Belly didn't drop at 41 weeks. Discharge after examination by a gynecologist

Mom, we went through this wonderful period together ...

Our meeting will take place very soon.

The date of birth is determined conditionally, so it is quite possible that even now you will be carrying your baby in your tummy. Your baby is in no hurry to be born or the calculations were made incorrectly.

It is known that the duration of pregnancy can depend on many factors, among them are:

• duration of the menstrual cycle,
• date of release of the egg from the ovary and fertilization,
• heredity,
• endocrine changes
• age.

Fetal development

At the 41st week of pregnancy, your baby has already fully prepared all its organs and systems for independent life. There was no free space left in the uterus at nine months of pregnancy, but, nevertheless, the baby continues to move, making fewer movements than before, but at the same time they are clearer. His height now averages 51.7 cm, and his weight is about 3500 g.

Woman at this time

If the baby no longer shows increased activity, then the birth is very close. If you have stopped noticing the movements of the crumbs, and there are still no signs of the onset of labor, you need to consult a specialist. On average, mommy should have about 10 movements in 30 minutes.

Cramping pains, which are intermittent, may initially appear every 30 minutes. In this case, you should not panic, but wait until the frequency between contractions is 7-10 minutes. Only after that it will be possible to go to the hospital. But if before that your waters have already broken, you must go to the hospital without delay.

The baby will notify you of his birth with the first cry, and after the umbilical cord is cut, he will become an absolutely independent, separately functioning organism. But the relationship with mom is still very close.

Belly at 41 weeks pregnant: pain

Drawing pains in the lower abdomen - this is obvious. They arise due to the descent of the fetus in the uterus and pressing it to the pelvic floor. Pain, as a rule, extends to the lower back, can be given to the groin and thighs. All pain will pass immediately after childbirth, so the wait is not long.

Most likely, you will be able to distinguish pulling pains in the abdomen from pain that occurs as a result of a disorder in the digestive system. Pain may occur due to constipation or increased gas formation.

However, abdominal pain can also occur with placental abruption, but as a rule, they are accompanied by the appearance of spotting, although sometimes bleeding can be internal. Therefore, even now it is necessary to clearly monitor any nature of the discharge and, if it changes, immediately consult a doctor.

Allocations

The development of the infection will tell you the unpleasant smell of the discharge and any changes in the direction of yellow-green color, curdled or foamy consistency. The news of the development of an infection in late pregnancy is not a good sign, since labor can begin any day, and you may not have time to cope with the disease.

The risk of infection of the fetus at the time of its passage through the birth canal is very high, therefore, with the slightest change in the nature of the discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor for advice.

In the normal course of pregnancy in the forty-first week of pregnancy, you can observe a certain increase in secretions with an admixture of mucus. In this case, the mucus can be with a pinkish or brownish tint.

Mucus appears as a result of the discharge of the mucous plug, which during the entire period of pregnancy closed the cervix and protected the fetus from the penetration of pathogens to it.

The mucus plug can move away at once, then you can find a thick lump of mucus with streaks of blood and inclusions on the panties. The discharge of the cork indicates that childbirth will begin very soon. Therefore, any intimate relationship with her husband must be excluded in order to avoid intrauterine infection of the fetus.

When bleeding occurs from their genital tract, it is necessary to call an ambulance without delay, since blood very often indicates a condition that is dangerous for the life and health of the baby and the expectant mother - placental abruption.

You should not stay at home if you find yourself with the appearance of liquid watery discharge, since this is nothing more than anatomical fluid, in other words, amniotic fluid. You need to know that amniotic fluid can not only pour out at once, but also leak in small portions, which indicates deterioration and violation of the integrity of the membranes. Normally, the anatomical fluid is colorless.

If you notice that they are greenish in color, this indicates that the baby’s original feces, meconium, got into them, and swallowing such colored amniotic fluid may not be safe for him.

Childbirth not starting?

What to do if childbirth at 41 weeks of gestation has not occurred? First of all, don't panic, just wait. If necessary, you can consult a doctor about threats to the baby and the need to stimulate labor.

Any decisions should be made only by a specialist after an appropriate examination. If the doctor at the time of the examination finds any risks for the baby, but at the same time the cervix is ​​​​fully prepared for the process of childbearing, a decision may be made to prescribe drug stimulation of labor.

