Does the belly grow at 9 months of pregnancy. The ninth month of pregnancy, the development of the fetus and the sensations of the mother. Joyful meeting rea very soon

Determination of the true duration of pregnancy is difficult due to the fact that it is difficult to establish the exact term of fertilization. However, in most cases, pregnancy lasts 280 days, or 40 weeks, if we calculate its onset from the first day of the last menstruation; fluctuations from 38 to 42 weeks are considered normal.

The most common way to calculate the due date is "by menstruation". To determine the date of birth, 280 days are added to the first day of the last menstruation, i.e. 10 obstetric or 9 calendar months. Usually, the calculation of the period is simpler: from the date of the first day of the last menstruation, 3 calendar months are counted back and 7 days are added. For example, if the last menstruation began on October 2, then, counting back 3 months and adding 7 days, determine the expected date of birth - July 9; if the last menstruation began on May 20, then the expected due date is February 27, etc. But this method will be unreliable if the woman has an irregular menstrual cycle or she does not remember the date of the last menstruation.

When determining the term of childbirth, the time of the first is also taken into account: in primiparous women, this occurs on average at 20 weeks, and in multiparous women, at 18 weeks. However, it should be remembered that this sign is very subjective and has only an auxiliary value.

In modern conditions, the date of birth is determined quite accurately, focusing on ultrasound data performed before the 12th week of pregnancy. In late pregnancy, the probability of an error in determining the date of birth using ultrasound increases, since the size of the fetus, which the doctor focuses on in his calculations, at the end of pregnancy has large individual fluctuations.

How are you feeling at 9 months pregnant?

You can find out about full-term pregnancy and upcoming childbirth by several signs that appear 1-2 weeks before childbirth - the so-called harbingers of childbirth.

By 40 weeks of gestation, the fundus of the uterus descends to the level at which it was at 32 weeks of gestation, i.e. to the middle of the distance between the navel and the xiphoid process. The lowering of the bottom of the uterus can be determined by the following signs: it became much easier to breathe and sit on a chair, heartburn decreased or disappeared. However, due to the low location of the head, periodic pain in the lower abdomen may occur, and the frequency of urination increases.

By the end of pregnancy, the uterus becomes excitable, its periodic irregular contractions become more and more noticeable - weak contractions, usually accompanied by pain and discomfort. Thus, the body of a pregnant woman is gradually preparing for the upcoming birth. Even a doctor cannot always say for sure whether labor is starting or preparatory (preliminary) contractions occur. If the state of increased irregular excitability of the uterus lasts 1-2 days, is accompanied by discomfort and sleep disturbance, then it is better to contact the maternity hospital, since too long (pathological) preliminary period can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the fetus and requires treatment.

A few days before childbirth (or on the day of childbirth), light mucous discharge may appear from the genital tract, sometimes with small streaks of blood - the mucous plug “leaves”. This is a favorable sign of "ripening" and softening of the cervix, i.e. her readiness for childbirth. In the ninth month of pregnancy, you visit the doctor every week, regularly monitoring weight gain, blood pressure levels and urine tests. This is necessary for the timely diagnosis of late preeclampsia, which usually develops towards the end of pregnancy.

By the ninth month of pregnancy, you have already chosen a maternity hospital and a doctor who will conduct your birth (as a rule, with a paid service, the doctor in charge of childbirth observes the patient from 36 weeks of pregnancy). In any case, you must have collected documents for the maternity hospital:

1. with the data of all analyzes and ultrasound in the III trimester;
2. the passport;
3. insurance policy.

Be sure to carry these documents with you, because in the absence of medical documents, childbirth is supposed to be carried out in the II obstetric (observational) department or in a specialized infectious maternity hospital.

Ninth month of intrauterine life

By 40 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus disappears all signs of prematurity and has all the indicators inherent in a mature fetus. However, sometimes a full-term fetus may have some symptoms of immaturity, i.e. the concepts of “full-term” and “maturity” are not identical.

Maturity is characterized by the following features:

• body weight is 2600-5000 g, length (height) - 48-54 cm;
• the chest is convex, the umbilical ring is located in the middle between the pubis and the xiphoid process of the sternum;
• the skin is pale pink, the subcutaneous tissue is sufficiently developed, there are only remnants of a cheese-like lubricant on the skin, vellus hair is almost absent, the length of the hair on the head reaches 2 cm, the toenails and hands reach the fingertips;
• the cartilages of the auricles and nose are elastic;
• in boys, the testicles are lowered into the scrotum; in girls, the small labia are covered with large ones.

