Newborn kicking a lot
Movement, Coordination, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old (for Parents)
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
en español Movimiento, coordinación y su bebé de 1 a 3 meses de edad
The reflexes babies had just after birth start to disappear now as they gain more control over their movements and start to interact with caregivers and world around them.
What Can My Baby Do?Newborns struggle to lift their heads. But as neck and upper body strength improve, they'll be able to lift their heads while on their bellies and eventually prop themselves up on their arms. Once there, they’ll hold their heads up and look around.
You also may notice your baby stretching and kicking the legs. This movement strengthens leg muscles, preparing your baby to roll over, which usually happens by 6 months of age. But be careful: Even very young babies can roll over on occasion, so it's important to never leave a baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or other high surface.
Infants grasp reflexively from birth, but during the first 3 months of life they'll begin to open and shut their hands and start moving their hands to their mouths. Your baby may be able to hold a rattle or a toy that is placed in the hand — and drop it when no longer interested in it.
Vision also starts to improve as your little one develops the ability to follow a moving object with their eyes. Then watch as your baby tries to use their arms to swing at toys.
How Can I Encourage My Baby?Infants need to practice their skills. While babies should never sleep on their stomachs, give your child supervised tummy time during waking hours. This lets your little one practice lifting their head and strengthening the neck, arm, and shoulder muscles.
Your baby may get fussy and frustrated in this position, so keep the first tummy time sessions brief and gradually lengthen them. Always stay with your baby during tummy time.
Encourage hand–eye coordination by letting your baby reach for favorite toys while sitting on your lap or by placing them under an infant gym to bat at toys.
Normal child development tends to follow a certain pattern. The skills that babies develop early serve as building blocks for future skills. Still, the time it takes to develop these skills can vary widely among babies.
Let your doctor know if by your baby isn't doing the following:
By 2 months:
- hold their head up while lying on the tummy
- open their hands
By 4 months:
- grasp or hold objects put in their hands
- keep their head steady while being held
- lift the head and pushing up onto elbows/forearms during tummy time
Not reaching individual milestones doesn't always mean there is a problem. But talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your baby's development.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2022
Movement Milestones: Birth to 3 Months
By: Courtney J.
Wusthoff, MD, MS, FAAP
The first weeks and months of a baby's life are a period of amazing development. New skills and movements form quickly. These movement milestones are often called "motor development;" they are a source of delight for babies and their families.
Here's an overview of some typical motor milestones to expect from birth to 3 months:
Month one
Your baby will not be able to control many of her movements during the first few weeks. As she begins to develop more physical abilities, her motions may still be jerky or jittery. But she's learning fast, so hold on!
Eyes on you. Did you know one of the first parts of the body a baby can move are her eyes? Newborns can only see about a foot in front of them at first, but that's just enough to move their eyes to gaze at faces near them. Your baby may also look toward familiar sounds and voices.
Neck control. Newborns can move their head to the side.
You may see this with their first feeding, when the "rooting" reflex prompts them to turn toward the nipple. But infants don't have much neck control the first few weeks. Your baby needs your help to support her head.Newborn reflexes. In addition to rooting, your baby may show other reflex movements these first weeks. To see the step reflex in action, hold your baby securely under his arms (support his head, too!) as his feet touch a flat surface; he may put one foot in front of the other in a sort of "walking" motion. This reflex disappears after the first couple months, and most babies don't take their first "real" steps until about a year old.
Month Two
Your baby's nervous system has matured some by now. Certain newborn reflexes are beginning to give way to voluntary motions. With improved muscle control, movement becomes more fluid and wigglier. Here's what else you can expect:
Heads up on tummy time.
Most babies this age can lift their head up when lying on their tummies. Regularly giving your baby some "tummy time" is a great way to help her build strength in her neck and trunk. Some will cry when placed on their tummies, but usually do better after a few tries. It helps to have something interesting, such as mom's face, in front of them so they have encouragement to lift their head. Although too young to actually crawl, your baby may try or begin to push up from a lying position. Hand to mouth. During these weeks, your baby may begin to wave his arms around more when excited. Increasingly, his hands will catch his attention. He may spend a lot of time trying to move them in front of him where he can see them. After many tries, he may be able to move them to his mouth. His finger motion is still limited, though, so his hands will likely still be clenched in tight little fists. Sucking on them may become a way for him to soothe himself.
