What to do on maternity leave before giving birth. 5 best activities

Video 39 weeks of pregnancy.

You are living on the eve of childbirth, and your baby is almost ripe for the appearance and replenishment of your family, you just have to wait a little more - and you will give the world a new miracle of birth.

How the 39th week proceeds, what you should prepare for, you will learn all this in this article.

So you will find out:

• How does your life change during this period?
• How is your baby developing?
• What is allowed and what is not advisable to eat
• What problems can be avoided
• What are false contractions
• What discharge is dangerous at week 39?
• What tests await you?
• Childbirth at 39 weeks

Now the 39th week of pregnancy has arrived, how to give birth faster is the only thought that remains in my head. A little more, and your baby will come into this world, of course, you are worried and want everything to go smoothly. At the same time, your emotions go off scale, you either want to cry, or suddenly feel a sense of fear about future birth. Remember that the way you are psychologically configured is one of the most important components of the success of such an important event as childbirth. It is important to already decide on the doctor who will deliver your child, never be afraid to ask all the questions you need, you should be calm and slowly prepare for delivery.

How does your life change during this period?

Nothing particularly new in your well-being changes, heartburn may still be tormenting you, varicose veins or stretch marks may appear on your legs, back pain becomes habitual, and swelling and constipation are also common. And this is not to mention the problem of excess weight. Here we are in the 39th week of pregnancy, how to speed up labor to get rid of these problems that make it difficult to sleep, eat, and walk, you ask? You should not rush the course of pregnancy, much less artificially induce labor, if there are no medical indications for this.

The problem of how much I weigh should be approached from the point of view of what I will look like after giving birth. That’s when all the days when you “ate for two” come out, not always making you happy with the kilograms you acquired.

Your breasts. She will grow at least one more size this week, and a whitish liquid - colostrum - will begin to be released from her, which means your body is starting to prepare for future feeding. Don’t forget that your breasts, like your body, require special care, use a contrast shower several times a week to strengthen the shape of your breasts, creams and gels for massage and stretch marks, the right natural supportive underwear - and you will keep your breasts firm and healthy for a long time yet.

What you need to learn before giving birth - and what they don’t teach in courses for pregnant women

I see what most childbirth preparation courses teach a woman: how to breathe during contractions, how to push correctly, how to move, they even teach a woman to look and know what exactly she is injected with during childbirth, they teach her to give birth.

But I want to tell you something else. Not some special knowledge about physiology, about how the uterus opens and over what time. Not a special breath, universal for everyone. And not some correct pose for all occasions - and so that it is equally good for every woman.

I transfer to you responsibility for myself, for my life and for my child, and the understanding that just knowledge does not guarantee us a good birth if we have fears, porridge, infantilism inside, and you are such a gentle kitty, and everyone around you owes you. I am training your inner motherly core.

We need preparation for childbirth not so that we will refuse the benefits of medicine or help from doctors, not so that we beat ourselves in the chest and reject really justified interventions from staff, but so that we can avoid routine impersonal actions, provide for ourselves conditions in which we can give birth physiologically, attract people who share our views and whom we trust.

The main goal of preparing for childbirth is to understand that you are also an active participant in the event and you can also influence the course of childbirth.

How is your baby developing?

During this period, your baby’s weight reaches about 3.5 kg and his height is 50 cm. His head has already rested against your pelvic cavity, and his position will not change. And labor can begin either at the 39th or 40th week. Therefore, you may experience pain in the perineum, as there is a gradual separation of the pelvic bones.

During this period, the baby’s limbs and torso are actively growing, he hears well, so do not forget to please him with a song or pleasant musical compositions, even with his eyes closed, he is able to distinguish and see bright colors, and already reacts to movement and distance.

All systems of the internal organs of the fetus are already formed, and it is capable of independent existence. So if you give birth already at the 39th week, don’t worry, your baby is already ready to live independently.