Possible complications at 9 months of pregnancy

A healthy woman with a favorable pregnancy can stay at home until the onset of labor. If there are deviations in her state of health, the pregnancy proceeded with complications or signs of fetal suffering are established, then the last 1-2 weeks (and sometimes more) should be in the maternity hospital under the supervision of specialists.

In the last month of pregnancy, the likelihood of developing complications such as late preeclampsia increases, especially in high-risk pregnant women. Late preeclampsia is usually represented by a triad of symptoms: edema (of varying severity), hypertension (increased blood pressure) and proteinuria (protein in the urine). But you should not panic if you notice slight swelling of the legs or the doctor noted an excessive weight gain during the next visit to the antenatal clinic, because. by the end of pregnancy, slight swelling of the legs, hands appear in 50-70% of pregnant women. These swellings usually resolve with diet, fluid and salt restriction.

You may also be offered antenatal hospitalization for incorrect positions and presentations of the fetus, in particular with a breech presentation, to choose a method of delivery after a thorough examination and evaluation of all factors.

Usually, patients are hospitalized in advance with a burdened obstetric and gynecological history (infertility, miscarriage, complicated course of previous births, etc.), older than 30 years, uterine scar, narrow pelvis, large fetus, multiple pregnancy, low localization (location) of the placenta, extragenital diseases (diseases of internal organs).

The last month of pregnancy is the end of a long journey and a period of agonizing expectation of childbirth and the birth of a long-awaited baby. A full-term baby is considered to be born at 38-42 weeks of gestation, this is just the middle and end of the ninth month, but if the baby is born at 36-37 weeks, he is considered not premature, but prematurely born. Such a baby is quite capable of independent living, although it is somewhat more sensitive to external environmental conditions and requires a little more attention and care. With each week of the last month he is gaining weight and growing up, you should be ready for childbirth at any time.

What happens to the body in the 9th month of pregnancy

The last month of pregnancy has come, it lasts from the 37th to the 42nd week of pregnancy, on average, children are born at 38-40 weeks, and only some a little earlier or later. After 38 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is considered full-term, and delivery can begin on any day, only about 5% of children are born exactly on the expected date.

In this period, the woman is already quite tired of her position and her belly, which has become very heavy, the agonizing wait and frequent training contractions make her tired and irritable. Now you can no longer be afraid of premature birth, if you previously had problems with the time of gestation or there were complications. Often, with a planned caesarean section, delivery is planned for a period of 38-40 weeks, so that the fetus is as mature and full-term as possible. The last weeks are especially difficult for those who will give birth for the first time, since the sensations of true contractions are still unfamiliar and often you are ready to go to the hospital with training.

The body is actively preparing for the process and the so-called precursors constantly appear. Two to three weeks before delivery, the abdomen lowers due to the insertion of the fetal head into the pelvic cavity and the gradual relaxation of the lower segment of the uterus and cervix. With repeated pregnancies, the abdomen may drop immediately before or at the beginning of childbirth. The circumference of the abdomen may slightly decrease due to relative oligohydramnios, due to changes in the hormonal background, which helps in delivery and reduces the risk of complications (prolapse of the umbilical cord, improper presentation, placental abruption). It will become easier for a woman to breathe, heartburn and discomfort when eating will decrease.

Pain in the lumbar region and small pelvis may disturb, softening of the joints and ligaments occurs, which helps in childbirth, but affects the condition of the back and pelvic region. Particularly unpleasant and severe can be pain when lowering the head into the small pelvis, pressure in the pubic area, sacrum at night, pain in the perineum and vaginal area, it is difficult to find a position in bed and sleep well. Training contractions can become more frequent and stronger, they help the uterus to actively contract in the future. Training contractions are irregular and disappear if you calm down and rest on your side, they look like pulling in the lower abdomen and feel that the stomach is stony.