A tug of the lips.
You may have already noticed random facial movements, including reflexive smiles, while your baby sleeps. But starting sometime around her sixth week, your baby may flash you her first real smile in a genuine gesture of affection or amusement.
Month Three
Your baby's arm and leg movements continue to become smoother. The "startle" reflex is probably gone by now. She's becoming stronger and better able to coordinate her motions.
Straightening out. You might notice your baby's whole body now looks more relaxed. His hands will no longer be balled up in fists all the time. In fact, he may entertain himself by carefully opening and shutting them. He'll also enjoy more actively kicking his legs, which are straightening out from their pulled-up newborn position.
Ready to roll. As her kicks continue to become more forceful, she may soon be able to kick herself over from her tummy to back. While most babies can't roll from back to tummy yet, some may begin rolling over at this age.
Be careful never to leave your baby alone on furniture where they could roll over.Get a grip. Babies this age may begin to swipe at objects hanging just out of reach. While a newborn reflex causes babies to wrap their fingers around objects that touch the palm, your baby's grasp may now be more deliberate. She may even be able to hold and shake hand toys.
Let's bounce. When held up and supported in a "standing" position on a surface such as your lap, your baby may discover the joy of bouncing. This is a fun way to play together as your baby begins to hold some of his weight in his legs. It's best to avoid leaving babies in bouncer seats or harnesses. These can actually slow your baby's movement progress because they don't let her practice using her muscles as much.
When to See Your Pediatrician
Remember, each baby's movements may be a little different. If your baby doesn't master her movements at exactly the same pace others might, it is usually not because of any developmental delay or other problem.
It is a good idea to talk with your pediatrician if you notice your baby does any of the following:
Stops doing something she used to do. All babies will have good days and bad days. They may go a few days before repeating a new skill. But, if your baby's development is going backwards or consistently stopped, talk with your pediatrician.
Is not using a part or side of the body. Babies this age normally do not show whether they are left or right handed. If your baby only uses one hand or one side of his body, talk with your pediatrician.
Seems too floppy. Young infants may seem "floppy" until they develop more muscle control. But if your baby seems especially limp or droopy, it could mean she is sick or has an infection.
Jitters or shakes too much. Many newborns have shaky hands or quivery chins, but if their whole bodies are shaking, it could signal a medical problem.
Call your pediatrician.
More information
- AAP Motor Delay Tool - Use this tool to learn more about physical developmental delays in children and when to talk with your pediatrician.
- Learn the Signs. Act Early. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
About Dr. Wusthoff:
Courtney Wusthoff, MD, FAAP, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Stanford University and the Neurology Director for the Neonatal Neuro-ICU at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. She specializes in the neurological care of newborns and infants, and of children with epilepsy. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a member of the Section on Neurology.
- Last Updated
- 8/12/2020
- Source
- Section on Neurology (Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician.
There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Fetal movement - how and when does it occur
- At what time does fetal movement begin
- Fetal movement rate
- Methods for assessing the "sufficiency" of fetal movements
- Changes in fetal activity
- Determination of the condition of the fetus
“Dear patients, we are glad to welcome you to the website of the Fetal Medicine Center – a medical center of expert level in the field of modern prenatal medicine.
We see our mission in making the expectation of a child and its birth a happy, calm and most comfortable period for every woman. By providing professional medical support, we help couples plan pregnancy, control its harmonious course, conduct expert-level prenatal diagnostics, providing comprehensive care for the health of the expectant mother and baby.
”
Roza Saidovna Bataeva
Head of the Fetal Medicine Center in Moscow
From the very beginning of pregnancy, every expectant mother begins to listen carefully to the sensations inside her growing belly. Can't wait to feel your baby move. When does the fetus begin to move? At what time can a pregnant woman begin to listen carefully to herself, waiting for the first movements of her child? Should I be worried if they are not felt or the baby suddenly calmed down? And can movements carry any other information, besides communicating with mom?
