Girls, who gave birth at 36-37 weeks? Please respond...

• 37th week of pregnancy - how many months?
• Fetus
• Stomach
• Ultrasound
• Sex
• Discharge
• Pain
• Weight
• Sensations (movements)
• Childbirth

37th week of pregnancy - how many months?

Some women may be surprised to learn that at 37 weeks pregnant they are entering their tenth month! But if we calculate everything correctly, we will understand what the matter is. Ideally, gestation of a baby in the mother's womb lasts 280 days. Exactly so much is allocated by nature for its origin, development, growth and maturation. One obstetric month lasts 28 days or 4 weeks. So it turns out that this is 10 gynecological months, which obstetricians consider the duration of pregnancy, or a little more than 9 calendar months, which we, the common people, consider it to be.

So, exactly 9 obstetric months are behind us, but in order to give birth, as the book says, you need to leave another one. The 37th week of pregnancy is the first week of the last tenth month. In fact, childbirth can happen any day now. But how is the baby - is he ready to meet his mother?

my due date is 36-37 weeks)

*So I finally decided to write.
On August 15, I woke up at 5 am from the fact that my stomach began to hurt, not much but not pleasantly, the pain was a constant aching so I tossed around until 7 am. Due to the fact that my deadline was not yet right, I thought it was training exercises, I was home alone, my husband went on a business trip, but just in case, I called my sister alone, it became a little scary). So she arrived and I still lay there until 10 in the morning, having read about the contractions, I understood that it was not them and reassured myself that I was not giving birth yet), but for my peace of mind I decided to go to the maternity hospital. I came to the emergency room and explained to the doctor about my pain, and she looked at me like I was a fool and said, you’re not having contractions (it’s like you’re stuck), well, let’s sit down on the chair and have a look (I’m doing you a favor). Well, I scramble as best I can, she began to look and her eyes widened. It turns out that I’m already dilating and she also yelled at me that there was no amniotic sac when she said my water had broken. But I didn’t even feel that my water was breaking, which is what I told her. And I was so scared how long my baby could go without water, and when they finally went away, were they really leaking? I was afraid of this the whole pregnancy. And then the enema reception and the maternity block began. I arrived at the birth block at 11 am. I was lucky with the birth block; it was individual because there was no room in general. I lay down on the bed, lying sick of the bad, trying not to think about the stomach, as it was pulling and pulling, no contractions, I don’t feel the thought of just how long I will lie like this for these contractions. It was 13.00 for the first time the midwife came to see me and asked about the contractions, I told her there was silence, nothing, they brought me an oxytocin drip and injected me with a nosh, again I’m lying there waiting. I feel water flowing out of me, so much so that my whole back is wet yay, here they are, water and they haven’t left anything before!!! I’ve calmed down again, I’m lying on my stomach, I’m stretching a little stronger, the contractions started but were not regular and tolerable, I expected the worst. The midwife stopped by from time to time and they performed a CTG, and again the time dragged on, I was lying down and timed it and still these contractions were not happening regularly, the thought arose to at least give birth before nightfall. Then everyone started calling the phone and I had nothing to say. The time was 5:00 p.m. The doctor came in and said she would look at the dilation at 6:00 p.m. I've been waiting for an hour, I'm already tired of lying down, I'm trying to walk, it's not very good to lie down, it's better, and now the time has come, they rushed me to the chair, the dilation is 4-5 cm, I'm shocked that it's dilated so little for so long, they also praised me that I'm patient and silently survived the dilation. Almost crying, I ask how long it will take me to just shrug my shoulders. They brought another IV and gave me more painkillers. I’m lying there again, the pain is tolerable, I still can’t feel the contractions, I’m waiting! Then at 18.30 I was overcome by a contraction with a push, that was it!!! I started screaming that I was having pain and I was about to give birth. The doctor came in and said to be patient and just not push, I’m lying here, patient, still pushing, I’m patient, trying not to push on the fifth push, I’m screaming as if I’m giving birth, please look. The midwife came, it was 18.45, she looked at the full dilation, that’s it, and in half an hour the dilation was complete. They said that everything happened quickly for me and if I had not cauterized the erosion, it would have degenerated long ago. I’m lying on the bed next to her, the midwife says to push and when the top of the baby’s head appears I’ll go to the chair. Now I’m pushing incorrectly, I’m breathing incorrectly, fortunately the midwife was calm and explained how to do it. So after about the fifth step, she looks and says everyone, get up, wash up, let’s go. How can I wash my face somehow? Having washed my face, I crawl onto a chair and try to lie down right away, afraid that I’ll sit on the baby’s head. Time 18.15 contraction, I’m pushing, it seems like I’m doing the right thing, I don’t have enough strength, the baby can’t get out, that is, she’ll give birth and come back, the doctor is already saying that at least she’d catch her ears and laughs, but I’m not laughing. They ask if there is any entanglement, which scares me even more and I answer that no, the ultrasound didn’t show anything. Here I am already screaming that I will never give birth again, I remember the Lord God, my mother, I am already thinking about a caesarean section because I don’t have enough strength to survive the pain. Then they tell me to touch the baby’s head, I touch it, I understand that I’m torturing her and I’m pushing with all my might, then a head appeared, the pain was at its peak, it felt like everything was torn there, then there was another pushing and all cheers, she came out, they put her on her stomach, she’s lying there, little wet, grunting, what happiness, I I was so afraid that I wouldn’t breathe on my own! then inspection, the tear only on the neck is stitched up, and the cracks on the lips are given cosmetic stitches. They leave her in the maternity unit with the baby for two hours. I lie and think what a joy it is to see my miracle! To everyone who is expecting babies, good birth and good doctors! According to statistics, births at 36 weeks and later are most common in the third trimester of pregnancy. There are several reasons why this happens. Despite the fact that the fetus is still immature, the prognosis for its survival and the absence of negative consequences is more favorable.

During this period, the expectant mother should be prepared for the fact that when the first signs of labor appear, she will have to go to the maternity hospital. At 36 weeks, labor management becomes expectant; medications that help reduce uterine activity are not administered.