Your baby is already moving a little less, he has less and less space left, but still, the number of movements and movements of the baby is about 20.

It is interesting that the baby may already have a fluff on his head, and some may even have curls on his head, at birth, surprising his parents with thick hair.

Creativity/hobbies

It is during this period that it is good to do something you love. There is a lot of time, no one is distracting yet. You can start freelancing: “How I became a freelancer (and why you can too)” and earn money, or you can do something for the soul. However, one does not exclude the other. This is how I learned to knit. I've been crocheting since childhood, but I didn't have the patience for knitting needles. In recent weeks, I saw a pretty pink hat in a magazine, took some knitting needles - and since then, for 10 years, this has been my favorite pastime.

But when planning to do something creative, be sure to pay attention to the materials you will work with - they must be safe for health. Moreover, any hobby you choose should not be tedious.

Things to do:

• drawing (crayons, pencils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, etc.);
• painting (on fabric, dishes, walls, furniture, purchased items, gadgets, toys, etc.);
• calligraphy or lettering (drawing letters), which has become fashionable recently;
• modeling (from clay, dough, cold porcelain, polymer clay, plasticine, etc.);
• weaving (from beads, threads, ropes, ribbons, paper, shreds, etc.);
• making paper crafts (origami, quilling, paper-plastic, applique, etc.);
• creating collages (from paper, small objects, fabrics, dried plants, accessories, jewelry, souvenirs, photographs, postcards, etc.);
• decoupage (application of napkins on three-dimensional objects);
• scrapbooking (design of albums, photo albums, postcards, bookmarks, etc.);
• embroidery (threads, ribbons, beads, cross stitch, satin stitch, volumetric embroidery, etc.);
• knitting (crochet, knitting, bobbins, hands, machine, etc.);
• felting wool (you can felt figurines, toys, panels, decorative elements, household items, etc.);
• sewing (textile dolls, useful little things in everyday life, souvenirs, toys, etc.);
• cooking.

Photo source: shutterstock.com

This, of course, is not a complete list of what you can do. And even if your creativity does not bring fame and money (and now many make money by selling the results of their creativity), but you will find a source of inspiration and will be able to recharge your energy for everyday activities.

What are false contractions

This is the 39th week of pregnancy, the harbingers of labor in first-time mothers are the appearance of contractions, and you may experience false contractions. They are also called Braxton-Hicks contractions. Unlike real ones, such contractions are not so painful and periodic. Typically, such contractions do not cause strong discomfort in a woman; they resemble pain during menstruation, when the lower back is pulled. Their duration is no more than 60 seconds, and the frequency can be every few minutes or every few hours. At the same time, the baby behaves just as actively. Your uterus is training for labor, don't worry too much, but if you notice other warning signs of labor (detailed in the 40th week), such as the passage of water or the appearance of nausea or vomiting, a strong drooping of the abdomen, then it is better to play it safe and go to the hospital early.

By taking a warm bath, walking in the park, or simply relaxing, you can easily relieve false contractions. Real contractions don’t go away this way.

In multiparous women, training (false) contractions begin a little later than in primiparous women, somewhere from the 32nd week. But labor progresses much faster, so if you are expecting your second child, you need to go to the maternity hospital when periodic contractions appear.

Childbirth at 39 weeks.

For most women, delivery should be expected at 40 weeks. But this does not mean at all that childbirth cannot occur at 38-39 weeks. If you feel like your stomach is being tightened, as if in a ring, the time has come for real contractions. You must time it, the first strong grips begin every 10-15 minutes and last about 49 seconds. Try not to tense up, relax your muscles, call the hospital and help your unborn baby to be born calmly and joyfully.

The author of the article is Olga Demchenko, psychologist.

The sensations before childbirth are the harbingers of childbirth, which the site supermams.ru will tell you about today. Every woman is very scared before such a crucial moment, so I want to at least a little mentally prepare myself. And the closer the appointed day, the more carefully you need to listen to your inner feelings.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother

Before listing what sensations you may experience before childbirth, you should consider that they are normal and do not require medical attention or urgent hospitalization. A restructuring of the female body takes place before a joyful event.