Before childbirth, special body changes, called harbingers of childbirth, may occur along with the prolapse of the abdomen. These signs include a decrease in body weight within 2 kg due to the convergence of edema and hormonal changes in the body, a decrease in appetite and physiological cleansing of the body. Shortly before the event, the appetite decreases or disappears altogether, there may be loosening of the stool and even diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

In a few days or even weeks, the mucosal plug may begin to move away - it can move away in parts or entirely, in a lump as the cervix matures and the cervical canal opens. The mucus may be yellowish, colorless, or streaked with blood. It is necessary to fully collect bags and documents and be ready to be sent to the hospital at any time from the beginning of either the discharge of water, or regular contractions at regular intervals. In the ninth month of pregnancy, a woman should always take an exchange card with her when leaving the house.

Fetal development: weight, size and sex

At this time, the child is already fully formed and ready for birth and life outside the mother's tummy. The child has all the necessary set of reflexes, breathing movements are made with the lungs, although they are still asleep and will open only with the first breath. They have enough surfactant to breathe on their own. The digestive system has matured and is ready to receive food and digest it with enzymes, a lot of original feces have accumulated in the intestines, which should only pass after the birth of the child. It was formed from amniotic fluid, epithelial cells, desquamated cells that enter with swallowed waters. Meconium has the appearance of a putty olive-green mass, odorless.

By the ninth month, the baby has a proportional body, the skin is smooth and has a pale pink color, the skin vessels are no longer translucent, the fluff (lanugo) has almost disappeared from the body, remaining only a little on the shoulders and back, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bnatural folds, along with the original lubricant, which protects the delicate skin of the baby. Now the baby is actively gaining weight and gaining height, it is getting tighter in the uterine cavity, he takes a uterine and most optimal position for childbirth - head down, pressing his arms and legs tightly to the body. He has no opportunities for active movements, and now it is mainly pushing, tossing and stretching. They are clearly felt by the mother.

There is a maturation of the nervous system, it becomes more and more perfect, developed and mature. The nervous system regulates the work of all internal organs and glands, which allows the body to function as a single system.

During this month, the fetal liver actively accumulates iron for its further expenditure on the needs of the child in the first months after birth. Iron is needed to create new blood cells and prevent anemia. The heart has fully formed chambers and valves, with the exception of those holes that are needed for fetal blood flow, so at birth it will be ready to work according to the new scheme, and the fetal holes will immediately close. Now the oval window and the ductus arteriosus are open so that the blood bypasses the lungs, and the baby “breathes” with the placenta. At the same time, the lungs themselves, due to the penetration of amniotic fluid into them, make “respiratory” movements and develop.

In boys, the final descent of the testicles into the scrotum occurs, in girls, the large labia cover the small ones, and the process of formation of the genitals is completed. The immune system also matures, although it will still be fully formed even after the birth of the crumbs. Mom actively transmits antibodies through the placenta to her baby from the main dangerous diseases that she herself had been ill with. By the time of delivery, the fetus will reach its final height and weight of 48-56 cm and 2800-4000g. Girls are usually born less than boys, although much depends on the characteristics of the parents and the conditions of the course of pregnancy.

Feel

The main sensations of this month are fatigue and the harbingers of childbirth, now the woman clearly feels all the movements and movements of the fetus, the stomach has reached its maximum and it is extremely difficult to wear it. But a couple of weeks before the birth, it becomes easier to breathe and eat by lowering the abdomen, inserting the head into the small pelvis. At the same time, pressure and discomfort in the pelvic area will be increased - constipation may increase and urges will become more frequent in a small way due to the pressure of the head on the bladder. There may be pain in the sacrum, pubis and thighs, due to irritation of the nerve endings.

There may be swelling and the risk of varicose veins, the skin on the abdomen is strongly stretched and itchy, stretch marks may occur. There are frequent fainting and dizziness due to hypoxia and compression of the vessels by the large uterus. There is a preparation for childbirth and there may be a weight loss of 1-2 kg, diarrhea and vomiting, as an option for cleaning the body before childbirth. A woman feels that she is pulling her lower abdomen, abdominal pain may occur, which indicates the onset of regular contractions and labor.

Allocations

By the end of pregnancy, the discharge intensifies, protecting the baby from infections that can enter through the vagina. Now it is important for the crane that infection does not develop, as this will be dangerous in childbirth. You should immediately consult a doctor in the presence of curdled, crumbly or abundant milky discharge, and especially yellowish, green, gray, frothy and with an unpleasant odor. They need to be treated immediately.Such secretions reduce the elasticity of the tissues of the vagina and lead to complications in childbirth and an increase in the likelihood of postpartum inflammatory processes.