If a woman's water has broken, and childbirth has not begun, it is also necessary to stimulate labor activity. If the membranes are damaged, the infection can reach the fetus in the first 24 hours.

If there are no threats to the fetus, and he feels quite normal, the pregnancy can continue. Surely you know that some women can walk with a tummy not only this week, but also next week. In fact, this may be due to the fact that the estimated date of birth was initially incorrectly set. Some women over the age of 30 and those giving birth for the first time very often face this situation.

Many women are very tired of this condition both mentally and physically, therefore, at this time, you can use natural stimulation methods after consulting with your doctor and being confident in the maturity of the cervix. The most pleasant way of stimulation is having sex or nipple massage, which can also be practiced during intimacy. In order for labor to begin as soon as possible, it is necessary to move more, walk down the street, but in no case lift heavy objects! Some believe that the uterus can be stimulated to contract by eating pineapples, raspberry leaf tea, spicy foods, and also a few drops of castor oil dripped onto a piece of black bread.

If childbirth has not yet arrived, try to remain calm. Of course, you are tired and a little nervous, but now you can no longer be afraid of accidentally inducing labor.

Now you can safely have sex if you have such a desire, as well as treat yourself to some goodies, since immediately after childbirth and during breastfeeding, you will need to adhere to dietary nutrition.

Try to sleep well, gain strength and recharge with positive energy. It is possible that in a day or two you will start contractions.

If you feel that childbirth is already beginning, it is advisable to focus on the birth process, do not panic, breathe properly and relax, try to remain calm and help the baby with your adequate actions.

Immediately after the birth of the baby, it is necessary to attach to the breast, because colostrum is very valuable for the baby, and the sucking process itself is extremely important and useful for both the child and the mother.

41 weeks pregnant video

And how do you feel?

You can be congratulated?

Your due date has passed and you are still pregnant. Since the absolutely exact date of conception is rarely known to anyone, then if you have not yet given birth at the 41st week, then this is the norm. The child has already grown to 49–52 cm and weighs ~ 3.5–3.7 kg. You still have a little time to better prepare for the long-awaited meeting with the baby.

The 41st obstetric week of pregnancy is the eleventh month of pregnancy and the 39th week from the conception of a child ().

Fetal development at 41 weeks of gestation

Your baby is completely ready for birth. All its organs and systems are ready to start performing their functions outside the mother's womb. While in the tummy, the baby grows stronger, gains strength and adds weight. He looks like a newborn baby.

Internal development

All the main organs - the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas are doing their job properly. Light crumbs have accumulated the required amount of surfactant - a substance that helps to straighten out the lungs for respiratory functions. The intestines are filled with the first feces, which will come out on the first day after birth.

The development of the central nervous system is suspended, it will continue after the baby is born. The vocal cords are strengthened, which will soon be used to attract your attention. The bones of the skull continue to harden, which can cause ruptures in the mother's birth canal during childbirth.

The membranes of the placenta that separate the fetus from the woman's body weaken and become increasingly permeable, allowing the mother's blood to mix with the baby's blood. The baby receives your antibodies to protect the child's body from the onslaught of infections after childbirth. Thus, the mother passes on her immune experience to the child.

External development

At this time, the baby looks much more beautiful than one and a half to two months ago. His little body has already been cleansed of the original protective lubricant, which remained only in the most tender places - in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe armpits and groin. The fluff is gone, and the hairs on the head and nails on the fingers continue to grow. Therefore, the birth of a baby with decent hair and long nails at the forty-first week is not uncommon.

Your child's body shape has become more rounded, and the ear cartilage has become denser. He gains 30 grams of fat per day, and his skin looks smooth and pink. The fetus has already grown up, there is not enough space in the stomach, so the baby is quieter and makes fewer movements. But you should still feel at least ten pushes a day.

If the child does not have enough air, his movements and spasms begin to intensify. This can cause bowel cleansing. In this case, meconium enters the amniotic fluid, which turns greenish, and the baby can swallow it. In such a situation, it may be necessary to connect the child to a breathing apparatus.

