38 weeks of pregnancy - severe weakness. Weakness during pregnancy - why and when? How to get rid of it

From the 38th week the pregnancy is considered full-term. A woman’s body undergoes a whole range of “events” to prepare for childbirth. The cervix matures and shortens so that at the decisive moment it can open quickly and without pain. The expectant mother should be prepared for the onset of an important event, because the expected date of birth is getting closer every day.

What happens at this time

The 38th obstetric week can often be the last week of bearing a baby. During this period, the expectant mother, if indicated, is sent to the maternity hospital for planned hospitalization. The reasons for this may be:

• mother's age (over 35 years);
• Ultrasound diagnosis was made of oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios;
• placenta previa;
• gestosis or its signs (swelling, protein in the urine, etc.);
• threat of premature birth;
• cardiac, renal pathologies;
• infectious diseases dangerous to the fetus;
• other condition of a pregnant woman requiring constant medical supervision.

Childbirth at 38 weeks - should I worry?

From a medical point of view, childbirth at thirty-eight weeks is called urgent, or full-term birth. Labor often begins this week in women with their second and subsequent pregnancies. In first-time expectant mothers, the baby can stay in the stomach for another 2-3 weeks. However, a child born during this period is not considered premature; intrauterine development of the fetus has come to an end and the baby is ready to be born.

On a note! Sometimes expectant mothers have a question: 38 weeks - how many months is it? Speaking about the 38th week of pregnancy, according to obstetric calculations, it has been established that 36 weeks have passed since the conception of the baby. That is, this period is exactly equal to 9 months of bearing a child.

Fetal development at 38 weeks of gestation

At the thirty-eighth week, the baby is already fully formed. He already has the appearance that the mother will see after giving birth. The baby's skin is smooth and has a healthy, soft pink tint. The head of most babies at this stage has hair.

The weight and height of the fetus are practically no different from those of a newborn child, and are on average 2.9 kg and 49-50 cm.

Child development

The placenta, which provides nutrition to the baby, becomes thinner and older. The amount of nutrients the fetus receives is sharply reduced, which leads to a halt in weight gain. The baby’s weight now increases slightly; the bulk of the nutrients received from the mother are spent on the baby’s vital functions. The heart of a small person normally beats at a frequency of 120 - 160 beats per minute.

The child's organs are well developed. The surface of the pulmonary alveoli is already covered with surfactant. This will help the baby take his first breath in the first second after birth. The pancreas and liver continue to mature. The intestines have already accumulated original feces - meconium, which was formed as a result of the child swallowing amniotic fluid.

In the uterus, the baby becomes cramped in the ninth month of pregnancy, so pushing and moving occurs less frequently than a couple of weeks ago. At the same time, coordination improves significantly, and the movements of his limbs are no longer erratic. The child has already perfectly developed first reflexes - sucking and grasping. The baby already has a strong grip, which the mother will be able to verify immediately after birth; the baby will easily clamp her finger in his fist.

What happens to the baby at 38 weeks

• The child's body begins to intensively produce the hormone cortisol, which helps the baby prepare for intrauterine life. Cortisol promotes lung maturation and the production of surfactant, a substance that allows the lungs to open with the first breath of air.
• Thanks to the action of the hormone cortisol, the liver also begins to function in a new way, and the internal lining of the intestines and stomach changes. After birth, the baby will receive nutrients only through these organs.
• In addition, the adrenal glands begin to produce endorphins (“happiness hormones”), which will help the child more easily survive separation from the mother’s womb.

Position of the baby in the uterus

There are two options for the position of the baby in the uterus - cephalic and pelvic. In a normal position, the baby's head should be in the mother's lower pelvis. Breech presentation is considered a pathology. It means that the baby is in the wrong position in the uterus and is positioned with its legs down. It is necessary to monitor the position of the baby in the uterus during breech presentation using ultrasound every 5-7 days to determine a safe delivery.

Note! According to medical opinion, if by the end of the third trimester the child has not taken the position necessary for childbirth, then he is unlikely to be able to turn head down due to his large size. If the fetus is light in weight, there is a chance that it will turn over on its own by the time of birth.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother at 38 weeks

Weight gain is minimal, sometimes a woman does not even gain weight at all during this period, but, on the contrary, loses it. In total, the expectant mother, from the 1st week of pregnancy, gains about 12-15 kg by this moment. A pregnant woman can lose about a kilogram in weight due to the fact that the stomach sank and the mucus plug comes out. A slight prenatal weight loss should not cause concern - this is quite normal for late pregnancy.

What does the belly look like at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

The expectant mother's tummy looks large in appearance and causes considerable discomfort to the pregnant woman. The average circumference of the abdomen can reach 92-96 cm. The abdomen begins to gradually descend, and the height of the fundus of the uterus is 35 cm. When a woman’s tummy drops, it will immediately become easier for her to breathe, because the uterus will no longer rest against the ribs.

A woman may feel like her baby is moving less than usual. The development of the baby’s nervous system by the 38th week allows him to make more directed and less sudden movements that are difficult to detect from the outside. However, movements still need to be controlled. If there are less than ten of them over the past 12 hours, or the baby has calmed down for more than 3-4 hours, you should consult a doctor.

What is happening in a woman’s body at this time?

• the lower uterine segment stretches, becomes more pliable, the baby in the cephalic presentation presses its head against the entrance to the pelvis;
• the mother’s adrenal glands begin to produce stress hormones - adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, they force the pregnant woman’s body to work in emergency mode, preparing it for the upcoming birth;
• increases blood clotting to prevent excessive blood loss if labor begins at 38 weeks;
• two weeks before the preliminary date of birth, a woman’s brain activity increases and a special focus of excitation (“birth dominant”) is formed. It takes control of the work of all body systems, stimulates the birth process and controls it.

What may worry the expectant mother at the end of the third trimester?

Psychological discomfort

Two to three weeks before giving birth, many women begin to feel uncomfortable. Excitement and fear of the pain of the birth process make themselves felt, the heaviness of the abdomen does not allow one to feel like a cheerful and active person. Don’t worry - you are at the finish line of pregnancy, and soon your life will take a completely different, more troublesome, but happy turn.

Colostrum

From mammary glands During the day and especially at night, colostrum may leak in large quantities. It's time to use special underwear pads that absorb fluid released from the breasts. Give preference to disposable inserts - it is more hygienic and convenient.

Big belly

Due to the weight of the child, a pregnant woman’s belly seems simply huge and causes a lot of inconvenience in terms of choosing clothes, especially in winter. It seems as if it has become an obstacle to all significant life situations: sleep, walking and rest, the woman experiences heaviness, fatigue and weakness. Sometimes the stomach itches due to very stretched skin, which signals the imminent appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks).

Braxton Hicks contractions

Normally, a woman feels these painless irregular contractions of the uterus as a “stony belly.” Sometimes training contractions are accompanied by pain or cause fatigue and insomnia, especially if the woman is pregnant for the second time. In this case, you need to consult a doctor for examination.

Discharge

On later A woman may have clear or whitish discharge that is odorless and not larger than a teaspoon in volume. More abundant discharge may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid (the third pregnancy and subsequent ones are especially often faced with this symptom). Rupture of membranes is diagnosed in medical institutions. But invasive leak test amniotic fluid You can also do it at home using a special strip with a reagent applied.

High pressure

In the ninth month of pregnancy, the load on the cardiac system increases, the heart beats faster, blood flow increases, and along with this, blood pressure often increases. Arterial hypertension – dangerous complication for a pregnant woman. High blood pressure, tinnitus and headache should be a reason to immediately call an ambulance at this stage of pregnancy.