There is also a gradual discharge of the mucous plug - these are transparent or slightly pink-colored lumps of mucus, the plug can leave both gradually and simultaneously, with a lump of mucus. The birth will start soon.

Analyzes and examinations

This month, visits to the doctor will become weekly, it is important to assess the general condition of the woman, her weight and the presence of edema, pressure and determine the level of leukocytes, protein and glucose in the urine before each visit. The doctor will assess the woman's readiness for childbirth and may schedule admission to the hospital in advance or with the onset of labor.

At the beginning of the month, a study will be carried out on a chair and a swab for flora will be taken, blood tests may be additionally prescribed. All planned ultrasounds have already been completed, but the doctor, in case of doubt or concern, may prescribe additional ultrasounds or dopplerography, fetal CTG. This will help in choosing tactics in childbirth and deciding whether they will be natural or a caesarean section is indicated.

Mother's diet and weight

In this period, the uterus puts maximum pressure on the internal organs and you need to eat right to avoid nausea and vomiting, constipation and other digestive problems. In many respects, the further process of childbirth and the condition of the baby depend on the nutrition of the mother. In the last months of pregnancy, it is worth switching to hypoallergenic food with the exclusion of potentially dangerous allergens, abandoning foods that can become a potential source of intestinal infections or poisoning - canned food, raw foods, unboiled milk, poorly fried meat and fish. It is important to pay special attention to products with calcium - dairy products and cottage cheese, yogurt. Equally important is the intake of adequate amounts of protein in the form of red meat and iron-rich foods. The amount of meat and fish in the diet should be slightly reduced in favor of vegetables and fruits, vegetable oils, grains and light foods. It is worth giving up fatty, fried and spicy foods, excess sauces and spices, steaming, baking, stewing or boiling food. It is worth eating often, but in small portions, refusing to use carbonated drinks of fermenting foods, excess sweets and carbohydrates. You can do fasting days once a week as agreed with your doctor. Before childbirth, appetite may disappear altogether - and this is normal, the body is preparing for hard work and cleans the intestines.

Cold in the ninth month

In the ninth month, it is worth protecting yourself from a cold, otherwise childbirth can be complicated, and you will have to give birth in an isolated box in the observational department. A cold is dangerous because of a violation of labor activity, the need to use medicines and the danger of its influence on the fetus. So, taking paracetamol or its analogues disrupts the process of preparing the cervix for childbirth and further complicates the birth process.

Sex

The question of intimacy in the ninth month is controversial - this will be determined by the doctor. But usually the libido of women is reduced, and with such a large belly, it is not very convenient to have sex at all. Many doctors recommend abstinence when the mucus plug is expelled, although orgasm itself does not induce preterm labor. But if there are contraindications, sex will be prohibited - this is the leakage of amniotic fluid, placenta previa or low placentation, multiple pregnancy or the presence of isthmic-cervical insufficiency. Difficulties can be with the choice of poses, since pressure on the stomach must be completely eliminated. If the birth is delayed, intimacy is one of the natural methods of inducing labor - the man's sperm has a softening effect on the cervix.

Discuss

Ninth month of pregnancy

The 9th month of pregnancy is the period when the long-awaited baby is about to be born. No matter how hard these months have passed, the expectant mother feels the happiness of motherhood more and more. Problems fade into the background, calmness and self-confidence appear. This is the time to prepare for childbirth and keep on hand everything that a woman in labor will need at first - documents, things for herself and the baby.

What to do at 9 months pregnant

9 months of pregnancy is the most crucial time. You need to carefully monitor your health, stay on your feet less and rest more.

The expectant mother should remember that at this time:

• The cork leaves the cervix in the form of mucous secretions.
• The placenta ages, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
• The center of gravity changes in the uterus.
• The breast at the 9th month of pregnancy increases even more, colostrum is secreted from it.
• It is impossible to allow overwearing, it is dangerous for the child.
• The first sign of the onset of labor is the discharge of amniotic fluid.