At what time does the fetal movement begin
The first movements of the future baby begin early - already at 7-8 weeks of pregnancy . It was at this time that the first muscles and the rudiments of the nervous system of the fetus are formed. Naturally, at this time, the movements of the embryo are still very primitive - these are muscle contractions in response to nerve impulses.
Approximately from 10 weeks of pregnancy the fetus begins to move more actively in the uterus, and, encountering an obstacle on its way (walls of the uterus), change the trajectory of movements. However, the baby is still very small and the impacts on the uterine wall are very weak, the expectant mother cannot yet feel them. At 11-12 weeks of intrauterine life, a little man already knows how to clench his fists, grimace, frown, by 16 weeks of pregnancy he begins to react to loud, sharp sounds with increased motor activity, at 17 weeks the first facial expressions appear, and at 18 weeks he covers his face with his hands and plays with the umbilical cord, compresses and unclenches the fingers of the hands.
Gradually, with increasing gestational age, movements become more coordinated and more like conscious. When the baby grows up, the pregnant woman begins to feel his movements.
When does the fetal movement begin during the first and subsequent pregnancies
It is generally accepted that during the first pregnancy, the expectant mother feels the first fetal movements at 20 weeks of pregnancy, with repeated pregnancies - at 18 weeks.
This is not entirely true. A mother who is expecting her first child, indeed, most often begins to feel the movements of the fetus a little later than a multiparous woman. This is due to the fact that "experienced" mothers know how the movements of the crumbs are felt at first and what they should feel. Some primigravidas perceive the first movements of the fetus as an increase in intestinal peristalsis, “gaziki”. Many women describe the first movements of the fetus as a feeling of fluid transfusion in the abdomen, "fluttering butterflies" or "swimming fish."
The first movements are usually rare and irregular. The time of the first sensations of fetal movements naturally depends on the individual sensitivity of the woman. Some future mothers feel the first movements as early as 15-16 weeks, and someone only after 20. Slender women, as a rule, begin to feel movements earlier than full ones. Women who lead an active lifestyle, work hard, usually feel the movements of the fetus later.
By 20 weeks, due to the formation of the spinal cord and brain, as well as the accumulation of a certain amount of muscle mass in the fetus, movements become more regular and noticeable .
From 24 weeks of pregnancy, the movements of the fetus are already reminiscent of the movements of a newborn - the expectant mother feels how the fetus changes position, moves its arms and legs. The motor activity of the fetus increases gradually and its peak falls on the period from the 24th to the 32nd week of pregnancy. At this time, the activity of the baby's movements becomes one of the indicators of its normal development. After 24 weeks, the child begins to "communicate" with the mother with the help of movements, respond to the sounds of voice, music, and the emotional state of the mother. With an increase in the gestational age of more than 32 weeks, the motor activity of the fetus gradually decreases due to the fact that the baby is growing up and he simply does not have enough space for active movements.
This becomes especially noticeable at the time of childbirth. By the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, the number of fetal movements may decrease somewhat, but their intensity and strength remain the same or increase.
Fetal movement rate
The baby in the mother's belly moves almost constantly. At the 20th week of pregnancy, the fetus makes about 200 movements per day, and between the 28th and 32nd weeks, the number of movements reaches 600 per day. Naturally, a pregnant woman does not feel all the movements of the fetus, but only a small part of them. So, after 28 weeks, the frequency of fetal movement, according to the sensations of a woman, is usually 4 to 8 times per hour, with the exception of periods of fetal sleep (3-4 hours in a row).
In the third trimester, a pregnant woman may notice that her baby has regular sleep and wake cycles. Children are usually most active from 19:00 to 4:00 in the morning, and the period of "rest" occurs more often from 4 to 9:00 in the morning.