Menu and intimate life of the expectant mother at 38 weeks

Nutrition

The expectant mother should switch to light, low-fat foods in advance. A woman’s body begins preparing for childbirth, getting rid of food digestion products in the intestines, as well as ballast in the form of excess fluid and calories. You need to eat “according to your appetite”; you should not overindulge yourself with snacks, this way you can avoid indigestion, problems with stool and indigestion.

You can see what should be on a pregnant woman’s menu at 9 months in the table below.

Eating	Food and drink options
First breakfast	Milk porridge with the addition of fresh fruits Boiled egg Sandwiches with soft cheese and herbs Cottage cheese with berries or jam Green tea
Lunch	Cheesecake with cottage cheese Crispbread with a slice of low-fat cheese Fruit juice
Dinner	Vegetable salad with herbs, seasoned with vegetable oil Chicken broth soup with sour cream Spaghetti with meatballs Fruit juice or compote with dried fruits
Afternoon snack	A glass of low-fat kefir (1%) Sandwich with butter Crackers Apple or ripe banana
Dinner	Fish casserole Light vegetable stew Herb tea Pomegranate
Before bedtime	Kefir or baked milk Cookies 2-3 pcs.

Intimate relationships

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, there are no obstacles to continuing an intimate relationship with your spouse. Of course, with sexuality in the third trimester, everything becomes a little more difficult - the volume of the female body does not in the best possible way affect dexterity and coordination, and the general fatigue of the expectant mother affects the temperament.

Contraindications to having sex at the 38th week of pregnancy may be if:

• a woman is carrying several babies (after 28 weeks, doctors recommend abstaining from sex);
• with placenta previa (high risk of placental abruption and bleeding);
• if there is a threat of miscarriage or if the previous pregnancy ended unsuccessfully;
• with atypical heavy discharge;
• with isthmic-cervical insufficiency of the cervix.

Mom shares her experience. Packing your bag for the maternity hospital (video):

Pain and sensations: what does the expectant mother feel?

The closer the expected date of birth of the child, the more anxiety and questions the expectant mother has. Especially if this is your first pregnancy. What can be considered a normal condition, and what requires urgent medical attention? Let's try to figure it out.

Bloody discharge	The vaginal mucosa, under the influence of the hormone estrogen, becomes bluish, swollen and filled with blood. Because of this, even a standard gynecological examination at 38 weeks can result in blood “smears” on your underwear. There is no need to be alarmed: if there is very little discharge and it occurred immediately after a visit to the gynecologist, then this symptom does not require treatment; but it is still worth drawing the doctor’s attention to this incident.
Discomfort	1.5-2 weeks before giving birth, a woman’s sensations undergo a number of changes - she encounters heaviness, discomfort and pressure in the sacral area, her stomach pulls and becomes stiff. This is caused by an increase in the elasticity of the ligaments and a change in the position of the pelvic organs. Painkillers during this period will not have the desired effect, so you should not take them to suppress symptoms, especially since side effects at this time can be very unpleasant.
Nausea and diarrhea	The cervix ripens under the influence of prostaglandins, and this affects the condition of the organs located “in the neighborhood.” Intestinal perilstatics significantly increase - stool becomes loose, sometimes accompanied by cramping pain. Dilatation of the cervix in some women is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. But only a specialist can determine whether these symptoms are caused by prenatal changes or infection.
Weight loss	More than half of pregnant women lose 1-2 kg by the end of the 38th week. This occurs due to the fact that the production of the hormone progesterone decreases. Swelling goes away, it becomes easier to put on shoes and remove rings. The child is not in any danger from losing his mother’s weight; in any case, he continues to receive all the necessary substances in the quantities his body needs.

Examinations of the expectant mother at 38 weeks

You need to visit a gynecologist once a week. The local doctor will conduct a vaginal examination to determine possible dilatation of the cervix. Also at the appointment, the specialist will conduct several standard studies:

1. determine the size and position of the fetus by examining the abdomen and measuring the height of the uterine fundus;
2. measure the weight and blood pressure of the expectant mother;
3. listen to the fetal heartbeat with an obstetric fetoscope;
4. will give a referral for a general blood test and a urine test.

CTG at 38 weeks

Cardiotocography at 38 weeks is carried out to study the baby’s heart rate and the state of uterine tone in the woman. The parameters are assessed using two sensors that the doctor attaches to the pregnant woman’s stomach. The expectant mother holds the third sensor in her hand, pressing the button each time she feels the baby move. The essence of the method is to analyze the change in the baby's heartbeat in response to his body movements in the uterus. Then you can find out whether the child is getting enough oxygen and track other possible deviations from the norm.

Ultrasound at 38 weeks

Ultrasound examination is prescribed during this period as necessary. The purpose of performing an ultrasound near the end of pregnancy is usually to identify the degree of maturity of the placenta, determine the amount of amniotic fluid and correlate the size of the baby with the current obstetric period. If it is noticed that the placenta is overripe or the amount of amniotic fluid has decreased, then perhaps the time has come for the baby to be born.

Signs of approaching labor

Precursors of labor may appear singly, complexly, or be absent altogether. But even if you notice their onset, this does not mean at all that the process of giving birth to a baby is about to begin. Precursors of childbirth in first-time mothers differ from precursors in women who have already given birth, with more vivid manifestations. Preparing the female body for childbirth is a delicate and highly individual matter; it often occurs gradually, and sometimes almost at lightning speed.

Training contractions

Increased contractile activity of the uterus and an increase in its sensitivity lead to the appearance of training contractions (or Braxton-Hicks contractions). They feel painless, occur at irregular intervals and do not lead to dilatation of the cervix. At week 38, such contractions intensify and become more frequent; these harbingers of labor are especially clearly felt in multiparous women. But their difference from real contractions is that training contractions can be “calmed down” in a shower or in a warm bath, as well as by the action of antispasmodics prescribed by an obstetrician.

Removal of the mucus plug

Cervix by 38 obstetric weeks shortens, which leads to the release of a mucus plug. Doctors call a plug a dense clot of mucus, which during pregnancy was a kind of “barrier” between the membranes of the fertilized egg and the female vaginal flora. Externally, the clot looks like a jelly-like discharge of a transparent color with pinkish veins. The plug may come out in parts over 1-5 days, or come out all at once. If the expectant mother's plug comes off, she may complain that her stomach hurts and her lower abdomen is pulled, as if she was on her period.

Descent of the abdomen

This sign is considered one of the most important external manifestations of the upcoming birth. In the later stages, the baby’s head is pressed against the entrance to the pelvis, while the fundus of the uterus drops several centimeters. The belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy becomes lower, which is quite noticeable to the eye. The feeling of lack of air disappears, the pressure on the diaphragm has decreased, and the woman can finally breathe deeply. But this increases the pressure on bladder, and therefore to the expectant mother I have to go to the toilet more often.

Reducing movements

There is a widespread belief that closer to childbirth, the child “calms down”; its physical activity, and fetal movements become rare. It should be noted that this is actually not the case. Yes, a pregnant woman may feel as if the baby has practically stopped being active. This is due to the fact that the number of strong pushes and turns decreases, but there are more complex, directed movements with the legs and arms. Mom just doesn’t feel them so clearly.

Important! From the appearance of precursors to the birth itself, it can take several hours or a couple of weeks. In addition, the labor process at 38 weeks can begin just like that, without any “warnings”.

5 signs that it's time to go to the hospital

Many women at this stage prefer to go to the maternity hospital to await childbirth under the supervision of doctors and for their own reassurance. Start risk labor activity outside the home in this case is completely absent. If the expectant mother decides to wait for the birth in a calm home environment, then the question of how to understand that the time has come to get ready for the maternity hospital is important.