How is the fetus located in the uterus

Normally, the baby at the end of pregnancy is located along the uterus with the head down. This ensures a comfortable passage through the birth canal. If the baby has taken a transverse position or has settled down with his head up, then the pregnancy, as a rule, ends in a caesarean section. When the fetus does not have a large weight, doctors admit the likelihood of natural childbirth with a breech presentation.

Feelings of a woman at 41 weeks

Every expectant mother spends this week in the agonizing expectation of childbirth. Most likely, the same thought often visits you: “It’s already 41 weeks, why doesn’t labor begin ...” But if you are under the vigilant supervision of your doctor, you should not worry.

Moms take note!

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Pregnancy is considered post-term when the 42nd week is reached. Usually the milestone of 40 weeks is crossed by women carrying their first child.

The cervix continues to be saturated with hormones, becomes short and loose, and the cervical canal opens. The height of the bottom of the uterus can reach 40 cm, and its elevation above the navel - 20 cm. The amount of amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) decreases, and the work of your body is aimed at preparing for the upcoming birth process.

Childbirth is approaching - harbingers

1. Training bouts. Most pregnant women experience so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are accompanied by pain like during menstruation. Usually, uterine contractions begin a few weeks before childbirth, and for some they begin to bother only a couple of days before them. If the contractions are more intense than usual and occur at regular intervals, this means that prenatal contractions have begun, and you need to immediately get ready for the maternity hospital!
2. Cork removal. The mucous plug that closes the entrance to the uterus comes out immediately before childbirth or a week or two before it begins.
3. Dropping of the abdomen. The abdomen drops a few weeks before the baby is born. The fact that he has already sunk can be understood by the decrease in pressure on the stomach, lungs and disappearance.
4. weight loss. In anticipation of a significant event, your body gets rid of excess fluid, which is why you can observe a slight weight loss.
5. Isolation of colostrum. The expectant mother can detect stains on clothes at chest level. This is a secret secreted from the mammary glands, which newborns feed on the first day after birth.
6. Frequent urge to go to the toilet. A growing child puts more and more pressure on his mother's stomach, which makes him constantly run to the restroom.
7. Outflow of amniotic fluid. The discharge of water is just as sure a sign of the onset of labor as true contractions. Because the appearance of colorless discharge on underwear in any quantity, grab everything you need and go to the hospital.

If you do not have any signs of an imminent birth of a child, this is not a problem. Pregnancy of each woman is individual, and many precursors can appear right before the onset of childbirth.

pain

It is difficult for a woman in position to endure the forty-first week, since during this period she may be disturbed by various painful sensations:

• because of the position of the fetus, the stomach pulls and the lower abdomen hurts, when it is lowered, the pain intensifies;
• the expectant mother is increasingly worried about training fights, which is why the stomach periodically “hardens”;
• the child presses on the lower body, which causes pain in the perineum, as well as in the legs and lower back;
• the baby does not move very often, but his movements and blows to the stomach and liver can cause quite severe pain;
• itching of the skin of the abdomen;
• numbness of the limbs;
• pinching of the femoral nerve, resulting in painful sensations in the sacrum;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases and their characteristic pain.

At this time, a woman feels clumsy and clumsy. It is uncomfortable for her to sleep in almost any position, which can cause restless sleep. A frequent occurrence at term 41 is swelling of the extremities. The well-being of a pregnant woman is also worsened by bouts of irritability that seem to arise from scratch.

Discharge at 41 weeks

At the forty-first obstetric week, light discharge without any pungent odor is considered normal. The appearance of mucus with brown or red veins also belongs to the normal phenomenon. This is a mucous plug that can come off at one time, or it can stand out in parts.

Just before giving birth, you may lose amniotic fluid, which looks like a clear, thin, odorless liquid. Often the waters leave in the form of a gushing stream. There are cases when amniotic fluid only leaks. If you notice a liquid green discharge, then this may signal an infection of the fetus or that meconium has entered the amniotic fluid. The latter indicates hypoxia. In any case, when the water breaks, you need to urgently go to the hospital.

Bright red blood found on panties indicates a threat to your child's life. In order to avoid placental abruption, consult a doctor immediately!