Woman 9 months pregnant

9 months of pregnancy is how many weeks - both the doctor and the expectant mother believe. This is the most difficult period, which is accompanied by great physical and psychological stress. The hormonal background changes, the amount of hormones that cause uterine contractions increases. A harbinger of childbirth can be a lowered belly, easier breathing and the disappearance of heartburn - the child sinks lower and ceases to put pressure on the internal organs. Swelling of the legs at the 9th month of pregnancy becomes even stronger.

Belly at 9 months pregnant

If the stomach pulls at the 9th month of pregnancy, this does not mean anything. Heaviness and pain can be caused by various reasons. A sharp pain in the upper abdomen is not related to the position, it is a sign of diseases of the internal organs. Pain in the navel is a symptom of a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, and pain in the lower abdomen is a sign of an early birth. The abdomen at this time becomes even larger, the number of stretch marks increases. So that the skin is not injured, you need to use special creams and wear a bandage.

Discharge at 9 months pregnant

The discharge should be odorless and colorless or slightly pinkish. Pain in the 9th month of pregnancy in the vaginal area is unacceptable, if they appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. You need to consult a specialist even if there are colored discharges or discharges with blood. But the abundant release of a clear liquid is amniotic fluid, the first signal of the onset of labor.

fetus at 9 months pregnant

The child at the 9th month of pregnancy is fully formed and ready for independent life. All organs work for him, the remnants of lubricant disappear from the skin. If there is no breech presentation, the baby will spend the entire last month in the mother's womb upside down. By the time he is born, he will weigh 3.5-4 kg with a height of up to 54 cm.

Nutrition at 9 months pregnant

Nutrition should be such that the weight gain from the moment of conception is up to 15 kg. The diet should be made up of easy-to-digest foods that do not cause constipation. You need to eat as many fruits, vegetables and meat as possible, it is better to eat more often, but less. In no case should you starve - the child is actively gaining weight, the lack of nutrients in the body of the mother will affect him.

Sex at 9 months pregnant

Sex during the 9th month of pregnancy is not recommended because it can induce labor. Childbirth at the 9th month of pregnancy is considered normal if the gestation period does not exceed 42 weeks. As a rule, primiparas give birth later, those women in whom this is not the first birth - a little earlier.

9 months of pregnancy, if you count according to the lunar calendar, in which there are 28 days, these are 33, 34, 35, 36 obstetric weeks. There is not much time left before meeting with the little one. Some women give birth during this month. It is still premature, but with medical care, all healthy babies survive and develop without any significant pathologies.

What does mom feel in the ninth month

1. Fatigue. I want to give birth as soon as possible, despite the fear of childbirth itself (for most mothers). The last months, which, by the way, are already on maternity leave, you need to devote to your beloved. You need to find yourself a hobby or do self-education - you have a lot of free time, use it. When a child is born, you will devote all of yourself to him.

One important point - if severe fatigue is combined with tachycardia even at rest, this may indicate the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Donate blood for hemoglobin. Its level should not be less than 110. Otherwise, you need to take an iron supplement. Many women refuse it, since such drugs provoke constipation (and pregnant women often have problems with stools), but this should not be done. Remember that iron deficiency threatens with fetal hypoxia and is deadly during childbirth, both natural and operative. Iron supplements are continued for several months. The dosage is determined by the doctor.

2. Frequent uterine tone or preparatory contractions. By the end of this month, all progesterone preparations are usually already canceled to prevent preterm birth. These drugs relieved hypertonicity in mothers. So, after the end of their intake, tension in the uterus, its stoneness, will be felt much more often.

Also, periodic uterine hypertonicity, usually in response to any physical activity, is called preparatory contractions or Braxton Higgs contractions. They do not lead to the opening of the cervix and the onset of labor. Although unpleasant, they are not painful and do not get worse like real contractions.

3. Pressure in the perineum. Sometimes discomfort is associated with a breech presentation of the fetus, which may try to stretch the legs (if they are tucked in). But more often this is due to the low position of the baby's head. This happens closer to childbirth. If the doctor during the examination notes the motionless head of the fetus during a manual examination, it may make sense to look at the length of the cervix on ultrasound. If it is greatly shortened, inpatient treatment and observation is necessary.