So, the pregnant woman needs to call ambulance and go to the maternity ward if:

• contractions became painful and regular, the interval between them decreased to 7-10 minutes;
• the uterus does not relax between contractions, the pain in the lower abdomen intensifies;
• premature discharge of amniotic fluid occurred;
• bloody discharge appeared on the underwear;
• The baby's movements have become unusually strong, causing discomfort.

On a note! Starting from the third trimester, the expectant mother should always carry three documents with her: a passport, a medical policy and an exchange card. They are the first to be needed in the emergency department of the maternity hospital, where a woman can go at any time when labor suddenly begins.

Very soon your baby will be born. In order for the birth to be as easy and safe as possible, you should learn several very important things during the remaining time of pregnancy:

• listen to your body. Try to feel its changes, and look for the most comfortable positions for relaxation;
• master distraction breathing techniques that help restore strength in the short interval between contractions. Moreover, the calm correct breathing during childbirth - the best anesthesia;
• learn the simplest basics of self-massage of the sacrum and lower back;
• savvy yourself in theory. For example, every pregnant woman should know that it makes sense to go to the maternity hospital during contractions that occur at least once every 5-7 minutes and last more than 30 seconds;
• get to know the basics breastfeeding.

Enjoy last days pregnancy and get more rest. Don't forget to spend time outdoors, preferably at least an hour before bed. Fill your days with the joy of the upcoming meeting with your baby, positive emotions, and pleasant chores. Let me be with you on this important stage there will be close people ready to provide support and help at the right time.

Hyperhidrosis - causes a lot of inconvenience not only because unpleasant odor, but also often becomes a cause of anxiety and worry. There are many ways to reduce excessive sweating, but first you need to find out the exact reason why you are breaking into a sweat.

Causes of severe sweating in pregnant women

The symptoms and intensity of sweating may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. Most common cause profuse sweating is a hormonal change in the body that occurs in all pregnant women. Sweating is especially common during early stages pregnancy, this occurs due to sudden surges in estrogen. Basically, the palms and feet sweat a lot, as hormones begin to be actively produced, which can affect the functions of sweating. Sometimes the smell of sweat changes dramatically.

Heavy sweating at the very beginning of pregnancy can be observed due to changes in the psycho-emotional background. If a woman’s psyche is very vulnerable, she constantly breaks into a sweat. Sudden mood swings, severe anxiety, frequent worries - all this contributes to profuse sweating. Try to remain calm and avoid stress.

Signs of hyperhidrosis at all stages of pregnancy

In the first trimester increased sweating caused by the endocrine system. The feet begin to sweat especially strongly, although the rest of the body may remain almost dry. A woman can suddenly break into a sweat for various reasons.

In the second trimester, sweat production usually returns to normal. The body adapts to hormonal changes, which reduces the likelihood of excessive sweating. But at this time there is an increase in blood flow, which can provoke profuse sweating. In addition, in the second trimester the body requires more fluid, which can also affect the development of sweating.

In the third trimester, sweating may increase due to increased stress on the body, because the woman has to carry a fairly large fetus. Even with light exertion, the expectant mother breaks into a sweat; her arms, neck, and legs begin to sweat. At this stage, blood actively rushes to the skin, and this can also affect the increase in sweating. At the end of pregnancy, the armpits, pubic area and legs sweat more.

Heavy sweating during night sleep

Night sweats in pregnant women are often associated with external factors. Therefore, before going to bed, it is advisable to check the humidity level and air temperature in the bedroom. Excessive sweating during sleep can be associated with simple overheating of the body; try to sleep in underwear made of pure linen or cotton. Be sure to ventilate the bedroom and make sure that the air temperature does not exceed 20C. Go to bed and wake up at strictly defined hours; adherence to a daily routine helps normalize sweating.

If profuse sweating is observed only at night, this may be a signal of a developing disease, especially if there is a specific smell of sweat. In this case, you should definitely visit your gynecologist or therapist to determine the exact cause of hyperhidrosis.

How to reduce sweating

Personal hygiene should be observed by every woman. It is worth noting that during pregnancy you should not use chemicals (deodorants, antiperspirants) that prevent the smell of sweat. They can cause fluid retention in the body, allergies and skin rashes.

To remove the smell of sweat, shower regularly, and if you sweat profusely, wipe your body with a dry towel or napkin. If your feet constantly sweat, then they need especially careful care. To reduce sweating and remove the smell of sweat, feet can be soaked in baths with antiseptic herbs.

Proper nutrition

There is a group of products that greatly influence the process of sweating. If you eat dishes that contain a lot of spices, pepper and hot seasonings, then don’t be surprised if you break into a sweat afterwards. Onions and garlic can also cause profuse sweating, and these foods also cause a strong smell of sweat. Strong coffee also contributes to increased sweating.

Physical exercise

Try to properly distribute your household responsibilities. Everyday worries, especially long term, can be the main reason why the expectant mother often breaks into a sweat. Take care of yourself and seek help from loved ones more often. To prevent excessive sweating during pregnancy, rest and walk outdoors more often.

Water treatments

Throughout pregnancy, women are advised to wash only in the shower. A hot bath is harmful to the fetus and causes severe sweating. Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from visiting saunas and baths. Overheating is dangerous both for the health of the woman and for the unborn baby. You should not steam your feet in very hot water, as this will cause severe sweating throughout your body.

But you shouldn’t get upset, as a rule, after childbirth, as soon as hormonal background returns to normal, excessive sweating goes away on its own and no medical treatment is required for this.

Sweating during pregnancy

Increased sweating during pregnancy is observed in many expectant mothers, since due to hormonal changes in the entire body, many changes occur that cause significant discomfort. The intensity of hyperhidrosis manifests itself differently in each pregnant woman; some pregnant women break into sweat at night while sleeping, and the problem can be eliminated only after the cause is determined.

General information about the problem

Every woman experiences changes in her body during pregnancy. Against this background, various symptoms arise that can significantly affect the usual rhythm of life. The problem of hyperhidrosis is a striking example of the restructuring of the hormonal and endocrine systems, when, as a result of pregnancy, a woman experiences increased sweating of the feet, armpits or palms.

The problem is that excessive sweating entails serious psychological discomfort, which negatively affects the development of the fetus and the health of the mother. It is noted that increased sweating during pregnancy worries female representatives even when there are essentially no prerequisites for this: the woman is calm, the ambient temperature is acceptable, and the general condition is normal.

An important point for a woman during pregnancy is to understand the cause of increased sweating and combat this phenomenon without consequences for the health of the child.

Is it normal to sweat a lot during pregnancy?

The main cause of discomfort is hormonal changes, plus the body thus protects itself from overheating, which can lead to disturbances in the water-salt balance. A woman’s endocrine system also undergoes a number of changes during pregnancy, since from then on the work is aimed at ensuring the vital functions of two organisms. Early on, the sweat and sebaceous glands activate their work with double force. Skin changes during pregnancy can manifest themselves in different ways: if previously there was a problem of dry skin, very prone to peeling, then during pregnancy the skin can become oily. The problem of hyperhidrosis also lies in the fact that the mother’s body is oversaturated with blood, and this symptom causes her to have hot flashes, which affect severe sweating.

Causes of increased sweating during pregnancy

• Hormonal changes. Along with changes in the body, water metabolism disorders occur, which are accompanied by chills and thirst.
• Kidney problems. The paired organ does double duty, so the fluid is not excreted in full, which leads to increased sweating.
• Nervous surges. A woman is in a state of increased excitability, so any emotional outburst provokes illness.
• Rapid increase in body weight.