But the absence of these sensations is not a deviation. Each body is special in its own way, so some expectant mothers may simply not feel these changes in their body.

The appearance of precursors of labor does not mean that a woman will definitely give birth within 24 hours. This is rather a warning that childbirth will occur in the near future, which can last up to two weeks.

How does it feel before giving birth? Harbingers of childbirth

1. Increased frequency and looseness of stools. Stools may become more frequent up to 2-4 times a day, with accompanying dilution of the stool. But if you experience more frequent urges, as well as vomiting and an accompanying unpleasant odor, you should consult a doctor.
2. Weight loss. During pregnancy, fluid accumulates in the body, and before childbirth, this fluid begins to slowly come out, resulting in a decrease in body weight. At the same time, swelling will subside: primarily on the feet, legs and hands. It becomes easier to put on shoes, gloves and rings. On average, weight can be reduced to 3 kg.
3. Prolapse of the “abdomen” (fundus of the uterus). The baby takes a more comfortable position in the mother’s stomach, preparing, so to speak, for the “start”. After this, it becomes easier for the woman to breathe, and if the last few weeks have been tormented by heartburn, belching or heaviness in the stomach, then this will go away with the prolapse of the uterine fundus. But due to this, pressure on the bladder and rectum increases, which is why visits to the toilet become more frequent.
4. Uncomfortable feelings before childbirth. Due to increased blood flow in the pelvic organs and in the area below the lower back, discomfort may appear. A feeling of languor is created in the lower abdomen - a similar feeling appears before the onset of critical days. But these sensations should not worry the expectant mother much - their unpleasant impact is minimal.
5. False contractions. They do not directly accompany labor, which is why they are called false. At the time of such contractions, the stomach becomes hard, and at the end it becomes soft. False contractions are practically painless, occur irregularly and at large intervals in time, unlike “real” contractions. They are not accompanied by severe and increasing pain in the lower abdomen, the sensation is rather a pulling sensation. “Labor” contractions occur with increasing intensity and regularity. It is also impossible not to notice the dilatation of the cervix, which does not happen during false contractions. But if you still have doubts, you can see an obstetrician. “Training” contractions can last for several days, but will not cause much discomfort.
6. Recession of the mucus plug. A mucus plug is a lump of mucus that forms early in pregnancy. It protects the baby from infections. Shortly before birth, this lump comes out. It may have a brown or brown color. Sometimes a woman may not notice this phenomenon, but there is no need to worry - you just need to focus on other sensations that arise before childbirth.

Listen to your body and don’t be afraid of changes in how you feel. All these sensations will help you understand that labor is coming soon. You can read about how to recognize the signs of labor on supermams.ru.

Feelings before childbirth that require immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain in the abdomen.
• Temperature above 37.5 degrees.
• Vomiting, migraine, blurred vision.
• Bloody discharge.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Lack of fetal movement or its sharp increase.

If you feel these sensations before giving birth, consult your doctor immediately.

If everything is fine with you and the pregnancy is accompanied by the above-described harbingers of childbirth, then begin to slowly prepare for the maternity hospital. Collect the necessary things and documents. You should also not leave the house for a long time.

It is better to spend the prenatal days in peace: sleep more, take a 10-15-minute relaxing bath. Also, a warm bath relaxes the muscles, so it will be possible to determine the type of contractions: whether they are false or “real.”

The “foreshadowing” days or hours may be difficult emotionally, but control yourself. Think positive.

For example, that your miracle will soon be born and you will be able to hug it! Fill yourself with these thoughts and the sensations that appear before childbirth will not be so alarming!

_ _ Website supermams.ru – Supermoms

Last days before childbirth. What to do?