→ Childbirth is easy

Nine months of pregnancy, or 36 weeks, are behind us. The moment has come when any girl need not worry that signs of labor will appear. It is generally accepted that the full gestation cycle of a baby is 41-42 weeks. At 37 weeks, a fully formed baby can be born. All worries should disappear.

Psychological characteristics

Of course, by this moment mommy was tired both physically and mentally. The baby has grown, takes up a lot of space and causes some discomfort. The woman becomes irritable, there may be slight nervous agitation due to her appearance and lack of sleep. Each time you have to choose a comfortable and correct position so that both are comfortable.

Tearfulness and a feeling of loneliness may appear because the expectant mother is alone at home. Find an interesting hobby or organize meetings with friends, visit a center for expectant mothers, a cafe, or a cinema.

Physiological features

• It became easier to breathe. This is due to the fact that the baby rushes down, closer to the birth canal. The diaphragm area is freed up and the lungs can now be filled to their full capacity.
• At 37 weeks, many pregnant women may experience a drooping belly, but this feature can occur later
• The lower back begins to hurt more strongly and short-term pain appears, radiating to the perineum
• For some, even walking becomes difficult

Precursors of labor at 37 weeks, is this possible?

Of course they are possible. The child has completed the formation process and is ready for life outside of its mother. Even in a matter of weeks, not days, discharge may appear. They indicate the release of the plug. If there are no infectious diseases or pathologies of pregnancy, then the discharge should be light in color with some inclusions of mucus. Most often they look like jelly or are simply watery.

But if there is a strong smell or a scarlet color in the mass, then you should tell the doctor or go to the maternity hospital.

Cork. What it is?

The plug is formed in order to protect the fetus from the penetration of various types of infections and dirt into the uterine cavity. At the end of pregnancy, the body is freed from it to make it possible for the baby to appear. Some women do not notice mucus coming out until after childbirth. This is also the norm.

Contractions. False or real?

Precursors of labor at 37 weeks of pregnancy include false contractions, which are sometimes very strong and cause sensations of the beginning of the process. First-time mothers often confuse them and go to the maternity hospital. If possible, see a doctor for a consultation, who will determine exactly what it is. Such contractions can occur several days before the real ones and should prepare the expectant mother.

My stomach turns to stone. Is this dangerous for mother and baby?

This is not dangerous. But it is still necessary to monitor the baby’s condition and activity. At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the stomach becomes stone due to frequent tone. The uterus begins to enter this state due to the fact that there is not enough room for the child inside. Every time he moves, the uterus tenses, but then everything goes away.

If the tone of the uterus is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen at 37 weeks of pregnancy, these are harbingers before childbirth. Try to stress less and don't do hard work.

Don't forget to tell your doctor about these sensations during your examination.

Second pregnancy

During the second and subsequent pregnancies, the labor process may begin earlier than during the first. At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the second birth does not have any special differences. Everything develops in the same way as in first-time mothers. The harbingers of childbirth in multiparous women are also almost no different from the first ones.

The belly may drop one or two days before the baby is born. The baby is most often attached to the back of the pelvic bones. Therefore, this omission is not very noticeable.

The only difference is that labor may be faster. The first phase of contractions is reduced to half.

There is no need to delay sending you to the maternity hospital. And if the water breaks, then we call an ambulance or go to the hospital ourselves.

Of course, a mother expecting her second baby is calmer. After all, she is familiar with all the moments of the birth process, there is no feeling of uncertainty. This feeling exhausts the woman in labor, who does not know when it will all end. The second time is easier and calmer.

What's new with the baby?

We have already said that during this period the child is completely ready to be born. Physical parameters correspond to the following indicators:

• At the 37th week of pregnancy, the baby’s weight reaches from 2850 to 3000 grams (each individual)
• The baby's height corresponds to 47 - 50 cm (individually)
• The circumference of the head and abdomen are almost the same
• The ear and nasal cartilages have formed and become denser
• The lungs are fully prepared for the transition to normal breathing
• The nervous system is formed and begins to be covered with a special substance. It will help in developing the baby’s coordination and other abilities in the first stage of life.
• Every day the baby continues to grow and gain weight from 30 to 50 grams
• The baby has grown hair on his head and nails on his fingers (individually)
• Basically, the baby lies head down, but there may be other presentation of the fetus

During the first half of pregnancy, the baby can be in any position because there is enough space. But there comes a time when the baby has reached the appropriate size and there is not enough room for him to turn into the correct position. Then he sits on his butt in front of the birth canal.

Sometimes the baby lies across his stomach, and it is also difficult for him to turn at a later stage. Doctors carefully monitor all this and prescribe special exercises. There are times when recommendations do not change the situation.

37th week of pregnancy: photos, sensations, fetal development

Pregnancy forum: why does your stomach hurt at 37 weeks

?
... Natural childbirth is possible
if the mother’s pelvis is large or the fetus is large ... https://www.pregnancycalendar.ru/kalendar/37_nedelya/

At 37 weeks of pregnancy, there is no great danger in breech presentation. Many mothers give birth on their own. But all these questions must be discussed with your doctor in advance.

What examinations need to be completed?

It is necessary to visit an antenatal clinic. The longer the period, the more frequent these visits become. Normally, a pregnant woman should be examined every week.

• At your appointment, the doctor will examine your stomach and take measurements.
• You need to weigh yourself. It is advisable that there is not a lot of weight gain. After all, the more extra pounds, the more difficult it will be for both mother and baby to cope with work
• At this time, the gynecologist can examine you in a chair to assess the readiness of the cervix to dilate
• Urine and blood tests may be prescribed if there were abnormalities in the tests and the health of the pregnant woman
• Ultrasound is prescribed only for special indications of the pregnant woman’s condition. There is no particular need for this

Deviations from the norm

It should be noted that there may be deviations in both mother and baby.

For a full birth, the size and condition of the pregnant woman’s cervix is ​​important. Normally, by this time the cervix should be elastic, thin and capable of opening.

