Around the 38th week of pregnancy our world is revolutionized: the baby is about to arrive. Future moms tend to be more nervous, certain fears are raised and any sign on our body is closely observed by the possibility of something happening to the baby or the birth begins. But when labor is approaching and these changes happen to you, you can be calm, they are normal.
The lowering of the belly, the increase in non-regular contractions, the loss of the mucous plug ... have you noticed any of these symptoms? You don't have to run to the hospital: they mean that the delivery is approaching (although not imminent) and they are perfectly common.
Mucous plug expulsion. With luck, the cervix begins to lose weight and dilate, so the mucus that closes the opening of the uterus can move, fall and go out through the vagina. It is a gelatinous, thick and transparent, abundant flow, which we will see if the premature dilation or erasure of the cervix is already clearly underway. It doesn't hurt, you may not even notice if it falls into the toilet or falls gradually for several days. You may need a pant guard during these times because of the increased flow. Sometimes, the mucous plug can be accompanied by reddish or brown threads, it is not worrying either.
Increase in non-regular contractions. You can also take it easy if the contractions increase but they are still not regular. Recall that the contractions of the uterus are the increase in the pressure of the abdominal wall, which progressively reaches a high point, then goes down and finally disappears. This increase in pressure may be accompanied by a sensation of pain that is normally located in the lower belly and / or lower back, and that also subsides when the uterus relaxes. While they are irregular, the contractions are indicative that the delivery is approaching, but not that we have to go to the hospital because it will happen in a few hours. To differentiate "false" or irregular contractions we will consider that they appear at different time intervals and the intensity or perception of pain varies (some hurt significantly more than others). In addition, they last less than 40 seconds and usually appear at specific times: when performing some type of physical activity, after a sexual relationship ... They usually give up or not increase with rest.
Poor staining due to vaginal discharge, dark brown or red. If this spot is of a small amount, we should not worry, since it can occur after having had sexual intercourse, after a vaginal touch or due to the small modifications that occur at the level of the cervix during the days or weeks before delivery. The small vaginal hemorrhages at the end of pregnancy are the result of modifications of the cervix at this stage of pregnancy and are punctual, they do not lengthen for several days. When bleeding is important, when there is intense flow, it does involve seriousness and we must see a doctor immediately.
"Tummy descent" or baby's fitting. The descent of the fetus into the pelvic cavity usually occurs between two and four weeks before delivery, and is more evident especially in first-time mothers. The baby's head stops "floating" freely and fits, being fixed in the pelvis. You may not notice this change at first glance but you do notice that you can breathe a little better (the pressure on the diaphragm drops), the stomach also releases something so that digestion may improve.
As a result of that baby's fit you can also feel other less pleasant symptoms. At this time, your bladder is more pressed and you probably have to go to the bathroom more frequently. You will also notice the most loaded pelvic joints, there may be an increase in cramps in the English and the perineal area is more pressed.
Lack of energy. Some women do not feel the "nest syndrome" (with an increase in vitality and desire to do things), but they become excessively fatigued by the discomforts of the final stretch of pregnancy, because they do not rest or sleep well ... The desire that The baby is born, especially if the delivery is being delayed, influence the mood and physical state of the future mother. Patience, rest and relaxation as much as possible is what we need right now.
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In Babies and more | Childbirth: signs that the day is coming, Premature birth: alarm signals, Five fears you will have during pregnancy, Five fears you will have about childbirth