Return to contents

Symptoms faced by pregnant women

1st trimester

Throughout pregnancy, the pattern of sweating changes depending on the period. In the first trimester, women notice increased sweating of the feet. This is due to the beginning of the restructuring of the endocrine system. In areas where sweating is more pronounced, peeling and irritation are periodically observed. skin. If an infection occurs in places of high humidity, then prickly heat and diaper rash in the groin in pregnant women may develop as a sign.

2nd trimester

At the beginning of the second semester, all hormonal changes in the body come to an end. Sweating in areas that were previously susceptible to hyperhidrosis gradually returns to normal, the problems no longer bother the expectant mother, but night sweats may persist. At this stage, it is important to maintain personal hygiene, take a cold or slightly warm shower, and adhere to drinking regime and do not overdo it with medications.

Hyperhidrosis in the third trimester

At 37 weeks, sweating increases. The strength of blood flow reaches its maximum, so the 38th week of pregnancy is characterized by strong hot flashes and, as a result, increased sweating, especially at night. As the child grows up in the third trimester, the general pressure on the internal organs increases, it becomes harder for the woman to move, and she sweats profusely between her legs and armpits.

How to get rid of the problem in the early stages?

You need to be very careful when dealing with sweating during pregnancy. Any medications can harm the unborn baby, so it is recommended to adhere to the following tips:

• It is important to ventilate the room before going to bed.

The expectant mother should take care to sleep in natural underwear, mainly made of cotton.

It is not recommended to wrap yourself up or wear clothes made of synthetic materials.

Before going to bed, it is imperative to ventilate the room.

It is advisable to organize a daily routine; it is recommended to get up and go to bed at the same time.

Limit your consumption of spicy foods, marinades and coffee drinks.

If a woman wakes up sweating, ensure the room temperature is normal.

Try to spend more time outdoors.

Shower regularly and avoid hot baths.

Return to contents

Anti-sweat deodorants

The use of deodorizing agents for pregnant women is not recommended. Deodorants and antiperspirants contain aggressive aluminum salts, alcohol and triclosan, which are harmful to the unborn child. Similar means have an antibacterial and disinfectant effect, but at the same time clog pores and limit sweating. In addition, the use of deodorants can cause skin irritation.

If the expectant mother is concerned about the health of the child, it is better to refrain from using deodorants and antiperspirants during pregnancy.

Medicines for sweating

It is also not recommended to use any medications during pregnancy, since any medication taken can cause unforeseen complications for both the mother and the child. Doctors recommend resorting to alternative methods of combating sweating that do not have a toxic effect on the body and will help overcome the complexities of the problem.

Recipes from the people

Folk recipes - one of best options, which are available to pregnant women to combat hyperhidrosis. The following remedies are popularly used in treatment:

• Baths of walnut, mint and chamomile leaves. Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture and steam with a glass of water. Leave for about 2 hours and wipe your armpits and hands.
• Chamomile infusions and baking soda are effective for wiping excessively sweaty areas.
• The use of baths using oak bark is effective if your feet sweat. The product will help minimize the negative symptoms of hyperhidrosis. You need to brew the bark according to the instructions that are in the package with the herbal medicine.

Return to contents

Is it possible to prevent excessive sweating?

Proper nutrition during pregnancy

By adhering to the basic rules, you can avoid problems such as excessive sweating during pregnancy. It is not recommended to indulge in spicy, fatty, fried foods with copious amounts of spices. Dishes high in onions and garlic have a negative effect on sweating and also cause a strong odor during pregnancy. Coffee and caffeinated drinks affect not only the nervous system, but also increased sweating.

Water preventive procedures

During pregnancy, it is important for women to avoid taking baths and limit themselves exclusively to showers. Visiting baths and saunas poses a serious risk to the baby’s health and can also aggravate the problem of sweating. For a while, you should avoid hot foot baths, which stimulate sweating throughout the body.

Physical exercise

Expectant mothers should take care of themselves and not overdo the workload. In the last weeks of pregnancy, it is especially important not to overexert yourself in household chores, seek help from your family if necessary, and relax in the fresh air more often. Excessive physical labor in the later stages it is dangerous not only due to complications, but also due to increased sweat production.

What are the warning signs of labor during pregnancy?

As the months of waiting for the baby draw to a close, the expectant mother begins to listen even more to her feelings. After all, everyone has heard that shortly before childbirth, their harbingers should appear. But not all pregnant women know what it is. If a woman is giving birth not for the first time, then most likely she is familiar with this condition, but the woman giving birth for the first time is at a loss about this phenomenon. Therefore, let’s look at what the warning signs of labor are during pregnancy and when they usually occur.

Why do warning signs of labor appear during pregnancy?

IN last weeks During pregnancy, smooth hormonal changes begin in a woman’s body. The placenta gradually ages, and the amount of the hormone progesterone that it produces decreases. The level of estrogen, another female sex hormone, on the contrary, begins to rise. And if progesterone was necessary for the female body to maintain pregnancy, then estrogen is already preparing it for childbirth. At the moment when the level of estrogen reaches its maximum concentration in the blood, the brain perceives this as a signal for the onset of labor and the birth process begins. Thus, the changes that occur under the influence of estrogen in the body and prepare a woman for childbirth are called the harbingers of labor during pregnancy. Obstetricians also call this final stage of pregnancy the preparatory period of childbirth, which is aimed at the safe movement of the fetus along the birth canal.

Precursors of labor usually begin at 38 weeks of pregnancy. Although in women who give birth for the first time, precursors of labor may begin at 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Precursors of labor during pregnancy

The earliest sign of impending labor is a drooping abdomen. As a rule, this precursor of labor is observed at 37 weeks of pregnancy. This phenomenon occurs as a result of softening and stretching of the lower segment of the uterus. At the same time, the baby lowers and presses his head closely against the bony rim of the small pelvis. Thus, the stomach becomes lower. The drooping of the abdomen is accompanied by a pulling sensation in its lower part. Shooting pains in the legs and perineum also often appear, which is explained by the child’s pressure on the ligaments, muscles and nerves. In addition, since the pressure of the uterus on the lungs decreases, it becomes easier for the woman to breathe.

As a result of abdominal prolapse, another precursor to childbirth during pregnancy is observed - a decrease in the baby’s activity. Some mothers are afraid of this, which is completely in vain. A decrease in movements is quite normal, because the child is pressed against the bone ring of the pelvis, so he can no longer roll over, but only moves his arms and legs.

It is worth noting that abdominal drooping does not occur with a breech baby. The size and softness of the baby's butt do not allow it to be inserted into the bone ring of the woman's pelvis.

A frequent harbinger of labor at the 40th week of pregnancy is the release of a mucus plug. Throughout pregnancy, thick cervical mucus, like a plug, was a barrier to the uterus, protecting the baby from pathogenic microorganisms. As a rule, 3-5 days before birth it becomes more liquid and flows out. A woman discovers a watery-mucous discharge of brown or beige colour, often streaked with blood. Their volume is small, about 1-2 tablespoons.

Protrusion of the navel can also be attributed to the harbingers of childbirth. It is associated with overstretching of the abdominal skin, high pressure in the abdominal cavity and softening of connective tissues.

Many women note that closer to childbirth they begin to visit the toilet more often. The reason for this is hormonal changes that help relax the intestines and increase the rate of fluid removal from the body. In addition, the prolapsed uterus puts more pressure on the bladder and rectum, which also leads to increased urination and bowel movements. Typically, such precursors of labor are observed at 38 weeks of pregnancy and continue until the onset of labor.