Sometimes the cervix is ​​bent and then the child will not be able to pass through the birth canal and will simply suffocate. We have already discussed the reasons for the bending of the uterus and what types of pathology there are.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the maturity of the cervix during this period. If its maturity does not correspond to the gestational age, this will lead to serious ruptures and damage.

Particularly at 37 weeks, fetal movements should be monitored. The child has already grown to the required size and has little space inside. But he still moves. Normally there should be up to ten movements per day. If the child is more active or, conversely, does not move much, then you should consult a doctor. During this period, oxygen starvation may occur, which is dangerous for the fetus.

Recommendations for pregnant women

Hour X is just around the corner. The expectant mother needs to do the following:

• Gather all your strength and get ready for a quick birth
• Prepare everything necessary for the baby, make purchases for the child and yourself
• Choose a maternity hospital and agree on the presence of relatives or loved ones at the birth (if possible)
• Come up with a name for the baby if the gender of the unborn child is known
• Be active and walk more
• Be sure to get enough sleep at night so that your strength is fully prepared. Then such an opportunity may not arise

Good mood, patience and positive emotions. Maternal happiness is just around the corner.

to help expectant mothers

Pregnancy 37 weeks, what to pay attention to and what to prepare for.

guide “Week 37. Postpartum procedures with a child” - now your baby is quite ready to be born.

Source: https://xn--80alxhn4d.xn--p1ai/37-nedelja-beremennosti

Childbirth at 36 weeks: normal or not?

According to the criteria used by the World Health Organization, babies born before 37 completed weeks are considered preterm by obstetrics. Therefore, birth at 36 weeks is classified as late premature birth. They can begin spontaneously either with a whole amniotic sac or after the rupture of amniotic fluid.

Most premature babies are born at 32-36 weeks (about 80%). Those born earlier have very low body weight and a poorer prognosis. The overall frequency of such cases is 5-7 per 100 pregnant women, that is, this is a fairly common occurrence.

Woman's feelings

Feelings at 37 weeks of pregnancy may vary, but some of them are typical for all pregnant women. The 37th week of pregnancy is the time when many women's bellies sag or begin to sag. Therefore, they note easier breathing and an improvement in the digestive process - the stomach is emptied faster, heartburn has almost disappeared.

But now uterine tone may occur. In addition, the woman again experiences a frequent urge to urinate, since the heavy uterus - the baby’s weight at 37 weeks of pregnancy is almost 3,000 grams - again puts pressure on the bladder.

A pregnant woman at thirty-seven weeks may experience problems sleeping - insomnia appears. And not only because a huge belly does not allow you to take a comfortable position for relaxation. In this way, nature prepares the expectant mother for night wakefulness. But a woman should try to sleep, because she desperately needs proper rest. The following recommendations will help:

• sufficient physical activity during the day;
• performing simple household chores;
• short daytime nap.

Evening walks will help you sleep better at night. Avoid late dinners and limit your fluid intake. The room should not be stuffy, so it must be ventilated. The thirty-seventh obstetric week may be accompanied by feelings of internal heat and increased sweating. This feeling is caused by increased blood volume.

Movements

Movements at 37 weeks of pregnancy can cause a woman very unpleasant and even painful sensations. There is catastrophically little space in the uterus, and the developing baby continues to grow and increase body weight. And, all the same, the child is actively moving.

If everything is fine, then during the day mommy should feel at least 10 kicks. But sometimes there may be fewer of them. There is no particular reason to worry about this, since in the last weeks of pregnancy the baby becomes less active. The complete absence of tremors should alert the mother. This may indicate oxygen starvation of the child or other problems.

Fetal vital signs at 36 weeks

At week 36, the fetus reaches a weight of 2500 kg, and its height is about 45-46 cm. The main organs are already almost formed, but in the last month of pregnancy there is an intensive increase in weight and subcutaneous fat layer. Every day of the ninth month he will add 28 g.

The subcutaneous fat layer performs several important functions:

• mechanical protection and stabilization of the position of internal organs;
• thermal insulation;
• energy function (1 kg of fat contains energy reserves of about 8000 kcal);
• participation in the regulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

After 34 weeks, the liver also grows progressively. It accumulates iron, which will contribute to the process of hematopoiesis in the first months after birth. Premature babies often develop anemia by six months of age.

By 34-38 weeks of pregnancy, the production of surfactants increases - biologically active substances that help maintain the lungs in an expanded state during breathing.

And if babies born at an earlier stage require the introduction of special medications to stimulate the functioning of the lungs, then by this time the formation of the alveoli ends and their normal function can be ensured naturally.

During premature birth, the fetus also produces corticosteroids, which help accelerate the maturation of the surface cells of the lungs.

Childbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy is no longer so dangerous for the fetus, since it is quite viable, although there are still signs of immaturity. The child will be able to survive even without special care. However, it is still better to be born on time, as this significantly reduces the possibility of complications and the risk of infection.

Fetus at 37 weeks gestation

Great news this week - the baby is ready to be born! And although the time for childbirth has not yet come, they will no longer be considered premature if they come now. By this time, the child is ready to accept, assimilate and digest food: the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines is lined with villous epithelium, which will absorb nutrients, the baby’s original feces - meconium - have already been formed, peristalsis is activated. The baby is able to suckle at his mother’s breast – he is already quite strong and has accumulated enough subcutaneous fat, thanks to which the skin is practically smoothed out. Heat exchange processes take place without failures, the baby will be able to retain and maintain body heat at the level necessary for life.

The born baby will already be able to breathe on his own, the lungs are sufficiently mature. In addition, at the 37th week of pregnancy, the hormone cortisone is produced in the small body, which brings the pulmonary system to perfection, that is, final maturation.

Birth will no longer be as stressful for the baby as it would have been before. The adrenal glands take care of this: they have greatly enlarged and produce a special hormone that helps the baby adapt to life outside the womb. As you can see, there is no longer any need to be afraid of childbirth, although the development of the child at 37 weeks of pregnancy is still ongoing.

