40 week of pregnancy – what changes are taking place in the pregnant belly?

The 40th week of pregnancy – what month is it? What happens then?

Being in 40. week of pregnancy, expect to go into labor in the next few days or so. During this period, its first symptoms are likely to appear. Therefore, the movements of the baby may be felt a little weaker, the abdomen becomes tense, and there may be spotting and excessive mucus – its presence is caused by contractions of the cervix, which is also preparing for the arrival of the baby into the world. The insignificant presence of blood in the mucus is not a cause for concern, but a larger amount of blood should prompt the mother-to-be to visit a specialist to perform cardiotocography (KTG) and assess the degree of uterine dilation.

40th week of pregnancy – baby’s movements, weight and development

W 40. Week of pregnancy the baby is fully ready to come into the world and live independently outside the womb. It has developed all organs and systems, a stabilized sucking reflex, and is capable of grasping with its hands. In the womb, it stays in a hunched position. The head usually faces the pelvic floor, which will make it easier to pass through the birth canal. Due to the fact that it measures approx. 50-60 cm and weighs 3 to 4 kilograms, it no longer has enough space to move freely. The toddler’s length and weight are, of course, an individual matter and not a rule. Much also depends on the sex of the child and the height of both parents.

W 40. Week of pregnancy, the baby’s movements may be less noticeable to the woman, but this should not be a cause for concern. However, one should be vigilant and pay attention to the nature of his activity. It is also the case that the toddler becomes restless, so he will then be a little more mobile. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your treating physician. It is also worth remembering that each mother-to-be feels the symptoms of impending labor in an individual way.

40th week of pregnancy belly – what are the changes in your body?

Belly at 40. Week of pregnancy most often and becomes more visible. It changes shape a bit, gets pointy or flared to the sides. Everything depends on the physique of the mother-to-be and the positioning of the baby. Changes in the appearance of the abdomen indicate an imminent solution. When labor is really close, the skin tightens and the abdomen itself gently lowers. This is a sign that the toddler is already positioned for birth. The last week of pregnancy is difficult because the low-set abdomen greatly restricts movement. For this reason, mothers-to-be very often complain about the so-called “bad news. duck walk.

40th week of pregnancy – hard belly

The 40th week and the shaping and size of the abdomen associated with this period not infrequently cause an increased feeling of pressure on the bladder and the need to urinate. In addition, you may experience lower abdominal pain and discomfort in the perineal area. In addition, hardening of the abdomen combined with a slight tightness of the intimate areas is sometimes similar to that occurring before the period. Ailments of this type are completely natural and can be alleviated with light exercise – if, of course, there are no contraindications. Dancing, especially those involving the hips, such as salsa or bachata, also works well for this purpose. Due to the lowering of the abdomen at 40. The week, however, is easier to breathe.

40th week of pregnancy – abdominal pain and labor symptoms

Be aware that not all women experience the same symptoms of impending labor. However, the vast majority of them experience severe pain and uterine cramps – the so-called “uterine contractions”. foretelling. If in 40. week of pregnancy a woman has no symptoms, she should not panic, because many babies are born after the due date. However, if anything causes you concern, contact your primary care physician.

The first signs indicating that the due date is fast approaching can be picked up by a woman as early as a few weeks earlier. Symptoms are usually initiated by pushing the baby’s head against the cervix. This structure begins to open up so that the toddler can squeeze through it freely. Cramps are becoming more severe and much more frequent.

W 40. week of pregnancy, pain in the pit of the abdomen may make itself known with greater intensity than before. It is the result of Braxton-Hicks (premonitory) contractions, which prepare the uterus for the strenuous work of childbirth. It is a good idea to record the frequency of them and the time until the next one appears. If they are not gaining in strength, then there is no reason for concern. This is simply a sign that it is not yet time to give birth. However, as they become stronger by the minute and radiate to the cross, the first stage of the solution has begun.

Other symptoms of labor characteristic of, for example, 40. week of pregnancy

Approaching labor can also herald the departure of the mucus membrane. However, there is no specific time from its expulsion until the actual labor begins. Sometimes the suppository leaves a few hours or days before delivery in the form of spotting or a single thick discharge. Sometimes, on the other hand, it happens only during childbirth. It may have a characteristic mucus color or be colored with blood. Dirty indicates the dilation of the cervix, which during this process damages the small blood vessels located in its area.

The characteristic symptom of labor is certainly the departure of fetal waters. It doesn’t always happen, as the waters often leave only during the birth action. Diarrhea or increased appetite may also occur.

The 40th week of pregnancy – when to the hospital?

W 40. week of pregnancy it is important to recognize the right time to go to the hospital. A key sign that the time has come is regular contractions. When they occur every 10 minutes or so, it is a sign that labor may be approaching. On the other hand, if the contractions become more frequent, for example, every 5 minutes, and the woman feels a strong push, she should go to the hospital as soon as possible.