What to do if labor does not start

When the pregnancy has already crossed the line of 40 weeks, and the baby still does not want to be born, the mother is afraid to “carry” the baby. But doctors do not consider pregnancy 41 weeks post-term. The EDD given by the doctor is only the estimated date of delivery, which is calculated by the date of the last menstruation.

But the exact date of birth depends not only on menstruation, but also on a number of other factors, such as the release date and time of fertilization of the egg, the age of the expectant mother and the number of pregnancies a woman has experienced. Therefore, the birth is considered to be in the period from the 38th to the 42nd obstetric week. If there are no contractions and there are no signs of labor, your doctor may consider pacing or a caesarean section.

In the absence of contraindications, stimulation methods can be applied when:

• as a result of an examination of the condition of the fetus and the blood flow of the placenta, clear signs of overmaturity were found, that is, the placenta is no longer able to provide sufficient nutrition to the fetus;
• if the waters have already departed, and labor does not begin;
• polyhydramnios is observed;
• the pregnancy is multiple, and the uterus is already greatly stretched.

Medical methods of labor induction include the introduction of medications into the female body (for example, prostaglandins, mefipristone), opening the amniotic sac, and mechanical methods. But you may also be recommended self-stimulation, which includes the following methods:

1. Intimacy with a husband whose semen contains prostaglandins that soften the cervix. If the mucous plug has already moved away, it is better not to have sex.
2. Stimulation of the nipples, leading to the release of oxytocin, which increases the tone of the uterus.
3. The use of herbal preparations for the purpose of emptying the intestines, provoking an increase in the tone of the uterus.

It is possible to use any methods of labor induction only after agreement with the doctor. He will explain to you how to induce labor and how to give birth faster in your situation.

If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, and there is no need for labor induction, you can continue to expect to meet your baby. At this stage, the doctor will monitor your well-being even more closely. At the appointment at the antenatal clinic, your urine test, blood pressure, body weight and belly size will be assessed. You may need a daily cardiotocography (CTG) procedure to monitor the fetal heart rate.

Often at the 41st week, an ultrasound is prescribed. This study allows you to control the condition and size of the crumbs, the size of its head, the amount of amniotic fluid, the efficiency of the blood flow of the placenta and the readiness of the cervix for childbirth. If you agreed to hospitalization, all the necessary examinations will be carried out in the maternity hospital.

What is relevant in the 41st week

• checking the availability of documents and bags for a trip to the hospital;
• medical supervision;
• proper nutrition;
• limiting the amount of fluid you drink and food you eat;
• daily routine and regular rest;
• moisturizing the skin of the abdomen, chest and thighs or vegetable oil;
• moderate physical activity;
• walks in the open air;
• mastering a special breathing technique that will be used during childbirth;
• general cleaning in the house by joint efforts;
• distribution of household duties during your absence;
• communication with the baby, which is still in the tummy;
• doing something you love that makes you feel good.

The 41st week of pregnancy is a great time for dad and mom, who can complete all the necessary things before the birth of a new family member - a daughter or son. Think of this week as extra time that your baby wants to spend in the closest proximity to you - in your tummy.

Video: stimulation + fees to the hospital

Content

Although the expected due date has already arrived, you still have not given birth, and there are no regular contractions and water discharge. This is quite acceptable, since it is possible that the doctor calculated your due date incorrectly, or the baby decided that he still needs to stay in your tummy for a little while and be born a little later than the due date. Now he is completely ready for birth and you are already tired of waiting. The growth and weight of the baby is steadily increasing every day, which leads to an increase in the size of the fetus. In this case, there is a weakening of the functions of the placenta, which can lead to difficulties in delivering nutrients to the fetus. You can give birth any day, and perhaps they will put you in the hospital to resolve the issue of labor induction.

Changes in the body at 41 weeks

The 41st week is the end of the calendar ninth month, and the tenth obstetric month, the pregnancy is fully full-term, you have already crossed the line of 40 weeks. But there are sometimes tendencies to skip pregnancy or miscalculated dates, and therefore you may still be pregnant. In reality, the duration of pregnancy may depend on numerous factors - on the duration of the menstrual cycles, on the time the eggs are released (ovulation) and heredity, on the age and hormonal status of the pregnant woman. Therefore, it is likely that you can give birth as early as 41 weeks of gestation, this is not dangerous. At the same time, the baby is already completely ready to meet this world, all the necessary processes of intrauterine development have been completed, all systems and organs are actively working, and it has become extremely crowded inside the uterus due to the continuous growth of the fetus and its weight gain. On average, he now weighs about 3700 g and his height reaches 54 cm.