The baby’s liver intensively accumulates iron: it will be needed to produce blood cells, which it will provide for the baby in the first year of his life.

The process of covering neurons with protective membranes responsible for the coordination of movements continues. The establishment of neural connections will last until childbirth and beyond - for a whole year.

Your baby at 37 weeks of pregnancy is absolutely unique: he has individual facial features, his own pattern on the skin has formed, his nails and hairs have grown (although it is quite possible that your miracle will be born bald), and the nasal and ear cartilages have hardened. The bones of the skull are still quite soft and elastic, because when passing through the mother’s pelvis, the head will be deformed. Two fontanelles remain completely open, which will close only a few months after birth. The lanugo fluff has practically disappeared from the body, as well as the birth lubricant, the remnants of which are collected only in the skin folds. The baby's head and tummy are now equal in circumference. Its size has already reached 48-50 cm and increases by an average of 1 cm every week, and its weight reaches 2,900 g. Of course, in this sense, all babies are different.

What does a baby look like in the womb at 36 weeks?

The fetus at 36 weeks takes on a more rounded shape, but the skin is still wrinkled and covered with a thick layer of cheese-like lubricant, which protects against damage and facilitates the passage of the baby through the mother’s birth canal.

Starting from the 32nd week, lanugo begins to fall out - a cannon that covers the entire body of the child. Its purpose is that it helps retain vernix lubrication. However, the fluff should finally disappear only at 40 weeks. After birth it is replaced by permanent hair.

The hair on the head becomes thicker and longer. Nails grow to the tips of the phalanges on the fingers. This indicator serves as one of the factors of fetal maturity.

Features of the birth process

Childbirth at 37 weeks of pregnancy can begin spontaneously or be induced by the obstetric team if there is a danger to the health and life of the mother and child.

The spontaneous labor process begins spontaneously and is most often caused by:

• renal pathologies;
• endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalance);
• inferiority of the uterine cervix;
• heavy physical activity during pregnancy;
• being in a prolonged stressful situation.

Induction of labor occurs when there is a risk of developing a pathology that threatens the woman or baby, making it impossible to continue the pregnancy , including:

• gestosis;
• Rh conflict between mother and baby;
• premature detachment of a normally located placenta.

In case of maturity of the uterine cervix, the natural birth process is stimulated. If immaturity occurs, a caesarean section is prescribed.

A woman who shows signs of the onset of premature labor should be immediately taken to the hospital, where an obstetrician will assess her condition and determine what type of labor activity is:

1. Threatening or beginning labor will be stopped with medication, and the woman herself will be urgently admitted to a pathology hospital, where doctors will try to prolong the pregnancy by at least 1 week.
2. The onset of labor is an irreversible process and requires the expectant mother to be sent to the delivery room.

The process of natural childbirth at 37 weeks is no different from childbirth at 40-41 weeks and occurs in 3 stages:

1. During the 2nd, the pharynx of the uterine cervix opens up to 10 cm. Simultaneously with the opening, the child actively moves along the birth canal, causing painful uterine spasms.
2. The 2nd is characterized by the appearance of pushing and strong pressure on the perineum, with the help of which the baby tries to be born and ends with the birth of a child.
3. At stage 3, the placenta is born.

If contractions slow down, doctors stimulate with oxytocin. Too rapid labor is slowed down by antispasmodics or hormonal drugs.

In case of pregnancy pathology, a planned or emergency caesarean section is performed at the 37th week, during which:

1. The woman is given anesthesia; most often during this period, doctors administer general anesthesia, but epidural drugs can also be used.
2. The woman's abdomen is treated with an antiseptic, isolated from other parts of the body with sterile tissue, and then the doctor makes an incision first in the fatty tissue and then in the reproductive organ. Depending on the situation, the doctor’s experience and indications, a vertical or, considered more gentle, horizontal incision can be performed.
3. The baby is removed from the uterine cavity by the shoulders or legs, depending on the location of the fetus, and then the umbilical cord is cut and the newborn is given to a nearby neonatologist or pediatrician.
4. The placenta is removed manually, and then the uterine cavity is examined for forgotten parts of the baby's place.
5. The uterus is sutured with a double-row or single-row suture, and then the abdominal cavity is sutured. For strength, staples may be applied to it.

Feelings of a pregnant woman

If a pregnant woman is in labor for the first time, the baby's head may drop into the lower part of the pelvis. Therefore, the expectant mother experiences a feeling of increased pressure in the uterus and rectum, pain in the abdominal muscles as a result of their stretching, and a feeling of impending birth.

Many women also note the following phenomena:

• lower back pain resulting from heavy load on the spinal column;
• increased urge to urinate as a result of pressure on the bladder;
• difficulty breathing, since on top the uterus is located at the very costal arches;
• more frequent training contractions (up to 20 times a day, but they should be painless);
• lack of sleep and constant fatigue due to the inconvenience caused by a large belly, difficulty walking;
• unpleasant sensations in the symphysis pubis, which are caused by softening of the vaginal tissue and increased elasticity of the pelvic muscles, ligaments and cartilage.

Sensations (movements) at 37 weeks of pregnancy

We have already said that the belly can drop at 37 weeks of pregnancy. In addition to easier breathing, you will feel that heartburn and constipation now occur less frequently. However, you have to run to the toilet more often, since the uterus puts even more pressure on the bladder. This is especially annoying at night, when it is not always possible to sleep. This is how nature prepares a woman for sleepless nights after childbirth. It is necessary to overcome insomnia and try to get enough sleep before giving birth - in the future you will need strength. To get a better night's sleep, do light work during the day and reduce your rest time if you're used to taking an hour or two of naps. Be sure to take daily short walks in the fresh air; it is very good to take a walk before bed. Do not overeat at night, and also reduce the amount of liquid consumed after 6 pm. Ventilate the room before going to bed or even leave the window open all night.

In the last stages, the woman feels a feeling of internal heat, sweats a lot, and feels stuffy all the time. All due to noticeably increased blood volumes.