Another important signal is the departure of fetal waters. This event always requires a quick trip to a medical facility, regardless of the regularity of contractions. Fetal water of an unusual color, such as green or brown, should be especially alarming. Such a color may indicate the presence of meconium, the baby’s first stool. This can be very dangerous.

Remember that every pregnancy is different and it is important for a woman to observe her body and the signals it sends. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or midwife.

40th week of pregnancy – no contractions and dilation

Even if the mother-to-be is not experiencing the predictive symptoms of pregnancy termination at 40. Week, it is a good idea to go to the hospital on the previously scheduled date of delivery. The baby may require monitoring, so you will probably end up in the pregnancy pathology department. In this case, first of all, KTG, or cardiotocography, is ordered. Its purpose is to check the baby’s heart function. Baby’s heart rate at 40. Week of pregnancy is already usually more steady and clear. You can even hear them without a stethoscope by putting your ear to a woman’s abdomen. Sometimes it may be necessary to induce labor.

Read also: Pregnancy and childbirth in the UK

The 40th week of pregnancy – some tips before delivery

Hard belly at 40. week of pregnancy and other symptoms herald imminent delivery. The end of the third trimester usually ends outpatient care. On the scheduled day of delivery, the mother-to-be should visit the delivery ward of her choice in advance. Due to the fact that natural delivery at term can occur between 38. a 42. week of pregnancy, during this period you should keep a close eye on any discomfort and if in doubt see your doctor.

The 40th week is also the time to finalize preparations for the arrival of the baby into the world. It is also a good idea to take care of your body before giving birth. For this purpose, it is especially not recommended to paint the nails. This is because varnish can adversely affect pulse oximeter readings. It is also not advisable to shave and depilate intimate areas due to the increased risk of infection during labor.

It’s also worth making an important decision at this time regarding cord blood donation and stem cell storage. This is a biological life insurance policy – as it safeguards the health of the child. Among other things, they are used to treat as many as 80 hematological and oncological diseases, and to reconstruct bones, joints or neurons.

40th week of pregnancy – preparing for childbirth

Whether you are facing a natural childbirth or a C-section, proper preparation for labor is key. W 40. The week of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to already have a hospital bag packed for both mom and baby. It should include essential items such as clothes for mom and baby, hygiene products, documents, as well as a few items that can make the hospital stay more pleasant.

If there are no medical contraindications, it is worth taking care of regular physical activity – at 40. The week of pregnancy, walking will work best. Moderate movement can help you feel better and prepare your body for childbirth. Taking care of your own well-being and comfort is also key. This can be, for example, lubricating the body with lotion, which will not only bring relief to tight skin, but also be a moment of relaxation. Eating favorite and healthy meals, can also significantly improve the mood and well-being of the mother-to-be.

Preparation for breastfeeding and the postpartum period

It is also important to prepare for breastfeeding – if you choose to do so. First of all, throughout your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby, you should take care of your mental comfort. Remember that downtime or lactation surges at the very beginning of lactation are normal – it stabilizes even up to a few weeks after delivery. It is also important to find yourself a comfortable place to feed your toddler and to breastfeed your newborn relatively often. There is also the option of a lactation consultant. Specialists are sure to help you with various issues and answer all your questions.

After natural childbirth or cesarean section comes the postpartum period. It usually lasts 6 weeks and is the moment when mom’s body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Therefore, the uterus begins to contract, which often causes pain. So it’s worth taking special care of your well-being, health and hygiene then.

FAQ

• What in 40. A week of pregnancy means a hard belly?

The 40th week of pregnancy is the time when the abdomen becomes more prominent, pointed or expanded to the sides, depending on the mother’s physique and the baby’s positioning. The skin on the abdomen tightens, and it gently lowers, a sign that the baby has positioned itself for birth. If something causes you concern, be sure to contact your doctor.

• What symptoms can indicate an impending delivery at 40. Week of pregnancy?

During pregnancy, typical symptoms of impending labor include reduced baby activity, a firmer abdomen, spotting, excessive mucus, lower abdominal pain, discomfort in the perineal area, and uterine contractions every approx. 10 or, for example, 5 minutes. The cervix, in turn, is exposed by a mucus plug. The amniotic waters also often pass away.

• Whether in 40. week of pregnancy normal for changes in baby activity?

Child Development at 40. The week of pregnancy is associated with the development of all its systems. During this time, the baby’s movements may be less noticeable due to the limited space in the uterus. However, every mother-to-be should pay attention to the nature of the baby’s activities. If in doubt, consult your doctor, especially around the time of delivery.

• What are the tips for preparing for childbirth at 40. Week of pregnancy?

W 40. During the week of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to have a packed hospital bag for mom and baby, take care of regular walks, and take care of your own well-being and comfort, such as by lubricating your body with lotion and eating your favorite meals. It is also important to prepare for breastfeeding and possibly seek the help of a lactation consultant.