What happens to the fetus at 33-36 gestational weeks

The baby becomes very strong and well-fed. By the end of the ninth month, his weight is already 2.5-3 kg. Height 45 cm on average. Chubby cheeks formed. They are clearly visible with 3D ultrasound. The relief of the face is given by sucking muscles. By the way, their baby is still developing in utero. You can see him sucking his thumb. After birth, this habit persists in all babies. Only many of them are swaddled, so you can’t get a finger in your mouth. The sucking reflex in newborns is very strong. Dimples are visible on the shoulders and buttocks.

At the end of the month, in the case of a breech presentation of the fetus, some women will be issued a referral to the hospital. This applies to women of various risk groups. Caesarean section, if necessary, is done as close as possible to the expected date of birth, so that the child is as ripe as possible for life outside the womb.

An earlier birth should be expected in multiple pregnancies. So, for a period of 36-37 weeks, many twins are born.

The baby's head is round and oval when it is inside the mother. But after birth, the shape of the head is often irregular, pointed. This is a normal deformity that occurred as a result of natural childbirth. The bones of the skull are very soft, this is necessary to facilitate childbirth. But within a few days, the head will again be the correct shape.

The nature of the movements of the child is changing. They don't get rarer, but they are different. Mommy notices how the baby rests its limbs on the uterus. Have you seen on the Internet a picture of a pregnant tummy with a clearly protruding foot of a child? This is what happens during this period of pregnancy.

Anxiety in mothers can be caused by the so-called hiccups in a child. Especially if it is long and frequent. In fact, the child does not hiccup in the literal sense of the word, but does breathing exercises, trains before his birth. It's not at all that you ate fat. Do not worry! Doing an ultrasound or CTG because of this is not worth it. Anxiety should be caused by the absence of movement for several hours.

All organs and systems of the child's body are almost ready for birth by the end of this month. And, most likely, with a gestational age of 36 weeks, the baby will be able to stay in the maternity hospital in a regular ward with his mother. That is, you do not need to take care of him. This is with regard to healthy babies, without deviations.

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Every woman is looking forward to the last month of pregnancy, because its onset means a quick happy meeting with the baby. Such a close birth imposes many features on the 9th month, which relate to both the well-being of the future mother herself and the behavior required from her. The finish line is not always easy, but if you prepare yourself and know what to expect, then no difficulties will arise.

Picture of the 9th month of pregnancy

The ninth month of pregnancy is considered the last, it includes from the 36th to the 40th week of gestation. By this time, the child is already full-term, so labor can begin at any time. The stomach has reached its maximum size, this brings some discomfort - it becomes difficult for a woman to move, sleep, and even breathe, as there is constant pressure from the enlarged uterus. The situation is nearing resolution, so at one moment the expectant mother may feel a noticeable relief - breathing becomes easier, which is due to the phenomenon of lowering the abdomen (the fetus descends into the pelvic area, preparing for birth, and the pressure on the lungs decreases). In this case, discomfort may appear on the other side - pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, dull pain in the pubic and pelvic region due to pressure on the nerve endings of the lower body. The effect on the bladder is preserved, which causes frequent urination.

A woman may notice a change in the nature of vaginal discharge. Closer to childbirth, they become thicker and acquire a pronounced mucous character, streaks of blood may be present. The source of this phenomenon is the mucous plug that fills the cervix during pregnancy - when the birth is approaching, it begins to move away, and can come out as a single clot or in parts.

Normally, a pregnant woman's weight gain in the last month is 1–1.5 kg, but it is quite possible that there is no gain dynamics. Here you can already calculate how many kilograms have been gained all the time, an increase in weight by 8–14 kg is considered normal. The abdomen in the last month usually does not increase in size, but changes in shape can be visually noted due to the lowering of the fetus into the pelvis.

In the last month of gestation, the abdomen reaches its maximum size and usually no longer increases.

An increase in the number on the scales does not at all mean that a woman is recovering during pregnancy. Usually, the increase in the amount of body fat (the so-called "fat depot") accounts for only about 15% of the increase, the rest is the changes necessary for successful gestation. So, an increase in the volume of fluid (including blood) in the body is approximately 15%, an enlarged uterus and amniotic fluid - 20% of weight gain, the baby itself and the placenta - 40%. Thus, a woman “leaves” most of the weight gained while still in the hospital.