A change in the psycho-emotional state and well-being of the expectant mother also indicates the imminent start of the birth process. A woman can go to extremes - unbridled euphoria can be replaced by sadness, and laughter can be replaced by tears. In addition, pregnant women often experience chills, slight dizziness, hot flashes to the head, and increased sweating. Such manifestations are caused by changes in the hormonal balance in the body.

Those pregnant women who regularly weigh themselves may notice a stabilization or even a decrease in weight before childbirth (by 1-2 kg). This usually happens 2-3 days before delivery and is explained by increased urination and decreased appetite.

The most significant harbingers of childbirth that a woman can feel are precursor contractions - special irregular contractions of the uterus that usually appear in the evenings 5-7 days before birth. Such contractions are necessary to prepare the birth canal for the birth of a child, namely, to shorten and dilate the cervix.

These precursors of labor during pregnancy disappear after a light massage and soothing tea. In some cases, contractions are represented only by pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, lower back and sacrum. Sometimes women confuse them with labor pains. But, unlike precursor contractions, labor contractions are characterized by regularity and a constant increase in intensity and frequency.

If there are no warning signs of labor at 40 weeks of pregnancy or later, the doctor may suspect post-term pregnancy. This is a rather dangerous pathology that requires hospitalization of the woman and constant monitoring of her condition.

Precursors of childbirth during pregnancy indicate the imminent birth of a baby. They allow a woman not only to prepare everything necessary for childbirth, but also to realize - “I will soon become a mother!”

B 38 weeks - sweating profusely!

List of messages in the topic “I’m 38 weeks - I’m sweating profusely!” Pregnancy forum > Pregnancy

about the project

All rights to materials posted on the site are protected by copyright and related rights laws and cannot be reproduced or used in any way without the written permission of the copyright holder and an active link to home page portal Eva.Ru (www.eva.ru) next to the materials used.

We are in social networks

Contacts

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience and make the site more efficient. Disabling cookies may cause problems with the site. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies.

Excessive sweating during pregnancy: normal or pathological?

Increased sweating is a common concern for pregnant women. Especially in the first trimester at night. Then sweating decreases slightly. But during childbirth, when the load on the body increases, it can return again. After delivery this phenomenon most often goes away. But in rare cases it continues almost until the end of breastfeeding. Sweating during pregnancy - normal or pathological? And what can be done to ensure that it causes expectant mothers as little inconvenience as possible.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating in medical terminology is called hyperhidrosis. This definition combines two words - “hydro” (water) and “hyper” (“super-” meaning excessive, exceeding the norm). Together it turns out - hyperhidrosis.

Many expectant mothers face the problem of increased sweating or hyperhidrosis at night. It would be useful information for a pregnant woman to understand how this phenomenon occurs and whether it is possible to get rid of it.

Excessive sweating during pregnancy: is this normal?

The main reason for the increase in sweating in women during this period is hormonal changes, and this is also how the body’s protective reaction to overheating manifests itself, in addition, sweating can provoke a violation of the water-salt balance.

A woman's endocrine system undergoes significant changes in the first trimester. These changes cause active work of the sweat and sebaceous glands.

The skin also reacts to these manifestations. She changes her state. Dry skin becomes oily, and oily skin, on the contrary, dries out and begins to flake off. All these problems disappear by the second trimester. Sweating is normalized, and the skin stops responding to hormonal surges.

However, excessive sweating does not disappear completely. After all, the expectant mother's blood volume increases by about 40 percent. This increase affects the blood flow to the skin and causes sweating. A pregnant woman experiences increased thirst, therefore, water consumption and excretion increase.

Of course, sweating during pregnancy causes discomfort to a woman. But in her condition, this is normal. No treatment required. It is enough to observe daily hygiene.

The most common symptom of hyperhidrosis during pregnancy is sweaty feet.

Symptoms depending on the week of pregnancy and time of day

First trimester, early stages

If an expectant mother experiences increased sweating in the first trimester, we can say with confidence that pregnancy and the restructuring of the endocrine system are to blame.

One of the signs of hyperhidrosis is sweating of the feet, and it occurs even when the woman remains motionless, sitting or lying. Interestingly, other areas of the body are not affected by this phenomenon, and the skin on them remains dry and may even begin to peel. In the early stages of pregnancy, hyperhidrosis manifests itself unexpectedly and unevenly.

Second trimester

In the second trimester, hormonal changes are almost complete and do not have such a dramatic effect on the body as in the first. Sweating begins to normalize. Sweat in areas of the body especially prone to hyperhidrosis (legs and armpits) does not produce as much sweat.

The expectant mother begins to drink water and other thirst-quenching drinks in increased quantities. Consequently, sweating also increases. Although in the middle of the term it is not as disturbing as at the very beginning of pregnancy.

This phenomenon cannot be eliminated. Yes, and you don’t need to do this. Chemicals and medications are especially harmful. Maintaining personal hygiene and a daily routine will reduce discomfort.

Late sweating, third trimester

In the third trimester, sweating increases with new strength. This occurs because blood flow increases to its maximum values. Blood flushes become more frequent, and therefore, a pregnant woman begins to sweat more often. The load on the body also increases. In recent weeks, the fetus has grown, and its severity affects the well-being of the expectant mother. Even with the slightest movement, a pregnant woman begins to sweat, her hands and feet sweat especially actively.

Causes

The male body, unlike the female one, is little susceptible to hormonal changes and stress. Representatives of the fairer sex especially often feel their influence during pregnancy and menopause.

Before the onset of menopause, a woman undergoes the same changes as during pregnancy. The hormonal balance changes, and blood flow increases.

The hormone that is responsible for the state of water-salt metabolism is called estrogen. Problems with sweating arise precisely because of a decrease in the level of this hormone in the blood during certain periods of a woman’s life.

Changes in the internal processes of the body are not the only cause of sweating. Problems with the thyroid gland, colds, infections cause an increase in temperature and, accordingly, increased sweating.

Women who are overweight are more likely to develop hyperhidrosis than women who are of normal weight or who are thin.

Heavy sweating at night

The reason is still the same - hormones. At night, a pregnant woman's body begins to produce more heat, which is released through sweating.

How can pregnant women deal with sweating?

Increased sweating during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes cannot be eliminated, but the condition can be alleviated using methods approved for expectant mothers. The main thing is not to self-medicate and get the approval of the doctor observing the pregnancy.

Try the following methods:

• Sleep in natural, breathable underwear, preferably cotton, but any natural material will do.
• Don't wear casual clothes made of synthetics, and do not wrap yourself up excessively.
• Ventilate the room before going to bed.
• The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining temperature. To improve its performance, normalize your daily routine. Go to bed and get up regularly at the same time.
• Avoid in diet spicy dishes, spices and coffee. Pregnant women should exclude such foods completely from their diet.
• Avoid heavy physical activity.
• Spend more time outdoors.
• Take a shower, not a bath. This way, the skin pores will be better cleaned and will be able to breathe fully.

Effective when increased sweating There will be rubdowns with drying herbal infusions.

Decoction recipe

For example, try using this recipe. It is harmless for both the expectant mother and her baby. You can wipe the body with the decoction or use it to make a drying foot bath.

• Crush willow and oak bark (15 grams) and place in a glass container (1 liter).
• Add dry crushed horsetail (1 spoon) there.
• Pour boiling water over the mixture and place in a water bath (container with hot water) and close with a lid. The jar in the pan must be placed on a cloth.
• Keep the broth on low heat for twenty minutes. Then cool and leave for at least one hour and no more than three hours.
• A foot bath is made using a hot decoction, slightly diluted with water at room temperature.