Of course, the movements of the fetus depend on the mood of the mother, if the mother is worried or happy, the baby can move more actively, or vice versa, calm down. The fact is that when a mother rejoices, her body significantly increases the amount of hormones of joy - endorphins, which regulate the work of the heart and blood vessels, including the vessels of the placenta. During stress or pronounced negative emotions, biologically active substances are also produced - stress hormones, they also affect the work of the heart and blood vessels. It is thanks to this biological interaction between the organisms of mother and baby that the fetus feels the state of the mother. When the expectant mother is resting, the baby usually becomes more active, if the pregnant woman is active, busy with some kind of work, the child most often calms down. The movements also change depending on the satiety of the expectant mother. Usually the baby begins to move actively after the mother eats, especially something sweet.
At the same time, the level of glucose in the blood increases sharply, which causes the fetus to be more active.
Fetal movements are the language in which the unborn child speaks to the mother. Naturally, a pregnant woman should listen to the movements, because in some cases, changes in the movements of the fetus may indicate a violation of its intrauterine state and a not entirely successful pregnancy.
If, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother does not feel the movement of the fetus, it may be worthwhile to see a doctor and make sure that everything is in order with the baby.
Methods for assessing the "sufficiency" of fetal movements
Counting the number of movements
The easiest way to assess fetal movements is to count the number of movements of the pregnant woman herself. Self-assessment methods are very easy to use, do not require additional equipment, the presence of a doctor and are easily reproducible by any woman.
Their disadvantages are that each woman has different thresholds of susceptibility.
Count to ten
The most common method for assessing fetal movements is called count to ten . It can be carried out after 28 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus is mature enough for active movements. Its essence lies in the fact that the expectant mother counts the movements of the fetus for a 12-hour time interval, for example, from 9 am to 9 pm. The time when a pregnant woman catches the tenth movement is recorded on a tablet. If the fetus makes less than 10 movements in 12 hours, this is a reason to consult a doctor for an additional examination.
Sadowski Method
In the evening after dinneruntil 11 p.m.), the woman lies on her left side and counts the movements of the fetus. At the same time, everything is considered, even the smallest movements. If 10 or more movements are noted within an hour, this indicates that the baby is moving quite actively and feels good.
If the fetus moved less than 10 times in an hour, then the movements are counted for the next hour. Evening time for this assessment method was not chosen by chance. It is in the evening hours, especially after dinner and the associated increase in glucose, that the greatest activity of the fetus is noted. If the number of fetal movements during this test is less than 10 per two hours, this should be considered as a sign of a violation of his condition and additional studies should be carried out.
For an obstetrician-gynecologist, fetal movements are also an important diagnostic criterion for some deviations in the course of pregnancy from the norm. Too active, violent, painful fetal movement or weak, rare movements may indicate its unfavorable condition.
Changes in fetal activity
Changes in fetal activity may be associated with external influences. For example, if a pregnant woman lies on her back for a long time, then the enlarged uterus compresses a large vessel - the inferior vena cava, the blood flow to the fetus is disrupted, which immediately causes its violent reaction - active movements.
The same changes in the activity of the baby can occur in any other uncomfortable position of the mother - if she leans forward, squeezing her stomach, sits with her legs crossed, the child forces her mother to change her position with her activity. A similar situation occurs if the baby himself squeezes or presses the loops of the umbilical cord, limiting the flow of blood through it. He begins to move more actively, changes his position and relieves pressure on the umbilical cord. However, in some cases, an increase or vice versa, a subsidence of fetal movements can be a sign of a serious pathology.
After 28 weeks of pregnancy, if your baby does not let you know for 3-4 hours, he may just be sleeping. In this case, the expectant mother needs to eat something sweet and lie down on her left side for half an hour. If these simple manipulations do not lead to a result, it is worth repeating them again after 2-3 hours. If this time the baby does not make itself felt, this is an occasion to consult a doctor.
Rare and weak movements can also indicate a fetal problem, most often a lack of oxygen for the baby, that is, fetal hypoxia.
Determining the condition of the fetus
To determine the condition of the fetus, the doctor conducts a series of examinations:
Auscultation (listening)
The simplest is auscultation (listening) using a special wooden tube (obstetric stethoscope) or a special device that captures the fetal heartbeat, doctor listens to the baby's heartbeat. Normally, it is about 120-160 beats per minute. A decrease in heart rate less than 120 or an increase of more than 160 indicates intrauterine suffering of the child.