The baby’s movements sometimes bring painful sensations, because he is very cramped there: there is less amniotic fluid, his size and weight increase, and the uterus seems to squeeze the baby. By the way, movement control should be carried out even at 37 weeks of pregnancy: you should feel at least 10 per day. And before birth, the baby calms down a little, his activity decreases.

Overall, the inconvenience won't last long. Very soon you will miss the baby’s movements and your own funny tummy. By the way, be sure to take a photo at 37 weeks of pregnancy for your album.

During a routine examination, the gynecologist will assess the degree to which the cervix is ​​ready to dilate, and it is likely that after the examination you will begin to experience signs of labor.

Causes of childbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy

Childbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy can be caused by 4 main reasons:

• infectious and inflammatory processes (25-40% of cases) of cervical-vaginal localization or in the urinary tract;
• activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system;
• uterine bleeding caused by abruption or placenta previa; decreased blood flow in the placenta and uterus;

• overstretching of the uterus as a result of physical exertion.

Infections can be descending, that is, spread from other organs, for example, with periodontitis. Therefore, it is important to eliminate bacterial foci in the oral cavity before pregnancy or in the first months.

The triggering of premature birth in infectious diseases is carried out indirectly, through the activation of the production of prostaglandins - mediators of inflammation, as well as enzymes that lead to the destruction of the intercellular substance.

They increase uterine contractions and destroy the membranes, resulting in the release of amniotic fluid. Bacteria and inflammation are also found in the amniotic fluid in 80% of caesarean sections, which are performed on women before the membranes rupture after the onset of labor.

The following factors increase the risk of preterm birth:

• hormonal pathologies (thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus and others);
• bleeding disorders;
• the age of the pregnant woman is under 18 or over 34 years old;
• stress (the risk increases by 2 times);
• multiple pregnancy (15-20% of all premature babies);
• smoking, since nicotine has a strong vasoconstrictor effect, leading to a deterioration in placental blood flow;
• alcohol consumption;
• overheating;
• polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios;
• placenta previa;
• obesity;
• surgical interventions on the abdominal organs during pregnancy;
• history of miscarriages, abortions and premature births;
• injuries;
• poor nutrition, leading to deterioration of immunity and resistance to infections;
• insufficient body weight, which is associated with a low volume of circulating blood, leading to disruption of uterine and placental blood flow.

What can cause early labor

Despite the fact that pregnancy at 37 weeks is considered full-term, some reasons for such early birth can be identified:

• The fetus puts a load on the uterus that it is not ready for. This happens especially often with polyhydramnios and multiple pregnancies. Under the influence of this load, contractions begin and the cervix opens.
• The second and subsequent births often begin ahead of schedule.
• The cervix was injured in a previous birth or underwent surgery before pregnancy, including abortion.
• Genetic characteristics of the expectant mother.
• Infectious diseases suffered by a pregnant woman.
• Endocrine disorders in the body of a pregnant woman.
• Rhesus conflict between mother and fetus.
• Too early (14-17 years) or too late (41 years and older) pregnancy.
• Pregnancy achieved through IVF (especially multiple pregnancy).
• A woman's tendency to miscarriage and premature birth.

All these factors can cause the birth of a baby at 37-38 weeks. However, the expectant mother should not worry about such an early and unexpected start - as a rule, a child at this stage is born without any problems.

Harbingers of premature birth

Childbirth at 36 weeks in the 8th month of pregnancy is accompanied by such precursors as:

• Breathing becomes easier (except for those women who have multiple pregnancies). This happens because the uterus drops lower and stops putting pressure on the diaphragm. Usually this symptom occurs 2-3 weeks before birth.
• Very frequent urge to urinate due to prolapse of the fetal head, which puts pressure on the bladder. This symptom can appear either a month or a few days before the birth of the child. In order to relieve pressure, it is recommended to use a prenatal bandage. It will also help relieve stress on the spine.

• The appearance of nagging pain in the area of ​​the symphysis pubis (pubis and below), as well as in the sacrum as a result of the influence of the hormone relaxin, which promotes softening of tissues and separation of bones during childbirth. This symptom most often occurs within 1-2 weeks.
• Stitching pain in the vagina, bloody discharge from it.
• The passage of a mucus plug, which looks like the white of a chicken egg or a small bloody clot. Throughout pregnancy, it covers the cervix to prevent the entry of pathogenic microorganisms. For first-time mothers, the time interval between the removal of the plug and birth is usually 1-2 days; for those who give birth again, it takes several hours.
• Rush of amniotic fluid. It can occur either in the form of a small leak of colorless or greenish liquid from the genital tract or immediately in a large volume. This occurs as a result of rupture of the membranes. This symptom is very dangerous, since the risk of perinatal fetal mortality increases by 4 times, and the occurrence of diseases in the child in the future - by 3 times. Labor after the rupture of water begins on the first day in 80% of women. For some pregnant women, it may last for several days. Typically, conservative medical measures at 36 weeks are limited to 1 day (the so-called “wait-and-see” management of labor).
• Regular contractions - at least four in 20 minutes.

Since preterm birth does not have specific symptoms (except for the last of the above signs), reliable diagnosis is only possible with the help of transvaginal ultrasound, which determines the length of the cervix, which is undergoing dynamic changes (it shortens and smoothes).

When its length exceeds 3 cm, the probability of labor onset is only 1%. Therefore, in the absence of rupture of amniotic fluid, the pregnant woman can be discharged from the hospital.

Pain at 37 weeks of pregnancy

The release of the mucus plug before childbirth is often preceded by a nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Along with other signs, it indicates that the due date is approaching. The baby presses on the perineum, the pelvic bones soften and gradually move apart, so here, in the lower abdomen and pubic area, the woman feels pain and heaviness. Often shooting pains at the 37th week of pregnancy radiate to the legs, especially when walking.

But if the tummy has dropped, then the pain in the hypochondrium has already disappeared or at least decreased: the baby no longer reaches his legs so high. But training contractions can become a little painful.