When can labor begin? Childbirth is considered normal if it begins from 37 to 41 weeks of pregnancy. What are the warning signs of an imminent birth? • Removal of the mucus plug. You will find a small amount of pinkish or clear mucus on your panties. After this, labor can begin either within an hour or after a few days. For many expectant mothers, the mucous plug comes off immediately during childbirth; • nagging pain in the lower back or lower abdomen; • intestinal upset (diarrhea) not related to food; • loss of 1-2 kg of weight; • drooping of the abdomen. When to go to the hospital? Urgently if your water breaks. Pay attention to the color of the water: normally it should be transparent or slightly pinkish. If the waters are dark, cloudy, with impurities, first tell your doctor about it. If the water begins to leak slightly, also get ready for the maternity hospital as soon as possible. Have you started having contractions, their number increases over a certain period of time, and their strength increases? Don't worry... and get ready for the maternity hospital. How not to lose your head? • Take a herbal sedative. • Call your doctor. Briefly and clearly tell what exactly is happening to you. The expression “I think I’m giving birth” is not suitable. It is possible that it really only “seems” to you. • Take with you the necessary documents: passport, exchange card, birth contract, if you have concluded one. Is it possible to shave at home before giving birth and is it possible not to do it at all? You will have to shave your lower abdomen and pubis. This is more convenient for obstetricians, and in case of emergency surgery it is a necessity. You can remove hair at home. Use a new floating head razor and shaving foam. If the procedure is unsuccessful, take the machine and a mini-pack of foam with you to the maternity hospital. Ask your nurse to use these. If the contractions took you by surprise and you found yourself in the maternity hospital without any preparation, it’s okay. Shaving in a treatment room is not the most pleasant experience, but not as terrible as “experienced” friends say. Is it possible to do hair removal? If before pregnancy you practiced waxing your bikini area, you can go to a beauty salon. Depilation - you yourself know - is moderately painful, but it will not provoke contractions in you. Keep in mind that if your skin is usually irritated after epilation, then after complete hair removal you may experience very severe irritation. If you have never removed hair with warm wax, you should not experiment before giving birth. Any other types of hair removal - laser, photo hair removal, etc. - Contraindicated during pregnancy. I'm afraid of “disgracing myself” during childbirth. Is it possible to do an enema at home? An enema on the eve of childbirth is a necessity (a full intestine makes it difficult for the fetus to pass through the birth canal). It can be done at home before leaving for the maternity hospital. You will need 2 liters of water at room temperature. Lie on your left side, tuck your knees. True, many doctors do not recommend doing an enema on the eve of childbirth at home. This may cause contractions to intensify. A nurse gives an enema in the treatment room of a maternity hospital. If you have hemorrhoids, warn about it. The fear of looking “indecent” in the birthing chair is a problem for half of expectant mothers (however, there are only a few incidents). To minimize the risk, try not to overeat, do not abuse grapes and heavy foods. If constipation gets worse, help yourself with glycerin suppositories. You should not use laxatives: what if labor starts soon after you take a loading dose? Is it possible to get a pedicure and manicure before giving birth? It’s necessary because a woman in the maternity ward should look neat. This is important for her sense of self. The fingernails of a young mother should be cut short. It’s almost impossible to give yourself the perfect pedicure at 9 months, your stomach gets in the way. The woman's varnish on her hands and feet should be colorless. Otherwise, the reception department will ask you to erase it. Doctors must make sure that the expectant mother's nails are not infected. Should I go to the hairdresser? For a young mother, a short haircut is very convenient. But if it's not your style, don't cheat on yourself. If you have long hair, take soft hair ties; bobby pins may get in the way when you're lying in a chair. What cosmetics are best to use in the maternity hospital? Low allergenic, no pungent odors.
The best choice is cosmetics intended for children. The baby and mother can generally have one cosmetic item for two. This will spare the mother’s skin and hair, and will also minimize the risk of possible allergies in the baby.