It is already worth contacting the maternity hospital for hospitalization and preparation for childbirth, it is important to collect all the things and documents necessary for childbirth, to clarify the conditions for how you will be hospitalized. It is important to remember the breathing technique in childbirth, and do not worry if you have been pregnant - if this is your first pregnancy, this is quite acceptable.

It is important to conduct an ultrasound scan and undergo an examination with a doctor, evaluate the work of the placenta and its condition, since its active aging occurs and the child may lack nutrients and oxygen. Then the question of inducing labor or the need for a caesarean section will be decided. Don't worry, your baby will be born soon.

Childbirth and precursors at 41 weeks

If the delivery has not yet come this week, you should not worry, there is no need to panic, since the deadline may not be entirely correct, or the process may simply be delayed a little. You are still quite a bit like with your big tummy, waiting for the birth of the crumbs. At the same time, the doctor will carefully monitor that there are no threats and complications for the baby, and then the issue of stimulation will be postponed for the time being. Quite safely, delivery can occur this and even the next week of pregnancy. Especially likely to exceed the terms of more than 40 weeks in a mother who gives birth for the first time after 30 years.

Pregnancy this week is considered prolonged, but not overdue, so childbirth can take place in the same way as in the period of 38-40 weeks, except that the fetus is growing. To understand that the process has begun, regular contractions will help you - this is a strong feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and lower back, which lasts at certain intervals, and which increases in intensity and duration. Unlike training false contractions, they do not disappear after rest or a change in body position. You need to go to the hospital with an interval between contractions of seven to ten minutes, while you should not worry and worry, delivery is a completely natural process. Also, the process can begin with the discharge of amniotic fluid and then regular contractions.

It is important at the beginning to focus on yourself and breathe correctly during contractions in order to alleviate discomfort, not to lie down during contractions, but to actively move, this, due to gravity, will help you in facilitating the opening of the cervix and the smooth movement of the head. You can spring on a special ball during contractions, if the maternity hospital allows, take a warm shower. Each woman intuitively accepts for herself the position in which it will be easier for her to endure labor pains. It is also important to listen to all instructions from the midwife and doctor.

When the cervix is ​​fully dilated, a period of attempts will begin, and you will need to push when the midwife tells you about it, you need to carefully listen to all the instructions of the medical staff so as not to waste strength and avoid such difficulties as ruptures of the soft tissues of the birth canal. In between contractions and pushing, you need to rest and recuperate, it is important to focus on breathing and relaxation to help the baby be born. Labor pains are quite pronounced, while the body, due to the release of special substances, protects itself from the development of pain shock. Therefore, you should not worry about the fact that you will not be able to give birth, all women go through this and safely give birth to children.

Immediately after birth, the child takes his first breath and announces the world with a cry, he is placed on his mother's stomach and waiting for the end of the pulsation of the umbilical cord, it is cut, and the third period begins - the birth of the placenta. After that, the woman in labor is observed with the baby for several hours, and then transferred to the ward.

Feelings of the expectant mother

It is important in this period to carefully listen to your feelings, since the term of delivery has already come, and it's time to have a baby. The movement of the fetus can be felt very rarely, since there is not enough space in the uterus, its movements are mainly pushes, kicks and toss and turn. If the baby does not make itself felt, it is worth informing the doctor about this, as well as about strong and active movements. The placenta ages and the fetus may experience hypoxia. On average, there should be at least ten movements in 12 hours, and preferably more.

Due to the large belly, you feel constant fatigue and back pain, at night it is impossible to find a comfortable position for sleeping, insomnia torments you. It is especially difficult to sleep if you need to constantly get up to use the toilet, as the head of the fetus presses on the pelvic bones and perineum, swelling disappears and urination increases. Due to the preparation of the body for childbirth, such unpleasant sensations as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea due to the physiological cleansing of the body for childbirth can occur, although this does not happen in all pregnant women. Due to the pressure of the head in the small pelvis, constipation can also increase, the rectum is hardly emptied, which brings discomfort to the expectant mother.