Ultrasound and dopplerometry
During ultrasound, the doctor visually assesses the size of the fetus, the correspondence of the development of the fetus to the gestational age, because with oxygen starvation, the growth rate of the fetus slows down and its size lags behind the norm for each period of pregnancy.
Also important is the structure of the placenta, the presence of signs of aging in it, as a result of which the function of transferring blood, oxygen and nutrients to the fetus usually worsens. During ultrasound, the amount and type of amniotic fluid is assessed, which can also change with intrauterine fetal suffering. Dopplerometry of the vessels of the placenta and umbilical cord is a method for studying blood flow velocities in these vessels. With a decrease in the speed of blood flow in any vessel, one can speak of fetal malnutrition of varying severity.
Learn more about services:
- Pregnancy Ultrasound
- First Trimester Ultrasound
Cardiotocography (CTG)
CTG is performed at a gestational age of 33 weeks or more, since only in this period of intrauterine development of the baby is a full-fledged regulation of the activity of the cardiovascular system of the fetus by the centers of the spinal cord and brain.
Recording of fetal heartbeats is carried out for at least 40 minutes, and if necessary, the study can be extended up to one and a half hours. The device registers and records the baby's heart rate. For example, with a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the blood of the fetus, the supply of oxygen to the cells of the nervous system decreases, which in turn affects the heart rate, especially during the period of wakefulness of the child. The obstetrician-gynecologist evaluates the heartbeat recording curve, episodes of slowing down and a sharp increase in the fetal heart rate, and based on these data, makes a conclusion about how comfortable the baby feels in the mother's stomach.
If during additional methods for assessing the condition of the fetus, initial disturbances in the supply of oxygen to the baby are detected, drug treatment is carried out aimed at increasing the access of blood and oxygen through the placenta and mandatory control examinations against the background of ongoing therapy.
If the changes are deep and the baby experiences a pronounced deficiency of oxygen and nutrients, his condition suffers, an emergency delivery of such a patient is performed.
Fetal movements are not only an indicator of his condition, it is a way of communication between the baby and parents. The movements of the crumbs in the mother's tummy are unforgettable sensations that a woman can experience only in this short, but such a happy period of her life.
Center for Fetal Medicine in Moscow:
The main activities of our center are the early detection of congenital malformations in the fetus, prenatal screening for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, as well as pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation and threatened abortion.
Our center is organized in such a way that the whole range of services is concentrated in one place, where a woman receives the results of various types of examinations, including ultrasound, biochemical, and specialist consultation within 1-1.
5 hours. In the presence of a high risk for chromosomal diseases in the fetus, invasive diagnostics and genetics consultation are carried out here in the center.
Fetal echocardiography is given special attention in our center, since congenital heart defects in the fetus are increasingly common today, but, unfortunately, are often missed during ultrasound during pregnancy.
In view of the ever-increasing number of multiple pregnancies, which requires more time and a special approach, the observation of women with multiple pregnancies has been allocated to us in a separate clinic for multiple pregnancies.
All examinations in the center are carried out according to the international standards FMF (Fetal Medicine Foundation) and ISUOG (International Society for Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology). In complex clinical cases, we can consult with specialists from King's College Hospital, King's College Hospital (London, UK).
The team is a special pride of the center.
Our doctors are not only one of the leading specialists, professors, doctors and candidates of medical sciences, doctors of the highest categories, they are also a team of like-minded people and real enthusiasts in their field. All ultrasound diagnostic doctors in our center have international FMF certificates. Having extensive experience in prenatal diagnostics, we share our knowledge with our colleagues by conducting training courses.
The Center is equipped with the most modern diagnostic equipment: these are the latest generation ultrasound machines, GE Voluson E8 Expert, with a complete set of modern technologies, including three-dimensional ones, this is a biochemical analyzer, Delfia Xpress, these are workplaces with professional computer programs.
29-32 weeks of pregnancy
29th week
Baby
At the 29th week of pregnancy, the baby continues to accumulate fat under the skin, folds and wrinkles are smoothed out, and as a result, the skin becomes smoother.