Deodorants, antiperspirants, medicines

On store shelves you can find a huge selection of products to get rid of sweat and odor. They are in demand and widely advertised.

However, it is harmful for the expectant mother to use deodorants. The most dangerous substances included in their composition are triclosan and alcohol. They have disinfectant and bactericidal properties. But pregnant women may experience allergies and skin rashes after using them.

Antiperspirants tighten pores, preventing the release of sweat. But in this case, sweat may be released elsewhere, or fluid will begin to linger in the body. For a mother who is concerned about the health of her unborn baby, the use of such products is unacceptable.

You can use folk recipes that helped women with excessive sweating even before the invention of their chemical analogues. Over the years they have proven their effectiveness.

Recipes

1. For drying baths you can use mint, leaves walnut, chamomile. Brew 2 tbsp. l. per glass of water, leave for 1 hour and dilute with warm water.
2. Add 1 tsp to the chamomile infusion. soda and wipe problem areas of the skin.
3. Pour boiling water over the oak bark in the proportions indicated on the package and boil for 20 minutes over low heat. With this decoction you can not only take foot baths, but also general ones.

Important! Before using any folk recipe, consult your doctor and do an allergy test (apply a little infusion or decoction to the crook of your elbow and wait 12 hours; if the skin at the site of application does not turn red, you can use the product).

There are also deodorants produced in industrial production, but they are natural and natural. For example, Tawas Crystal, available in solid or spray form. Or Deonat stick. It does not contain aromatic and chemical additives, as well as alcohol.

Photo gallery “Remedies for hyperhidrosis”

Increased sweating during pregnancy is a completely natural phenomenon. The expectant mother must maintain personal hygiene and use folk remedies to relieve the symptoms of this condition. No doctor would advise a pregnant woman to use modern chemicals or medications. It is best to show patience and understanding, then the entire period of bearing the baby will pass calmly and comfortably.

Harbingers of childbirth.

The precursors of childbirth mean such special changes in the body of a pregnant woman before childbirth, which she feels herself or they are observed in her externally. This is preparing the body for the upcoming birth and completing the difficult journey of nine months of pregnancy. They are necessary so that the body goes into labor with minimal trauma for the mother and baby, preparing the mother mentally and physically for the difficult test in her life. The body makes sure that labor begins on time, that the allotted time passes, and that it does not drag on too long. But not in a hurry either. This will allow the birth canal to be fully configured for the head and stretch enough so that there are no ruptures. And the cervix opens smoothly and completely.

A woman’s body is prepared for the upcoming birth by female sex hormones, and this is quite logical. Before childbirth, a woman’s hormonal background is restructured - the amount of estrogen increases sharply, but the amount of progesterone decreases to a minimum. As progesterone levels decrease, the tone of the uterus changes, contractile activity begins to increase, and training contractions appear. The composition of the mucus in the cervix, which previously protected it from infections, begins to change.

Towards the end of pregnancy, progesterone is no longer needed and its concentration gradually decreases - due to this, labor then begins to occur. At the same time, estrogens gradually increase - they make the skin and muscles more elastic and pliable. However, they also loosen the ligaments and joints - hence the gait in pregnant women. Estrogens also affect the uterus; their quantity will determine the smoothness of its opening and elasticity, and in the second stage of labor. When the cervix is ​​dilated, it will depend on them how much the vagina and vulvar ring will be stretched; they influence the duration of pushing.

Precursors do not mean that labor will begin right now - they can appear in different time, these are just subtle hints to be ready - everything will happen soon! There is no need to be afraid of this - the harbingers of labor are a physiological phenomenon, they do not require any medical intervention, immediate hospitalization or ambulance. But it’s worth checking the bags at the maternity hospital. These are planned activities to prepare for childbirth and meeting the baby, but if you do not feel any warning signs. This does not mean that everything is bad for you or that something is going wrong. Everyone’s body is different and the warning signs don’t always go away clearly. The appearance of the first harbingers suggests that labor can begin within 2 weeks to an hour.

There are some phenomena that are not harbingers of labor; they are abnormal and if they occur, you should immediately contact a doctor or maternity hospital for help. These include:

Severe abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea and vomiting,

Increased blood pressure 130\80 and above.

Temperature rise above 38 degrees

Headaches, palpitations, visual disturbances, vomiting.

Severe swelling or its sudden appearance

Leakage of amniotic fluid.

One of the first signs of imminent labor is weight loss, which is very pleasing to pregnant women who had previously been consistently gaining several hundred grams every month. This usually occurs as a result of increased urination and the removal of excess fluid from the body. The more weight a woman gained and the more pronounced her swelling was, the more weight she begins to lose before giving birth. Fluid retention and increased hydrophilicity of tissues, or in ordinary language, edema, are noted by all pregnant women, only in terms of severity they differ.

Typically, before giving birth, a “drop of the abdomen” occurs, as many pregnant women note.

However, prolapse of the abdomen brings with it another problem - the pressure on the bladder increases, because of this, pregnant women become frequent guests of the toilet, and sometimes the false urge to go to the toilet may also intensify. Therefore, pregnant women have to visit the toilet more often than usual.

During pregnancy, the inside of the cervix is ​​closed with a dense lump of mucus, which protects against infection entering the fetus. It is secreted by the cervical canal and the cervix itself; it contains many macrophages and leukocytes that kill microbes. The mucus is thick and looks like a plug sealing the entrance to the uterus. at the end of pregnancy, a few days before birth, the cervix softens and the plug gradually comes off. This may be the immediate release of a lump of mucus or gradual separation, in the form of increased discharge from the genital tract. The mucus is yellowish-white, without any admixture of blood; if the doctor looked at the woman in the chair, then there may be a very small admixture of blood. The removal of the plug is painless. Before childbirth, slight stretching in the lower abdomen and discomfort may occur. If the plug comes out, it is not recommended to swim, it is better to take a shower, you should not go to the pool, or have sex, there is a risk of getting an infection, because the membranes are no longer fenced off from the vagina. The plug comes off a few days or hours before birth.

In the last weeks before giving birth, a woman gets her “second wind” and begins to intensively “build a nest.” She is intensively preparing the whole house for her imminent return to it with the baby - there is an urgent desire to move the furniture and repaint the walls, wash the floor, windows and all the dishes, buy up half of the children's store, etc. It is necessary to monitor the diligence of the expectant mother so that she does not become overtired and injured. In addition, due to hormones, she becomes emotionally labile - she either laughs in euphoria, or cries and seeks peace. Pay attention to this condition, it is normal.

The 38th week of pregnancy can be both the time when a baby is born and a reason to go to the maternity hospital with the recommendation of a doctor. Almost half of all women give birth in the middle of the ninth month, and this is quite normal, although the expectant mother may wait another four weeks for labor to begin. The baby chooses the time for birth himself, and at this time there is no reason to worry if contractions begin.

Eight and a half months - almost the entire gestation period has passed, and there are only a few days or a couple of weeks left for the long-awaited first meeting to take place. This is the most difficult time for a woman; she is already looking forward to getting rid of a big belly, heaviness and discomfort with any movement. At this stage, you no longer feel the restless fear that could accompany the expectant mother in the first months.