My back, lower back, sacrum, and legs still hurt quite a lot and ache. The baby is already heavy and continues to gain weight, and you are also getting heavier - the load on the bones and musculoskeletal system in the last weeks of pregnancy is enormous!

Weight

A heavier baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, large volumes of blood, breasts and your own fat reserves undoubtedly affect your weight at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Since the beginning of pregnancy, you could have gained more than 13 kg. In each individual case, the increase will differ in one direction or another, since it depends on the parameters and physique of the woman, concomitant diseases and aggravating factors, and heredity. But sharp differences from the norms of gain at the 37th week of pregnancy, which are 10-17 kg, are, of course, undesirable.

Closer to childbirth, weight usually decreases slightly. In ancient times, this was also facilitated by the fact that women adhered to a lean diet in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Possible consequences

Childbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy can lead to the following abnormalities in the baby:

• poor temperature balance;
• hypovitaminosis (lack of vitamins);
• anemia (develops in almost everyone, and in full-term children - in 20% of cases);
• problems with feeding;
• rickets associated with immaturity of the musculoskeletal system and lack of calcium and phosphorus;

• respiratory disorders (in 1-2% of newborns);
• encephalopathy;
• hypoglycemia (reduced blood glucose concentration);
• increased risk of mortality and morbidity.

In the delayed period, the development of cerebral palsy is possible, the prevalence of which in babies born at 36 weeks is about 6%. According to studies conducted abroad, such children may subsequently experience difficulties in learning, their motor and speech skills are reduced, and visual impairment and emotional instability are more common.

Ultrasound at 37 weeks of pregnancy

Most likely, you have already undergone the last ultrasound examination, during which the expected date of birth was finally established. But it happens that an ultrasound is prescribed at the 37th week of pregnancy to clarify a number of points. One of the main questions is how the baby positioned himself before going “free”. Most babies rush head down, since this position is the most physiological: this is the easiest way to give birth, and the uterus has such a shape that a baby turned upside down follows its outline, which is very convenient in conditions of a catastrophic lack of space. However, some guys sit on their butts or lay across them. Breech presentation today is not an absolute indication for cesarean section, but surgical delivery can be prescribed taking into account aggravating factors.

During an ultrasound diagnostic at 37 weeks, a specialist will carefully examine the baby and the degree of its development, record the main parameters, heartbeat, assess the condition and amount of amniotic fluid, the condition of the uterus and cervix, umbilical cord, and the degree of maturity of the placenta. Most likely, Doppler ultrasound will also be performed to assess uteroplacental blood flow.

We will have to disappoint parents who expect to find out the sex of the child by ultrasound at 37 weeks of pregnancy. The baby practically no longer moves in his tummy; he has occupied the entire cavity of the uterus - and the movements are no longer as active as before. The likelihood that the genitals will be exposed to public viewing is very low. So the question about the sex of the heir may remain unanswered until birth.

37 week pregnancy video

37 week pregnancy photo

Sex

The anticipation of an imminent birth often becomes the reason for refusing sex at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some parents now perceive it as a threesome, others have difficulty finding a comfortable position. It should be said that none of the reasons is good enough to deprive each other of pleasure. Of course, a big belly definitely gets in the way, but if you want, you can still adapt, for example, by practicing the “dogi-style” pose on all fours.

Until recently, doctors advised abstaining from intimate relations before childbirth. But today they have formed a different opinion on this matter: if both parents are healthy, the integrity of the amniotic sac is not compromised, and sex does not cause pain to the woman, then it can be continued until childbirth. And it’s even useful: it has been found that sperm increases the elasticity of the cervix, facilitating its dilation during childbirth.

What should you do when the birth process begins?

Prenatal contractions, accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, occur in pregnant women approximately 5-7 hours before delivery. If you put your hand on the abdominal wall, you can feel the muscles tense.

It is necessary to prepare documents (birth certificate, exchange card, passport, compulsory health insurance policy, sick leave, SNILS, contract for paid childbirth), a bag with things and call an ambulance.

The duration of contractions varies from person to person; some women may experience rapid labor. If they become regular or the plug or water breaks, or there is a desire to push, then you need to immediately call an ambulance. If the contractions were only training contractions and labor activity of the uterus is not recorded during the examination, the pregnant woman can be sent back home.

Possible complications

Childbirth at 37 weeks of pregnancy can be dangerous due to subsequent complications that can lead to deterioration of the condition of both the mother and the newborn.

Children with complications after childbirth are placed in an incubator where the required temperature and humidity are maintained.

1. Rapidly progressing labor can lead to birth trauma for the child or woman.
2. Early passage of the plug with subsequent delay in labor can provoke intrauterine infection.

Having a low birth weight baby

A baby born at 37 weeks has a small amount of subcutaneous fat and should normally weigh at least 2.5 kg. This weight allows the newborn to regulate heat exchange himself.

Lower weight and impaired thermoregulation require urgent placement of the baby in an incubator, where he will remain until his body weight normalizes.

Breathing problems.

An insufficient amount of tissue lining the lungs can lead to the development of acute respiratory failure (distress syndrome) that can become the basis for the development of gestosis or cerebrovascular accident.

The consequences of such pathologies can be very serious and, at best, will lead to minor neurological problems, and at worst, they will provoke irreversible consequences, including:

• cerebral palsy;
• paresis;
• hearing and vision impairment;
• mental and mental disabilities.

Such consequences, occurring in children born at 37 weeks, are quite rare, and for newborns who have insufficient amounts of surfactant, resuscitation measures are used, including mandatory ventilation.

Possible complications for the mother

Women who give birth to a child prematurely most often have a very difficult time with premature birth, primarily psychologically. Fear for the health and life of the baby is accompanied by anxiety caused by a psyche that is not fully prepared for motherhood, which can cause the development of severe postpartum depression.

In addition to psychological problems, a young mother may be bothered by:

• ruptures and injuries of the perineum caused by very rapid childbirth that occurred on incompletely prepared genitals;
• inflammatory processes of the reproductive organs.

