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Every mother wants her baby to be born at full term, full term and develop properly. However, when there are signs of impending birth at 38 weeks, many mothers worry. So is it okay to give birth at 38 weeks? Is it considered premature birth and is there any danger to the baby?
1. Is it okay to give birth at 38 weeks?
“Is it okay to give birth at 38 weeks” or “should you have a cesarean section at 38 weeks” is a question many pregnant women ask, especially women who are pregnant for the first time.
The answer for pregnant mothers is that giving birth at 38 weeks is not premature, it is completely possible to give birth.
From week 37 - 40, the fetus is considered full term and can be safely born, but the ideal time for the baby to be born is at 39 - 40 weeks. Cases of childbirth under 37 weeks considered premature.
Therefore, pregnant mothers who give birth at 38 weeks do not need to worry too much about the baby will have health problems, because by this time the baby is about 50cm long, weighs about 3kg and the organs in the body have already been developed. complete.
2. Signs of labor at 38 . weeks
Here are the signs of labor that a pregnant woman can recognize:
The abdomen drops and drops down: A few weeks before birth, the fetus tends to move downwards in the pelvis, especially with Pregnant women giving birth for the second time, these signs can be vague and signs of labor can only be felt when labor actually begins; The cervix begins to open: When labor begins at 38 weeks, the uterus will gradually expand and become thinner. Because each pregnant woman's pregnancy is different, the speed at which the cervix opens will also be different; Cramps and back pain happen more: One of the most common signs of labor at 38 weeks pregnant is cramping, more pain in the pubic bone, groin and back. This phenomenon usually occurs in those who give birth for the first time. This is because the muscles and joints in the pelvis and uterus are stretched to prepare for the birth of the fetus; Diarrhea: Diarrhea is also considered a sign of labor at week 38 that pregnant women should pay attention to. Diarrhea is caused by the muscles in the uterus relaxing and preparing for childbirth, causing changes in the entire body of a pregnant woman, including the rectum. Having diarrhea will make pregnant women feel tired and uncomfortable but this is completely normal, you should drink a lot of water, limit indigestible foods and should not eat too full; Weight stops gaining: At the end of pregnancy, a woman's weight tends to level off or there are cases of weight loss. This is considered normal and does not affect the health of mother and baby. The cause of weight loss in pregnant women during this time is due to the decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid; Vaginal mucus color changes and blood appears: About a few days before giving birth, pregnant women will see vaginal mucus changes and secretions more. This is because the mucus plug that seals the cervix to prevent infection has been shed. In some cases the mucus plug comes off with a little blood. This sign is known as the “bleeding” phenomenon and it is a signal that your labor is about to begin; Strong and continuous contractions: When preparing for labor, uterine contractions are the most obvious sign to recognize. The contractions of the uterus during labor will make you feel pain, discomfort, no sign of relief or disappearance when changing positions and the frequency of contractions will be rapid and regular, about 5-7 minutes apart; Amniotic fluid rupture: Amniotic fluid rupture occurs when the amniotic sac ruptures and causes amniotic fluid to leak out of the vagina. This is one of the accurate signs of impending birth that pregnant women need to pay attention to. When there is a phenomenon of rupture of membranes, pregnant women need to go to a medical facility to prepare for the journey of labor to receive their baby.
3. Note when pregnant at 38
When the pregnancy journey has taken place for 38 weeks, pregnant women should:
Prepare supplies for delivery: When pregnant at 38 weeks, pregnant women can show signs of labor at any time, so it is necessary to prepare be fully equipped with necessary items during and after the birth; Walking: During pregnancy, pregnant women should not lie in one place for a long time, but need to walk and exercise gently. Walking is a way to help the baby's head get into the pelvis more easily as well as more favorable for the successful labor process; Reduce stress: When you are 38 weeks pregnant, your due date is near, so pregnant women often think, worry and nervous. To reduce stress in the last weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women should do relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, listen to music, watch movies, read favorite books... Wear loose, airy clothes: Pregnancy make pregnant women feel hot and sweat a lot due to hormonal changes. To cool the body, pregnant women should wear loose, airy clothes and drink lots of water, live in an open space. The article has helped pregnant mothers better understand the question "is it okay to give birth at 38 weeks". At this time, the mother needs to pay attention to regular checkups so that the obstetrician can determine the exact time of birth and choose and advise on the appropriate birth method. When there are signs of labor, pregnant women should go to the hospital, prepare themselves for a comfortable, ready mind and the necessary items and utensils for the process of giving birth.
To protect mother and baby during pregnancy, Vinmec provides a package Maternity service to help monitor the health status of mother and baby comprehensively, periodically check antenatal care with leading obstetricians, perform Full range of tests, important screening for pregnant women, timely advice and intervention when detecting abnormalities in the health of mother and baby.
The Obstetrics Department of Vinmec International General Hospital has been highly appreciated by customers for its professional quality as well as professional care services by:
Comprehensive mother and baby care: Comprehensive mother & baby health care present, from before - during - after a full pregnancy; prenatal and postnatal screening for infants and mothers; heel test; maternity package ; pre-marital examination; prenatal care and counseling; cord blood storage. Children receive the best care from birth: right after the baby is born, the baby is skin-to-skin with the mother, the umbilical cord is cut by the father, and is monitored and cared for in the special care room for a few days. 12 hours for early detection of transient respiratory failure or other medical conditions. The baby is fully vaccinated. The birth team not only has obstetricians and midwives, but also has pediatricians on duty, monitoring to handle problems arising for the baby during the birth process. Modern and advanced techniques: Painless delivery by special anesthetic techniques. Treatment and care for extremely preterm infants < 27 weeks - Vinmec is the only hospital in the North that can save the lives of babies born 24 weeks premature. Outstanding equipment: The room is designed according to international hotel standards, with modern equipment such as: specialized transport incubators with ventilators, blood suction, pressure controlled oxygen tubes; deafness screening machine, brain cooling machine to treat asphyxia; CFM brain function monitor; Monitor 5 parameters; Resuscitation bed with built-in heating lamp.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