Now all the documents and things for the maternity hospital have already been collected and are at the ready, all relatives are looking forward to a joyful event and may even bother you with calls and questions, try not to get annoyed - they, like you, are worried and waiting for the baby. It is worth relaxing as much as possible and gaining strength, in the future there will be especially no time to rest. Now you need to walk a lot, eat various delicious dishes and do feasible household chores, you can create a supply of food in the refrigerator for your spouse while you are away from the hospital.

It is quite possible to afford sex, at the same time it will be a way to relieve stress, a source of pleasant sensations, a natural stimulant of childbirth. You can talk to the child, he hears you, ask him to hurry up with the birth. Also now you can devote time to learning the basics of newborn care, read articles on the topic of breastfeeding. It is important to carefully listen to the sensations of your body - an early birth portends a lowering of the abdomen with increased pressure on the rectum and bladder, cessation of heartburn and easier breathing, which can be replaced by pain in the perineum, pelvis and legs. appetite or, conversely, severe hunger. And the most obvious sensations of an approaching event are the passage of a mucous plug or amniotic fluid, the beginning of regular contractions.

pain

Now there can be quite a lot of discomfort and pain. These are, first of all, back pains, aching lower back due to the fact that the stomach has dropped and the head of the fetus has stood in the small pelvis. At the same time, it becomes difficult to walk, you constantly want to go to the toilet, there is pain in the sacrum, pain between the legs. The stomach periodically stiffens due to active contractions of the uterus to prepare for childbirth - training contractions, gradually they can turn into true, regular ones. With true contractions, the stomach hurts and the lower back aches, the contractions gradually increase in strength and duration, the periods between them are reduced - it's time to go to the hospital.

Allocations

In this period, the main secretions should be transparent mucous discharges, with an admixture of pink or brown streaks. If the discharge acquires a yellowish or greenish color, a curdled or foamy consistency, a sharp unpleasant odor, this indicates the activation of genital infections. At this time, the development of such infections is very dangerous, since delivery can begin on any day, and you may simply not have time to fully treat the infection. This can lead to a high risk of infection of the fetus during its passage through the birth canal, and it also increases the risk of complications. Therefore, in the presence of such secretions, immediately consult a doctor and immediately be treated!

If you have reached this period, and the pregnancy is developing quite normally, you may notice an increase and the formation of mucous secretions, they can be transparent, creamy, with a pink tint. Usually this is the passage of a mucous plug from the cervix, which indicates the proximity of the event. The cork can come off in small pieces or a lump of mucus up to two tablespoons; after the cork has come off, you should stop bathing and having sex.

If spotting occurs or there is a discharge of scarlet, dark blood, you should immediately go to the hospital, this is a sign of the onset of placental abruption. In this condition, you need to immediately decide on the issue of delivery.

How to recognize amniotic fluid leakage

It is also worth doing in the presence of liquid abundant secretions, transparent or slightly whitish, with a sweetish odor. These are leaking amniotic fluid and labor will begin very soon. The waters can depart little by little or gush in a stream over the legs, delivery should occur after their departure in the next day. Especially strongly you need to worry if the waste water is greenish or brown, this is a reason for immediate departure to the hospital. The waters are stained with meconium, and if a child swallows such waters, it will not be very favorable for him.

You can recognize the leakage of water using a special test pad, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, if the indicator on it changes color - the water leaves and you need to immediately go to the hospital.

The state of the uterus at 41 obstetric weeks

During this period, the uterus descends due to the opening of its internal pharynx and the stomach at the same time falls, facilitating breathing and digestion. At the same time, the volume of the abdomen remains maximum, and childbirth can occur at any time. At the same time, you are already practically used to periodic contractions of the uterine wall and an increase in its tone (false contractions). There may also be pulling pains in the lower abdomen and in the lower back, this is an increase in the tone of the uterus and the onset of contractions.

Maria Sokolova

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At a period of 41 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus, in accordance with the norm, already reaches a weight of more than three kilograms, and exceeds 50 centimeters in height, and all its systems and organs have already reached the necessary stage of development. Of course, the child continues to develop in the womb, getting stronger and gaining additional weight. His nails and hair also continue to grow. Therefore, you should not be surprised at the appearance of a baby with long nails and an already existing hilarious hairstyle.