Psychology of the last month of pregnancy

The last month of pregnancy cannot be compared to any other, it is truly special. Despite the physical heaviness and some discomfort, every day is filled with the joyful expectation of meeting with the baby. If the preparation for the upcoming birth was carried out correctly, the expectant mother will not have any fear and anxiety about the upcoming event.

The state of the pregnant woman in the last month is generally characterized as calm, forgetful, absent-minded. This is due to the formation of a "patrimonial dominant" - a special state of the nervous system that allows a woman to relax, listen to her inner feelings and understand her needs. This phenomenon helps a lot during childbirth, and in order to maintain it as much as possible on the 9th month, it is worth reducing the intellectual load, abstracting from external problems and allowing yourself to prepare for the upcoming meeting. The future father should pay maximum attention to his woman, do not call her to reason and get angry at absent-mindedness, it is better to be patient, understanding with her and satisfy her whims to create emotional comfort.

Harbingers of an imminent birth

• pain in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region - these sensations are light, pulling in nature, occur periodically. A feeling of fullness and tingling at the pubis is also possible;
• abdominal tension. The closer to childbirth, the more often the uterus will tense up, becoming hard. This can happen 1-2 times during the day, and persist for several minutes or several hours;
• false or training contractions. It often happens that a woman comes to the maternity hospital several times, and the first visits turn out to be false. This is due to the so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions - contractions of the muscles of the uterus that do not lead to the opening of the cervix. All expectant mothers have them, but some do not feel them at all. The peculiarities of such contractions are their irregularity, unexpressed pain and short duration;
• increased urination and loose stools. The baby prepares for the birth, taking a position to exit the uterus, thereby increasing pressure on the mother's bladder - as a result, an even greater frequency of urination. And loosening of the stool occurs very close to childbirth - this happens due to high concentrations of estrogen;
• the exit of the mucous plug in whole or in part - this means a change in the state of the cervix, which means childbirth is just around the corner;
• change in the behavior of the baby in the stomach. A common situation is when, shortly before the start of contractions, the baby calmed down, moved less often and weaker, taking a position to move along the birth canal.

Having noticed the listed changes in the body, you can immediately go to the maternity hospital so that specialists confirm the dynamics of the process. But many women prefer to stay at home, waiting for real contractions - this is more comfortable and significantly reduces the time spent in the hospital.

My 9th month of pregnancy was normal, only my big belly bothered me, which interfered with sleep and constantly made me want to go to the toilet in a small way. The harbingers of childbirth in my case were the periodic tension of the abdomen for several days and the prolapse of the abdomen, which I noticed solely by the relief of breathing. But the contractions that appeared immediately after a night's sleep became an incentive to go to the hospital.

Pregnant woman registered in the antenatal clinic

In the last month, it is quite logical to expect childbirth, so visits to the antenatal clinic should become more frequent - most likely, you will be asked to show up every week. At each appointment, the expectant mother will be asked questions about her well-being, measure pressure, abdominal circumference and uterine fundus height, and record weight. Several important tests need to be done:

• a blood test to determine the level of platelets and hemoglobin. These indicators are very important, since there is a high risk of blood loss in labor, and it is important to make sure that the body is ready for this;
• urine protein analysis - the detection of such inclusions may be a sign of late toxicosis. Normally, there should be no protein in the results at all;
• vaginal smear for flora. Before giving birth, it is important to make sure that there is no infection in the birth canal. In the inflammatory process, tissues do not stretch well, tear easily and heal slowly, which can lead to unpleasant complications during and after the baby is born. If changes are detected in the smear, the doctor will prescribe preventive treatment.

Table: the main indicators of a blood test in a pregnant woman at the 9th month

At the examination, the doctor should assess the condition of the fetus by making a CTG - a cardiotocogram, or at least listening to the abdomen with an obstetric stethoscope. In some cases, an ultrasound examination and doplerometry (study of placenta-fetus blood flow) are additionally prescribed.

To assess the condition of the fetus, the results of CTG are used, which give an idea of ​​​​the work of the child's heart muscle

A pregnant woman should leave the doctor's office at the 9th month with comprehensive information about her condition:

• the degree of readiness of the uterus for childbirth according to the results of the examination;
• the state of the baby's heart activity;
• the presence or absence of deviations according to the results of analyzes and ultrasound.