How does an emergency birth work?

At 36 weeks, doctors no longer carry out medications to prolong pregnancy, since this does not have a significant effect on reducing neonatal mortality. According to accepted standards, expectant management of labor is indicated. Once the cervix is ​​dilated by more than 4 cm, labor cannot be stopped.

The birth process is as follows:

1. First, paperwork is completed in the reception room.
2. A blood test is taken from the pregnant woman.
3. Depending on the woman’s condition and the presence of contraindications to natural childbirth, a decision is made on the method of delivery - natural or by cesarean section.
4. After which they do a cleansing enema (it is mandatory for everyone).
5. The woman is placed in the delivery room, where the entire period of contractions takes place.
6. A belt with a CTG sensor is placed on the abdomen, which records the fetal heartbeat. It cannot be removed.

7. Periodically, the doctor performs an examination, checks the woman’s condition and the dilation of the cervix.
8. If the water has broken and the cervix has not dilated for a long time, the pregnant woman will be given an IV with Oxytocin.
9. At the woman's request, an anesthetic may be administered.
10. When the cervix is ​​fully dilated to 9-10 cm (5 fingers width), a catheter will first be inserted into the urethra, and then the surgical field will be prepared.
11. The doctor will ask the pregnant woman to push.
12. Once the baby's head reaches the vulva, the doctor will decide whether to cut the soft tissue to prevent tearing (episiotomy). If their opening goes well, then dissection is not required.
13. The doctor will then give instructions on when to push; you must listen to him so as not to damage the baby's head.
14. The midwife will carefully remove the baby by the head.
15. After which you will need to expel the afterbirth with a few more attempts.
16. The baby will be placed in warm diapers, the umbilical cord will be cut, and if necessary, resuscitation measures will be performed. After the birth, he will be taken to the children's ward with incubators. The length of his stay there depends on the condition of the baby and the mother.
17. If conditions permit, the baby may be placed on the mother's breast.
18. If an episiotomy was performed, the doctor will apply stitches (self-absorbable threads are most often used).
19. After which the woman is transferred to a gurney and transported to the postpartum ward.

Caesarean section after 36 weeks is performed according to normal obstetric indications.

Doctors' opinion about the period

Childbirth at 37 weeks of pregnancy is theoretically considered premature, but does not pose a danger to the future life and health of the baby. A normal pregnancy lasts a full 10 lunar months and is about 40-42 weeks.

Normally, labor begins at the end of the 40th week, but about 30% of babies are able to be born at 37-38 weeks.

According to doctors, a period of 36-37 weeks is undesirable for childbirth, but by the onset of the full 37th week the baby is fully formed and outwardly differs from a full-term newborn only in its excessively low weight.

By the 37th week, all the organs and internal systems of the child are fully formed, but are still not large enough, and there is a small amount of surfactant in the lungs, which will prevent the newborn from fully breathing on his own and may require the use of auxiliary resuscitation devices.

The birth of a baby during this period, according to doctors, although premature, has a favorable prognosis based on the ability of medical equipment to completely minimize the dangers to the baby’s health. Modern medicine, although it considers birth at 37 weeks conditionally premature, divides the birth of a baby during this period into urgent and early.

Urgent births are:

1. If a child born during this period has a full-term weight, this means that growth spurts have occurred during its development.
2. In the case when the mother has a short menstrual cycle (about 3 weeks). In this case, calculating the date of birth using standard obstetric weeks will be incorrect, and labor will occur 1-2 weeks earlier.

Early labor occurs when:

1. The baby is observed to be premature, including very short height (less than 48 cm) and weight (less than 2.5 kg).
2. The beginning of the birth process occurs against the background of a lack of preparation of the female body for childbirth.

In this case, after birth, the newborn will need urgent medical resuscitation care.

Condition of mother and child in the postpartum period

The main medical measures that are carried out in relation to the newborn in the first hours are described in the table below.

In the first days, a premature baby may lack sucking and swallowing reflexes, so feeding is provided through a tube, pipette, or (less often) using droppers.

Birth at 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered early, so the baby is often placed in an incubator

Childbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy, occurring without complications, is not a reason for longer hospitalization. If the child is practically healthy, his body weight is 2.4-2.5 kg, he can independently suck a woman’s breast or bottle, his breathing, heartbeat, and thermoregulation have stabilized, then discharge from the maternity hospital is possible 7-8 days after birth.

Less healthy children are transferred to a specialized department of the hospital (along with their mother) or discharged after 1-4 months. Immediately after giving birth, all women feel very tired, drowsy and thirsty. If the labor process is normal, the condition may return to normal already on the second day.

Even in the absence of tears in the perineum and rectum, pain may be felt due to swelling, tissue overstretching and pushing. This goes away in 2-3 days. If a pregnant woman had an episiotomy, the stitches will heal in about 7 days.

There is bloody discharge from the vagina. They should not be abundant, otherwise you need to inform your doctor about it. Periodic, palpable contractions may occur in the uterus. They intensify during breastfeeding. Before discharge from the hospital, the size of the uterus should be restored almost to its original size.

Childbirth at 36 weeks is still considered premature, but the birth of a baby at this stage of pregnancy is accompanied by a lower likelihood of complications than in previous months. The lungs can already open on their own, and vital organs are also functioning. The best prognosis is observed in those children who weigh 2.5 kg and above.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

Child growth and development

In general, babies born at this stage are no different from other newborns. Their development is at the same pace as their peers. By the end of the first month of life, such children, as a rule, catch up with their peers in terms of weight and height. Some newborns with signs of prematurity may be slightly behind in development - they raise their heads, roll over, and later learn to grasp toys. This is normal for these kids. They quickly catch up with their peers born at later stages.

Medical procedures at 37 weeks

In late pregnancy you need to visit a gynecologist every week.
Unlike earlier periods, you now visit the doctor weekly. Before your appointment, you must undergo a standard urine test, as well as additional blood tests according to indications (for sugar, biochemical, for antibodies in case of Rh conflict, etc.).