What does 41 weeks mean?

This means that you are in the 41st obstetric week, and this is from the conception of the baby, and from the delay of the last menstruation.

Feelings in the mother at 41 weeks

The feelings of women this week are similar to the smallest detail. There is no longer any need to fear that childbirth will come suddenly and prematurely. The bag with things for the baby has long been assembled and stands almost at the very door, in case of sudden contractions. All relatives were given the necessary instructions. Rehearsal of various variations of massage and breathing during childbirth has already been carried out many times.

Physical sensations of expectant mothers at 41 weeks also practically do not differ:

• Due to the large size of the uterus, intestinal loops are shifted upwards, which leads to abdominal discomfort, constipation and flatulence;
• The outflow of bile is disturbed due to the gallbladder displaced by the uterus, which leads to a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
• The cause of discomfort is also the movement of the baby, periodically addressing the mother with a kick in the stomach or liver. Painful and intense movements of the child, who is already cramped in the stomach, lead to mother's insomnia;
• Due to natural changes in the ligaments of the expectant mother, in particular in the ligaments of the pubic joint, pains appear in the lower abdomen, aggravated by walking or pressing on the area of ​​the womb;
• The skin of the abdomen of a pregnant woman is also subject to changes - it becomes drier, stretched, and there is a risk of inflammatory processes.

Reviews from the forums about well-being at the 41st week:

Lena:

I'm already in my forty-first week. The kid is active, but not in a hurry to us. Tired to the point of impossibility both morally and physically, everything that is possible hurts. Friends tortured, relatives too, everyone is trying to get me to the hospital as quickly as possible. I just turn off my phone.

Valeria:

We also got 41! The uterus has been in good shape for three days now. The pelvic bones hurt - Mom, don't worry. Tired. My friend and I have the same dates, and she has already given birth. It's a shame!

Inga:

Hold on mommies! The main thing is positive! I am 41 weeks and feel great. I even run as before, as in the beginning. I don’t want to stimulate childbirth, I decided to wait for my first son at home.

Alyona:

Oh, and I have 42 weeks will soon go. The cork went away a week ago, everything hurts, but the daughter is in no hurry to get out. Tomorrow they will put in the hospital. For stimulation. Although I don't want to...

Julia:

This waiting is driving us crazy! Either my stomach pulls, or it grabs my back, and the cork, it seems, is moving away ... I'm still waiting, waiting, but the baby is in no hurry to come to us ... And already 41 weeks!

Irina:

We also have the 41st. We are terribly worried about the little one. Yesterday, I thought, we will leave for the hospital, but today there is silence again - I got scared, you see, and calmed down.

What happens in the mother's body?

The body of a woman is already ready for childbirth, which are usually indicated by three main signs:

• Bloody discharge, the appearance of which may indicate the expulsion of the mucous plug covering the cervix;
• The discharge of amniotic fluid (rupture of the membrane of the bladder) in a large stream or gradually;
• Contractions (tension of the muscles of the uterus). This sign is the most painful, indicating the onset of the process of childbirth.

Fetal development at 41 weeks of intrauterine life

These days, the mother gives the child a huge amount of antibodies so that in the future he will be able to resist various infections.

• Organ development: The baby's cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver and pancreas work perfectly;
• Height reaches from 50 to 52 centimeters;
• Weight fluctuates between 3000 - 3500 grams. Although the birth of a hero with a more impressive weight is not excluded, which is often found in our time;
• Lungs of a child at 41 weeks, they accumulated a sufficient amount of surfactant (a mixture of surfactants) that protects the baby's alveoli from sticking together on the first exhalation in his life;
• Body shape. After birth, the shape of this baby will be more rounded than that of a child who was born earlier. The fluff on his body and wrinkled appearance will quickly disappear, the hair on the back of his head will lengthen, and the cartilage on his ears will become denser. The cry of such a little one will also be louder;
• 41 weeks says that the body already lives fully grown man ready to be born;
• Life system baby already developed to the required state, and the cheese-like lubricant remains only in areas that especially need protection - in the armpits and groin;
• immune experience women at 41 weeks are already transmitted to the baby: more and more necessary molecules from the mother penetrate to the child, as the placenta ages;
• There is a simultaneous transfer to the child of their immune resources and protection baby from potential ailments from the outside world;
• For the most part, children at this time have proper development and growth. But the aging placenta, of course, no longer allows the baby to receive oxygen and nutrients in the amount necessary for him;
• Decreases And production of amniotic fluid which is undesirable for the child;
• Baby's lower intestine accumulates meconium(original feces of a newborn and fetus), pushed out almost immediately after the birth of a child;
• The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid may be one of the signs of fetal asphyxia. Amniotic fluid mixed with meconium is usually greenish in color.