Baby development in the ninth month

At the 9th month of its development, the baby is already fully formed and ready for birth. Fetal weight - from 2.5 kg, length - more than 47 cm. With an occipital presentation, the head begins to descend towards the entrance to the small pelvis and the child takes a specific position: the head is pressed to the chest, the arms are crossed, the legs are bent at the knee and hip joints and pressed against belly. The baby in the last month already changes little before childbirth:

• the skin is light, the subcutaneous fat layer is well developed, there are remnants of the original lubricant in the folds. Most of the vellus hair on the body has already been lost;
• the face is smooth, there are pronounced cheeks - the result of thumb sucking and the process of accumulation of subcutaneous fat;
• the skull remains soft enough for the head to easily pass through the birth canal;
• primary feces accumulate in the intestines, consisting of exfoliated skin cells, vellus hair and other elements that were swallowed by the baby along with amniotic fluid during development.

In the last month of pregnancy, the baby is fully formed and ready to be born.

In the last month, the child is completely ready for the coming changes. His lungs will start to work immediately after appearing on the account, and the window in the heart septum, which allowed him to bypass the respiratory organs, will gradually close. The only thing that has not fully matured in a baby is the immune system. She will be supported by the mother's antibodies for another six months after birth.

Video: baby in the 9th month of gestation

Problems of pregnancy of the last month and their solution

In the last month, difficulties may arise both on the part of the mother and on the part of the baby, but often these problems appear and are detected earlier.

Problems from the baby

The child may have:

• entanglement of the umbilical cord. If he was not at the last ultrasound, then this does not mean that it will not appear before childbirth, because the baby moves in the womb. It is diagnosed on a control ultrasound already before the birth itself, during contractions. Depending on the complexity of the situation, a decision is made on the safest type of delivery;
• dangerous location in the uterus. Not all children before childbirth take the correct position with the back of the head to the exit from the uterus, frontal, facial, pelvic and transverse presentations are possible. They are dangerous for the child, as in the process of moving along the birth canal they can provoke serious injuries. After evaluating the position of the fetus during the control ultrasound, doctors assess the risks and decide whether to allow vaginal delivery or a caesarean section;
• complete placenta previa - a situation where the child's place blocks the exit from the uterus and makes it impossible to move naturally through the birth canal. This is detected even at the first screenings, but with the onset of contractions it can become a source of severe bleeding that threatens the life of both the baby and the mother. The only solution to the problem is a caesarean section, which is often planned.

Mother's problems

It is very important for a future mother to control weight - excess weight gain in the last month (more than 2 kg) may indicate the accumulation of fluid in the body and edema, which indicates the development of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia or late toxicosis. Gradually, the appearance of protein in the urine and increased pressure are added to the swelling, which confirms the diagnosis. Therefore, if the rings began to be removed poorly, traces of elastic bands of socks and tights remain on the legs and waist, then you should immediately go to the doctor. In the last month, the following issues may become particularly relevant:

The body of the expectant mother is in full swing preparing for the upcoming birth, there are changes in the functioning of the nervous system, which determines a special scattered state. In order not to provoke childbirth prematurely, a woman should take care of herself and use all her free time to relax. Moderate physical activity is allowed and recommended, but only if there are no contraindications. In the last month, daily leisurely walks in the fresh air, yoga classes for pregnant women and attending special classes in the pool are also desirable. The main rule is to avoid overwork. Pregnant women are prohibited from:

• lift weights;
• visit saunas and baths, take hot baths;
• any activities associated with strong vibrations, including long trips in public transport;
• be exposed to stress;
• take medications without a doctor's prescription.

Sexual life at the end of pregnancy may subside due to the uncomfortable state of the woman. However, if there is a desire, then a healthy relationship with a sexual partner will only benefit, the main thing is to avoid sudden and too active movements. If there is a tendency to overwear, doctors even recommend that pregnant women have sex - this stimulates the uterus and in the last weeks often becomes an impetus for the onset of labor.

The 9th month of pregnancy does not introduce any innovations into the diet. A woman should continue to follow the principles of proper nutrition, avoiding salty, spicy, smoked, fried, flour, and especially alcohol. The main emphasis should be on healthy cereals, fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats. Particular attention should be paid to the drinking regimen: you need to drink clean water in the amount of 2 liters per day, but you should not exceed this amount too much, especially if there is a problem with edema.