40 gestational week

40 gestational week corresponds to the 9th month of pregnancy and falls in the third trimester. Childbirth can begin at any moment. Be guided by the symptoms you feel. They cannot fool you.

Fetal size and development 40 gestational weeks

• Height – 51.2 cm.
• Weight – 3.5 kg.
• Head circumference – 34.0 cm.
• Abdominal circumference – 36.2 cm.

If the pregnancy is successfully carried to 40 gestational week, the baby’s length should have reached 51.2 cm. Its weight may exceed 3.5 kg. Compared with last week, the circumference of his head has increased – 34 cm., and ma abdomen – 36.2 cm. The baby is already quite narrow. This can be felt in his movements. As a rule, keep an eye on them. Any deviation from the norm is a reason to immediately contact a doctor.

The main risk at this stage is oxygen starvation. The placenta has already thinned to 34.3 mm. It is not coping well with providing nutrients and oxygen. This is felt by the child. The risk of infection getting into the uterus also increases as the protective barrier is lowered.

What does a pregnant woman feel during the fortieth gestational week?

Congratulations! You are now riding the last 40 gestational weekof pregnancy. You may be worried about the fact that childbirth has not yet occurred. Keep calm and climb out – nature knows her job.

During the scheduled examination, the doctor will notice an increase in uterine tone. Your abdomen will tighten slightly. You will feel better compared to previous weeks. This is due to the decrease in pressure the uterus is putting on certain internal organs.

The baby’s movements are clearly perceptible. You can touch it through your skin. You will notice that during a contraction, the child goes quiet.

You should know that before delivery, the need to visit the toilet increases. This is due to an increase in tension in the perineum area. You may feel pain in the genitals and lower back.

Some pregnant women notice the fall of the “plug”. Up to this point, it has covered the cervix. It is a mucousy mass. The cervix will begin to gradually open. Childbirth is “at hand”.

Because of the tension on the veins, some pregnant women complain of hemorrhoids. They provoke slight bleeding and pain.

Occasionally, the nipples may secrete colostrum. The breasts are ready for breastfeeding, it remains only for the baby to appear in the light of day.

Colostrum will be actively secreted during the first three days after birth. After that, breast milk will flow. It contains all the necessary nutrients that the newborn needs.

Keep monitoring the condition of the vaginal currents. Any change from the norm can be provoked by an infection that puts the baby’s life at risk. Seek medical attention immediately!

At this stage of pregnancy, amniotic fluid may leak. This is completely normal and is a sign that you should head to the hospital. Take your prepared luggage and documents with you.

Usually the first labor lasts from 5 to 10-12 hours.

The menu of a pregnant woman in the fortieth gestational week

During the last 40 gestational weeks of pregnancy, try to keep the menu light and the food easily processed by the stomach.

Recommended for consumption are broths, teas and snacks.

Move on to the 39th gestational week or all about childbirth