital. As a rule, such sensations are a sure sign of the onset of labor. They arise for the reason that the child has begun to move along the birth canal, and in doing so he touches the nerve endings.

    Even the same woman cannot have the same course of pregnancy. Therefore, you should not worry that last time it was somehow different. Especially if your health is not impaired.

    It is important to eat foods fortified with calcium. It could be fish or cottage cheese. After consulting with your doctor, you can try replenishing your calcium reserves with eggshells.

    Don't stop taking vitamins.

    A woman should rest as much as possible, but it is not recommended to lie on her back.

    It is important that close relatives help run the household. They must take on some of the responsibilities of a pregnant woman.

    The remaining time before the birth should be devoted to studying information about how to treat a newborn baby, what he needs to purchase, etc.


Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received from the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Health and Social Development (2010). In 2013, she completed her postgraduate studies at NIMU named after. N.I. Pirogova.

Related publications