Signs and symptoms

• The main symptom of the thirty-eighth week can be considered increased frequency of painless contractions, which sometimes take quite strong forms. In this case, the woman may mistake them for the beginning of labor, but the precursors last several minutes, and the periods of rest between them are always different.
• The weight of the child resting on the mother's pelvic bones can lead to divergence of the symphysis: the symphysis pubis. The ligament connecting the pubic bones softens, creating a gap of about one centimeter wide. This condition often results in a “duck walk” and, in severe cases, the inability to walk. Added to this is a noticeable pain syndrome. Treatment is a must!
• The back muscles often get tired and ache, and lower back pain always gets worse in the evening. The expectant mother needs to rest more, take breaks during the day for an hour's rest. Massage, which can be done by a husband or partner, has a beneficial effect on pregnant women.
• The baby's movements at the thirty-eighth week are less active than before, but he is already so large that his heel or elbow hitting his internal organs, are felt quite strongly. It is important to note the intensity of your child's movements daily, as changes in activity may indicate a deterioration in his condition.
• The nature of vaginal discharge practically does not change, and only before childbirth can the mucous plug come away from the cervix. It looks like a thick mucous clot of a whitish color with blood streaks, and its volume is no more than one teaspoon. This means that in about three days the birth will occur. Some women may not notice the plug coming out if its release coincides with a visit to the toilet.
• The stomach is still in an awkward position, squeezed by the growing baby. Heartburn and belching are the most common symptom discomfort, as well as a feeling of overcrowding. The solution is to eat in very small portions, but often, and do not eat sour or spicy foods.

Description of 38 weeks

What happens to the mother's body

The body of a pregnant woman at the thirty-eighth week is intensively preparing for childbirth:

1. The cervix softens or “ripens”, becoming elastic and dilating two centimeters before childbirth. During labor, the cervix opens ten centimeters to allow the baby's head to pass through.
2. Hormonal levels change, estrogen levels increase, so swelling may appear. Swelling of the hands and ankles, which is observed in all pregnant women in the evening, has nothing to do with dangerous internal edema.
3. Hemorrhoids and veins in the legs can be bothersome, so you need to monitor your fluid intake and wear compression stockings.
4. Preeclampsia is still dangerous for a pregnant woman, and if a woman gains more weight than normal and her daily urine volume decreases, the doctor may recommend observation in a hospital. Tests, ultrasound of the kidneys and medical supervision are what will help avoid complications with late toxicosis.

Danger signs

At this time, there are some symptoms that may indicate the onset of a dangerous condition that threatens the child or mother:

Important: vomiting that occurs suddenly, nausea, double vision and increased blood pressure are reasons to immediately call an ambulance, as these may be symptoms of preeclampsia. In this case, emergency surgery will most likely be required.

• Placental abruption is more often diagnosed when it is located low, and is always accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina. A woman should know that bleeding at this stage is a reason to go to the hospital as soon as possible! Delay is dangerous for the life of the child and mother.
• The child does not move or is too active. Urgently - for an ultrasound, as this can be dangerous for the baby’s life. Most often, an ultrasound shows that everything is in order, but in some cases the pregnant woman is urgently operated on.

Fever or any unexplained deterioration in a pregnant woman’s condition is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. You should not wait to go to the clinic for your next appointment; you should immediately visit the doctor on duty, who will most likely recommend spending several days in the hospital.

Child development

The baby sleeps most of the day, sometimes he wakes up and sucks his finger, or yawns or hiccups, grimaces, or drinks amniotic fluid. Sometimes the mother gets the feeling that someone is persistently picking at her stomach with a finger or tapping on the wall of the uterus. It is impossible to explain why it occurs, since the child cannot make small movements. Often the child’s periods of rest do not coincide with the mother’s, so the woman wakes up at night from the baby’s “jumping.”

Diet

Most pregnant women who have crossed the thirty-eighth week experience digestive problems. In addition, they are recommended to observe restrictions on salt consumption so as not to provoke the appearance of edema.

A number of products have been banned in recent weeks:

• Any fried or smoked foods;
• Fatty and salty foods;
• Soups with rich broths;
• Spices and seasonings;
• Sweets, baked goods, yeast products;
• Bread, any dough dishes;
• Carbonated, sweet drinks, juices, coffee, strong tea.
• Mayonnaise and hot sauces.

Strictly speaking, the expectant mother should keep a strict fast, but the menu should include oatmeal and buckwheat porridge with water or milk, white chicken, and beef. Milk and dairy products are also not forbidden, you can even treat yourself to cream or ice cream. You can eat vegetables or fruits, berries and citrus fruits as much as you want, it is important not to overeat and not eat plant foods at night.

Dishes should only be boiled or steamed, the volume of one serving should not exceed two hundred grams. Drinks - only homemade drinks, fruit drinks and compotes, weak tea and herbal teas for pregnant women.

A woman must understand that the health of her unborn child depends on how she eats.

The main dish on a pregnant woman's table should be liquid, unsalted oatmeal with boiled meat. Chicken eggs and boiled vegetables complete the diet. Cottage cheese and fermented milk products are combined with berry purees. You don’t have to worry that your baby won’t get enough calories with this diet, since he gains weight extremely slowly and needs vitamins and oxygen more.

Ultrasound at thirty-eight weeks

Usually an ultrasound is performed at this stage only for any indication. The doctor can determine the size and gender of the baby, the location of the placenta, the condition and amount of amniotic fluid. This study cannot reliably determine the child’s weight, because the amount of subcutaneous fat is not determined by the device.

The last weeks of pregnancy are a very difficult period. Every woman experiences it differently. For some, at 38 weeks it becomes easier, a surge of strength is felt, a “second wind” opens, while for others, on the contrary, it becomes heavier, and fear of the approaching birth may even appear.

Sometimes it is at 38 weeks that expectant mothers experience nausea. Is this normal? Should I go to the doctor if a woman has been vomiting? What are possible reasons similar phenomena?

Causes

Nausea or even vomiting at the end of pregnancy, unfortunately, is not uncommon. And there can be a lot of reasons for such conditions. Some of them are associated with the peculiarities of the processes occurring in the body during this period. But bad feeling at 38 weeks of pregnancy may be a sign of serious problems in the body that are life-threatening for the fetus and its mother.

Only a doctor can determine what exactly caused the discomfort and how dangerous it is. Therefore, if you have nausea, especially severe and accompanied by vomiting, be sure to call him.

In order to independently assume what may be associated with poor health in the last weeks of pregnancy, and act correctly, you need to know under what conditions nausea occurs. It is also important to consider other symptoms. Below are the most common causes of nausea in late pregnancy.

Stomach compression

By week 38, the fetus is already very large, so the uterus takes up a lot of space in the abdominal cavity. Often at this time the fetus is already beginning to descend towards the cervix, which is considered a sign of impending labor, and the woman experiences some relief. But this may happen a couple of weeks later.

If the fetus is large or does not descend for a long time, the stomach, like some other abdominal organs, is slightly compressed. This interferes with its normal functioning and the removal of food into the intestines. In this case, the woman will feel slightly nauseous in situations that increase the risk of stomach contents refluxing into the esophagus.

Here are some of them:

• Eating large portions of food, especially fatty foods. Often discomfort occurs after a woman has eaten several pieces of white bread or a bun.
• Physical activity, bending.
• Rest in a lying position on your back or on your right side without a pillow.

In this case, nausea is usually not very pronounced, and almost goes away if the factors that caused it are eliminated. In addition to it, you may experience heartburn, constipation, flatulence and other signs that intestinal and stomach motility is reduced.

Approaching birth

Childbirth at 38 weeks is not uncommon. Signs that this will happen very soon may include nausea and vomiting. This is due to the influence of hormones on the body that prepare the body for childbirth and stimulate contractions. If nausea is caused by this reason, along with it, the woman will experience other symptoms of the prenatal period.

We can conclude that nausea is associated with impending labor if the following symptoms are observed simultaneously with it:

• Increased frequency of bowel movements (up to 3 times or more), although there was nothing in the diet that could cause diarrhea.
• Increasing contractions.
• Slight increase in temperature.
• They're leaving amniotic fluid or mucus plug.