Is this period normal?

Fatigue from the past months of pregnancy and anxiety about future childbirth, of course, affects the condition and mood of a woman. Questions from numerous friends and relatives on the topic “Well, how are you? Has not yet given birth?" meet with hostility and cause irritation. The feeling that this pregnancy will never end, and the desire to “fly up”, become light and airy, and not waddle with a huge belly, is haunting.

But the most difficult test is anxiety about the possible consequences of a delayed pregnancy.

First of all, don't panic. For doctors, a 41-week pregnancy is not considered post-term.

Postponed or prolonged?

After all, the PDR, in essence, is only the estimated date of birth, which is taken into account based on the last day of menstruation. The exact timing depends on many factors. Among them are such as:

• cycle length;
• The time of fertilization of the egg;
• The exact time for the release of the egg from the ovary;
• And much more;
• If a woman is already over 30 years old, and the pregnancy is her first, then the possibility of carrying a child for more than 40 weeks increases.

Also, factors affecting the increase in terms are:

• features of the female immune system;
• obesity;
• endocrine diseases;
• diseases of the reproductive sphere preceding pregnancy.

It is not always possible to accurately determine the reason for such a long stay of the baby inside the woman. You should not exclude the possibility that the child is simply comfortable inside the mother, and he is in no hurry to be born.

41 weeks - when is the birth?

At 41 weeks, the baby no longer has enough space in his mother's stomach - he feels discomfort from the stiffness of his movements. Despite the fact that there is practically no room left for the baby in the tummy, he still continues to move. Therefore, of course, you should carefully listen to his movements.

• You feel that the baby is frozen - it means the birth is very soon. In the case when there are no signals of close childbirth, and you have not felt the movements of the child for a long time, you should immediately notify your doctor about this;
• The danger of childbirth for a woman in the long term It is caused by the impressive size of the fetus and the hardening of its bones, in particular, the cranial ones, which entails ruptures of the birth canal and the troubles that accompany them.

Ultrasound at 41 weeks pregnant

The doctor's appointment is distinguished by the control of the correctness of the PDR, the clarification of the start date of your last menstruation and the number of days of the cycle, as well as the study of the ultrasound results.

Ultrasound means:

• Determining the amount of amniotic fluid by the doctor;
• Establishing the exact size of the fetus;
• Examination - whether the placenta blocks the exit from the uterus, and whether the baby's head corresponds to the size of the birth canal;
• Doppler study contributes to the assessment of the effectiveness of placental blood flow;
• A study to exclude such abnormalities as aging of the placenta and deterioration of placental blood flow.

Good examination results will allow the mother to calmly wait for the onset of labor on her own, without resorting to additional measures of influence. The detection of a decrease in blood flow to the placenta indicates a lack of oxygen received by the baby. In this case, the doctor may suggest induction of labor or a caesarean section.

Photo of the fetus, photo of the abdomen, ultrasound and video about the development of the child

Baby at 41 weeks

Baby ultrasound at 41 weeks

Photo of the mother's abdomen at 41 weeks

Video: What happens at 41 weeks?

A long wait, miraculous transformations of the female body and a long-awaited miracle.

• For the peace of mind of the expectant mother, she should be attentive to the advice of a doctor and follow all his instructions;
• At this time, the little one is actively kicking and in a hurry to leave the mother's tummy - therefore, you should not be nervous because of his increased movements;
• Mom, first of all, must comply with the daily regimen and nutrition prescribed by the doctor;
• With the help of doctors in the maternity hospital or on your own, you need to stimulate labor. To help "nature" you can use different ways. The main thing to remember is the utmost care.