As usual, the doctor measures blood pressure, weight, determines the height of the uterine fundus, the position of the baby in the womb, listens to the fetal heartbeat, and examines the limbs for edema. In addition to these usual manipulations, the doctor conducts an internal examination of the condition of the cervix. The expectant mother lies down on the couch and spreads her legs bent at the knees in different directions. First, the doctor examines the genitals, notes the presence of scars after previous births, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory processes, if any. Then the doctor begins to examine the cervix using gynecological speculum. The length, shape, patency, and maturity of the cervix are assessed. Such an examination allows you to determine the readiness of the organ for childbirth, because shortly before this, the cervix opens slightly, shortens, and its structure softens.

A routine ultrasound is not usually performed at week 37. An ultrasound examination may be prescribed for previously identified pregnancy disorders. Thus, an ultrasound is performed if the baby had not previously turned head down in the uterus, but remained in a breech position, with little or polyhydramnios, placental insufficiency, etc. Sometimes, based on the results of this ultrasound, doctors decide on the advisability of a cesarean section.

Often in late pregnancy, the mother is sent for cardiotocography (CGT). This procedure is similar to an electrocardiogram, only the fetal heart function is checked, not the mother. This examination allows us to identify possible disturbances in the functioning of the small heart, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the fetus and other abnormalities that may be the reason for inducing labor or cesarean section.

What happens to a woman’s body and sensations?

The thirty-seventh week is characterized by a state of continuous anticipation of the onset of labor. The desire to give birth as soon as possible is often reinforced by loved ones who constantly ask about when the baby will appear. Remember that almost every expectant mother is forced to answer such questions. Therefore, you should take the curiosity and excitement of others calmly. In addition, from this week the desire for a speedy birth will only increase.

The cervix continues to ripen. The fact that the cervix is ​​ripe can be recognized by its length - it should be less than 1 cm, and the length of an immature cervix starts from 2 cm. Closer to the birth of the child, the cervix softens, remaining dense only in the area of ​​the internal pharynx. If the cervix has softened enough, labor may begin.

A sign of an approaching meeting with your daughter or son may be a temperature. In general, an elevated temperature can persist throughout pregnancy, since for a woman in a position low heat transfer is the norm. But if the temperature suddenly jumps over 38 degrees, you should consult a doctor. This may be the result of an infection or other ailment, or it may be a signal that it’s time for you to go to the hospital.

The woman begins to experience a whole range of sensations that are new to her. Even though you still feel clumsy, your weight may decrease. This is one of the points in preparing the body for the upcoming birth. During pregnancy at the thirty-seventh week, due to stretching of the skin, the skin of the abdomen may become very itchy, and the navel may turn outward. You may also notice how the stripe on your tummy darkens, but this is not a cause for alarm, since after childbirth the stripe will gradually disappear.

A pregnant woman's companions at the 37th obstetric week may include indigestion, nausea and loose stools. In this way, the body gets rid of anything that could interfere with the birth process. If you are still comfortable wearing rings on your fingers and have no problems wearing your shoes, you are very lucky. Most women during this period have to deal with swelling of the arms and legs. The reason is a sedentary lifestyle, an unusually high load on the kidneys, as well as excess salt in the diet.

Harbingers of childbirth

At gestational age 37, the belly may drop down and the baby's head may move into the pelvic area. Along with this, heartburn and shortness of breath go away, so mom can breathe easy. But now the entire weight of the abdomen falls on the bladder and stomach, so the desire to go to the toilet will visit you more and more often. Since the fetus puts pressure on the organs of the lower body, hemorrhoids may appear, causing not only inconvenience, but also pain. In this case, it will be useful to lean on foods with laxative properties.

A drooping belly is a signal of impending birth. But not everyone’s stomach drops before childbirth. In this case, there is no need to worry, as other signs will help you understand that you are about to give birth.

An early delivery is also foreshadowed by various pain sensations. The most striking harbinger of labor is Braxton-Hicks contractions, reminiscent of menstrual pain. These are training contractions that prepare the uterus for the upcoming serious “work.” Such contractions are also called “false” contractions.

The contractions are becoming more and more similar to labor contractions. At the same time, the woman’s pain becomes longer. At this stage, due to the weight gained, pain may be felt in the back, groin and abdomen. Not everyone is destined to experience training contractions either.

Pain

At the 37th obstetric week, the general feeling of discomfort increases; expectant mothers may be bothered by the following pain:

• pain in the perineum that appears more and more clearly;
• painful sensations in the legs, especially when you have to stand or walk for a long time during the day;
• numbness of the legs and arms due to impaired blood microcirculation;
• aching pain in the lower back and tailbone;
• the baby's kicks, which, although they have become less frequent, are becoming more and more noticeable;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which may indicate the imminent release of the mucus plug.

If you notice periodic pain in the tummy area, contact your doctor immediately. The feeling of pulling in the stomach is quite normal for this period. However, if you have already noted more than once that your stomach is “stony,” this is also a reason to visit a doctor. A “stony” belly is most likely a sign that the uterus is in a state of hypertonicity, and this often leads to premature birth.

Discharge

Hormonal levels change throughout pregnancy. Due to the next changes at term 37, the discharge becomes more intense and more liquid. But if the discharge is too thin, it may be a sign of water leakage. Therefore, you should urgently conduct a special test, which can be done in the maternity hospital or at home by purchasing it at the nearest pharmacy. If the water has a greenish tint or is released in large portions, immediately go to the maternity hospital.

Colorless, yellowish or pinkish mucus with a small amount of blood streaks is added to the usual discharge. This is a mucus plug that throughout pregnancy protected the entrance of the uterus from various microorganisms. Usually the plug begins to come out in parts half a month before the expected birth. If it has already moved away, then it is better for the woman to suspend intimate life and not swim in stagnant water, so as not to get an infection. Colostrum may also begin to leak from the breasts.

Very important: spotting is a reason to seek help immediately, especially if it is accompanied by pain! Such discharge can occur due to a fall and injury, or for no apparent reason.