This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
37 weeks pregnant women often have psychological stress, body fatigue when physiological contractions occur more often. On the other hand, the due date is getting closer and closer, making the 37-week pregnant woman feel scared when it's time to give birth.
1. What's special about 37 weeks pregnant?
37 weeks pregnant woman's uterus is usually about 15 cm higher than the navel. The weight of pregnant women in this week of pregnancy increases from 10 to 13 kg compared to the beginning of pregnancy. Pregnant women at 37 weeks pregnant need to see a doctor periodically every week to check the pelvic area, cervix and the condition of the fetus, especially the birth position of the baby.
37 week fetus is almost fully developed. However, layers of fat under the baby's skin continue to be created to keep the baby warm after birth.
The due date of birth is near, pregnant mothers need to prepare all the necessary tools and items for the baby so that the newborn care process goes more smoothly.
2. How does the body of a pregnant woman at 37 weeks change?
Pregnant to 37 weeks, pregnant women often have cervical mucus plug. As the cervix dilates in preparation for childbirth, the lining of the cervix is shed and eliminated from the body through the vagina. Accordingly, pregnant women can observe vaginal secretions of thick mucus, yellow in color and sometimes mixed with blood. Shedding of the cervical mucus plug usually occurs weeks, days, or even hours before the onset of labor.
See more: False labor and what to know
During the 37th week of pregnancy, if a pregnant woman has bright red bleeding, forming one or two abnormal blood spots, she should see a doctor as soon as possible. Because this can be a sign of placental abruption, a dangerous problem in the last weeks of pregnancy, when the placenta separates from the uterine wall, threatening the baby's life.
In case a pregnant woman has severe and continuous abdominal pain, it is likely a sign of placental abruption, requiring hospitalization for treatment. In addition to abdominal pain, placental abruption can also cause fever, increased vaginal discharge, and infection.
It's normal for your baby's movements to slow down somewhat in the days leading up to birth, especially at 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, if there is a marked decrease in fetal movements, it could be a sign of danger.
Details of fetal development week by week, every parent should learn:
3. Common symptoms in 37 weeks pregnant women
Changes in fetal movement Normally in the 37th week of pregnancy, the baby's head has entered the mother's pelvis. At this time, the fetus has very little space for strong movements, instead just simple light movements. However, pregnant women still feel the baby moving in the belly every day, but sometimes the baby can fall into a deep sleep and hardly move much.
Heartburn and indigestion This time, some symptoms on the digestive system may become worse, typically heartburn, indigestion.
Bloody vaginal discharge Pink or brown vaginal discharge means that blood vessels in the cervix have ruptured as the cervix dilates in preparation for labor.
Venous insufficiency Varicose veins often become more severe in 37 weeks pregnant. To support blood circulation, pregnant women should sleep on their left side. In addition, when lying down, pregnant women should put a pillow under their feet to raise their legs.
Pelvic pain The changing position of the fetus puts pressure on the pelvis, hips and bladder, causing pain and discomfort during activities. If you feel uncomfortable, you can use a sling to support the weight of your belly and relieve pressure on your back and pelvis.
Trắc nghiệm: Đặc điểm cơn đau đẻ và diễn biến cuộc chuyển dạ
Cơn đau đẻ là dấu hiệu thông báo sự chào đời của em bé. Cùng thử sức với bài trắc nghiệm sau đây sẽ giúp các bà mẹ mang thai nhận biết cơn đau đẻ và diễn biến cuộc chuyển dạ để chuẩn bị trước tâm lý những gì sắp xảy ra đối với mình.The following content is prepared under supervision of Thạc sĩ, Bác sĩ y khoa, Tạ Quốc Bản , Sản phụ khoa , Khoa Sản phụ khoa - Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Phú Quốc
Leg cramps Night time is when pregnant women often experience cramps. To overcome cramps during pregnancy, pregnant women should drink more water during the day and make sure that they have enough magnesium and calcium.
Stretch marks The chest, abdomen and even the buttocks grow and stretch, which can easily lead to stretch marks. After pregnancy, pregnant women can use some topical cream products to gradually overcome this situation.
Bigger nipples Pregnant women at 37 weeks often notice their breasts grow larger and nipples are also larger than before. This is a sign that the mother's body is changing to prepare for breastfeeding.
Forgetfulness Stress and overthinking are the reasons why pregnant women in the last weeks experience forgetfulness. Take notes or ask for the support of your loved ones so that pregnant women do not miss important events during this time.
Insomnia Almost all pregnant women in the 37th week of pregnancy have insomnia at night. This is normal for pregnant women in the third trimester. However, sleep is still very important because it provides energy for pregnant women. Therefore, the mother at this week of pregnancy should focus on resting, try to sleep a little longer, and should take a nap during the day.
4. Advice for pregnant women at 37 weeks
4.1. Statistically, less than 5% of babies are born on their due date, which can be several days, even weeks earlier. Therefore, pregnant women at 37 weeks should prepare psychologically and perform the tasks that need to be done before the baby is born.
See also: What happens when labor begins?
4.2. Slow weight gain Pregnant women 37 weeks pregnant can gain weight very slowly, even stop gaining weight. This is a normal phenomenon, showing that the mother's body is gradually stabilizing to prepare for the labor process.
4.3. Drink enough water Although the pregnant belly is quite big, but pregnant women should still drink enough water needed daily. This will help pregnant women reduce fluid retention and stabilize the amount of amniotic fluid.
4.4. Perineal massage Regular perineal massage helps this part become softer, allowing the baby's head to easily pass through when the mother is in labor, limiting the occurrence of tears and the need for surgery. perineal suture.
4.5. Self-motivation Every day that passes is another day that the baby is still in the belly, meaning that pregnant women still have the opportunity to exercise their body and have the best preparation for a healthy baby to be born.
Last 3 months of pregnancy, especially from week 37 onwards, the health of both mother and baby needs to be closely monitored and checked. Pregnant women need:
Know the real signs of labor to get to the hospital in time, affecting the health of the fetus. Differentiate between amniotic fluid and vaginal discharge for timely treatment to avoid premature birth, fetal distress, and stillbirth. Be especially careful when bleeding in the last 3 months of pregnancy needs urgent emergency care to ensure the life of both mother and baby. Monitor the amount of amniotic fluid regularly and continuously. Monitor fetal weight in the last 3 months to assess baby's development and predict possible risks at birth. The special monitoring group is the same as the striker, and the fetal growth retardation needs to be closely monitored by the doctor and given appropriate indications. Distinguish between physiological contractions, labor contractions and mechanical pregnancy to get to the hospital in time. Maternity service package at Vinmec helps pregnant women's pregnancy become lighter and safer. During pregnancy, pregnant women will be examined by top doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department with high professional qualifications and experience, giving the best advice and treatment for the health of both mother and child. little.
For detailed information about all-inclusive maternity service packages, please contact the hospitals and clinics of Vinmec Health system nationwide.
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.
Get professional information from: webmd.com, parents.com