If at the 38th week of pregnancy at least a few of the above symptoms are observed, you need to call a doctor who will assess whether the birth is proceeding correctly and provide the necessary assistance.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is the name given to severe gestosis or late toxicosis of pregnancy. This condition can occur in the third trimester and is very dangerous both for the life of the fetus and for the woman herself. Often the first sign of developing gestosis is nausea. Then other symptoms appear.

The causes of late toxicosis can be any serious health problems of the expectant mother that arose, manifested or worsened during pregnancy. Most often these are kidney and heart diseases. The disruptions that occur in the body lead to a decrease in blood supply to the placenta and oxygen starvation of the fetus.

Preeclampsia manifested itself differently in different patients, but a number of specific signs can be identified:

• Severe nausea, often accompanied by vomiting.
• Pain in the stomach area.
• Nagging pain in the lower back, in the kidney area.
• Feeling of heaviness in the back of the head.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Fainting state.
• Swelling in the arms and legs.
• Ringing or noise in the ears.
• High blood pressure readings.
• Aching or cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
• Visual impairment, flashing “spots” before the eyes.

If several signs from this list are present or at least one is strongly expressed, the woman must be urgently hospitalized and the cause of this condition must be found. If it is indeed preeclampsia, the patient should be kept in the hospital and the fetal vital signs should be closely monitored. If there is still a threat of death of the child or the woman’s condition is dangerous for her life, an emergency caesarean section is indicated.

Nausea in late pregnancy, including at 38 weeks, is not always a cause for concern. If it is due large sizes fetus or high position of the uterus, this condition is not dangerous and will soon pass.

There are several ways to reduce nausea or even get rid of it completely:

1. Eat often, but little by little.
2. Avoid fatty foods and flour products.
3. They will not bend over, especially after eating. Do not lift any heavy objects.
4. Smoking is strictly prohibited.
5. You need to rest and sleep on a high pillow in a position on your left side.
6. To prevent problems with digestion and kidney function in late pregnancy, it is useful to get into the knee-elbow position (“on all fours”) three times a day and stand there for 5–10 minutes.
7. Try to drink only between meals, and not immediately after it.
8. Avoid places where you may encounter strong or unpleasant odors.
9. If you wish, you can drink herbal teas, for example, with mint.

Never ignore warning signs, but don't worry too much either. At careful attention to the signals of the body and close cooperation with doctors, any danger, if any, can be very quickly recognized and eliminated.

You are still waiting for labor to begin, it could start today or in a couple of weeks. The main thing is to have less worries associated with this, pack your bag, and have an exclusively positive attitude. Read about how to spend the final weeks waiting for a replenishment in this article.

As a rule, most parents are unable to resist curiosity when they find out the gender of their future child. If this is a girl, then most likely the wait won’t be long at all; usually female representatives are in a hurry to appear before the appointed time.

Mom should always carry her phone with her, it’s better not to stay alone for a long time. The birth process at the thirty-eighth week is considered timely and full-term.

Possible pain

You need to listen carefully to any changes in well-being; it is affected by the health of the unborn child, who is still completely dependent on the mother.
At the thirty-eighth week, you may feel varying degrees pain, which usually indicates some change.

Due to the lowering of the abdomen, some unpleasant sensations may occur in the lower abdomen, this is because the baby has turned over and fixed his head in the pelvic area.

Similar sensations are provoked by the uterus, which comes to tone, gradually relaxing. At the peak, when maximum tone is reached, the stomach hardens like a stone. Usually such contractions are irregular and are only harbingers. In case of prolonged pain, it is allowed to take the drug no-shpu; it does not affect the baby, but will help to endure such sensations.

Harbingers of childbirth

A lot of waiting time has passed, and by the time the thirty-eighth week arrives, the body is ready for childbirth and begins to give signals. They are called precursors of childbirth and manifest themselves differently in each person. Very often during this period the stomach begins to pull, you need to lie down and endure this moment. It is for these reasons that you cannot plan long trips or trips; you must always keep your birth card with you with your data.
Sometimes it happens that at such a late date you may lose your appetite, suffer from nausea and other unpleasant symptoms. You shouldn’t give up food completely; try to eat something light, dairy products or dried fruits, for example.
One of the signals includes false contractions. They manifest themselves in the form of constant pain in the lower back, change your body position, or take a contrast shower.

If this feeling does not leave you, get ready, they will soon turn into real contractions. At this stage, most women panic, adopting a nervous attitude.

It is important to prepare yourself for the fact that, sooner or later, the birth of a child will come, this is the end of any pregnancy and maintaining a positive attitude is very important.

Quite often, the release of mucous lumps is observed, which indicates the removal of the plug. But this does not always mean that labor will begin any day now, although such a signal warns that the long-awaited birth is soon approaching.
You need to determine for yourself in advance and consult with your doctor about the use of anesthesia. Many experts are against its use, since anesthesia can harm the baby. During childbirth, you can try to say something, scroll through pleasant memories from life in your head and think that in just a few moments, you will put your baby to your breast and then all the pain will be forgotten.

What is your belly like now?

As mentioned earlier, in the last few months, each woman’s stomach hardens differently. All that remains is to wait for real contractions, since such a phenomenon is one of the signs of the approaching process of giving birth to a baby.
Expectations for this moment intensify every day, this is understandable, the belly becomes huge, it is very difficult for mom to move, and sometimes it’s not even easy to put on shoes on your own. For some, the skin itches and peels; such symptoms are not a sign of a disease, just stretch marks make themselves felt. In general, my mother’s belly began to look very strange, sometimes it became out of proportion, the navel turned outward, and pigment strip everything becomes clearer.
There is only one piece of advice here: be patient and be extremely careful. Everything will return to its former form upon completion of childbirth, or a short time after it.

Onset of labor at 38 weeks

It is rare for women to carry the baby to term until the fortieth week; labor may begin a few weeks earlier. Everything has its time, this process depends on the degree of maturity of the fetus and placenta.

As for the birth itself, it consists of several stages; the expectant mother needs to know them, since the lack of information about what to expect can be scary:
1. This process begins with contractions of varying degrees, in the first period they contribute to the dilation of the cervix. The first contractions are irregular and usually last from fifteen to thirty seconds, with a break of approximately twenty minutes.
2. After the uterus opens, there comes a rush of pushing, a feeling that you are about to push the baby out, pressure is placed on the rectum, a burning sensation is felt. It is important to breathe correctly, push, and it is best to be under the supervision of doctors at this stage.
3. The completion of the period of childbirth, the appearance of the placenta, this occurs after the birth of the baby. After some time, the woman feels contractions again and has to push again, approximately this takes up to twenty minutes.

What happens in the eighth month

Mom continues to visit the doctor and get tested; usually the doctor measures the size of the pelvis and weight. For rent general tests urine, blood, and blood pressure is measured.
All this is necessary to confirm proper development pregnancy, and determining the impending birth.
The growth of the fetus is almost fifty centimeters, and the weight has seriously increased and amounts to three kilograms; it happens that these indicators are slightly different. The child feels very cramped in the stomach, the legs can protrude beyond the edges of the fingers, and sometimes involuntarily scratches the face and palms, since the nails are already long.

During the last weeks, the expectant mother is recommended to devote as much time as possible to sleep and rest. Avoid lying on your back; you can harm the baby by accidentally pinching the ligaments. Even if you have no appetite, you need to force yourself to eat, giving preference to light foods such as cottage cheese, dietary fish, and other calcium-containing foods.