The body is still completely covered with vellus hair, the amount of which is sharply reduced at this stage. But on the head, hair growth is activated. They become denser, darker and grow back quickly. In the womb, the baby often blinks, moves less actively, the movements become less intense and frequent, but smoother. There is less and less space left in the uterus, so the child is most often in the same position, spreading his limbs, exposing his head and pelvic end. His height by this week is 36-37 cm, and his weight is 1,200-1,300 g. At this time, the child takes a head presentation, since his head is heavier than his buttocks. But it is not uncommon for cases when in the body of water at 29week the baby is still in the breech presentation. The expectant mother should not worry about this, because there are still a few weeks for the child to take the correct position. Otherwise, breech presentation will be one of the good reasons for choosing a method of delivery.
Expectant mother
Women at 29 weeks of pregnancy still experience discomfort as the uterus continues to grow rapidly.
This is especially felt by the organs that are located next to it - the bladder, stomach, and also the lower part of the large intestine. As the uterus grows, they move and occupy a rather uncomfortable position, which can affect their work in the future. That is why at this time women often complain of a feeling of heaviness after eating, suffer from heartburn. Heartburn occurs as a consequence of throwing stomach contents into the esophagus and is manifested by an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, as well as a burning sensation inside. During pregnancy, the muscles that separate the esophagus from the stomach become highly hormonal and relax. This creates such a situation. The rebuilt position of the stomach only worsens the situation. It is impossible to completely get rid of this condition. Of course, after childbirth, this problem will be solved by itself, but in order to somehow help herself, a woman should eat often, but in small portions. It is important that you chew your food thoroughly.
These simple rules will help reduce the risk of heartburn after eating.
In addition, on the 29th week, expectant mothers notice frequent urination, which in most cases will accompany them until the very birth. Frequent urges are due to rapidly progressive pressure on the bladder. False urges are also not uncommon during this period. These are situations when the bladder is not yet full, but the brain has already sent a signal to urinate. In such cases, urination does not occur at all or passes in a minimal amount. During pregnancy, frequent and completely painless urination is not a sign of any disease. However, if symptoms such as pain, the appearance of cloudy urine join this process, you should immediately inform your doctor about this, who will be able to establish the cause of these changes and exclude or confirm pyelonephritis.
30th week
Baby
The 30th week is characterized by an intensive growth of the baby's muscle mass. He actively trains the muscles of the limbs, makes frequent movements, because during childbirth all muscle groups of the arms, legs, chest, and back must be prepared.
In the second stage of labor or during the immediate birth of a child, there is an active contraction of the uterus, the muscles of the abdominal wall. The child moves independently. In this he is helped by a high tone of the muscles of the body, which greatly facilitates the movement through the birth canal, and also allows you to make translational movements. Also this week, the preparation of the internal organs of the fetus for extrauterine life continues. The baby's chest is actively training, expanding and contracting. Such movements are very similar to breathing. The lungs are washed with amniotic fluid, intensive production of surfactant continues. This substance ensures normal pulmonary respiration. You can also note the development of the alveoli. These vesicles in the lung tissue are necessary for gas exchange, because it is very important for the survival of the fetus to be ready for spontaneous breathing at the time of birth. It is worth noting that childbirth at the thirtieth week, which is due to any reasons, gives a high chance of independent breathing of the newborn, because the lung tissue is already mature and quite ready to perform its functions.
The fetus actively swallows the amniotic fluid, thereby contracting the digestive tract and stimulating the liver and pancreas. The liver in the body of any person performs an important function, cleansing the blood, and already at this stage of pregnancy is ready for full functioning. The formation of liver lobules by the thirtieth week is almost complete.
Amniotic fluid constantly flows and stimulates the kidneys to function intensively: the production of urine from the liquid part of the water. The daily rate of urine at this time in a child can reach 0.5 liters.
Active work is also observed in the pancreas, which produces hormones and enzymes from the amniotic fluid. One of the most important is insulin. Potentially, the pancreas is ready for full-fledged work already at this time and will be able to supply the body of the newborn with everything necessary.
Thus, at the thirtieth week, the internal organs of the fetus will be able to ensure its vital functions in case of childbirth.
Although their development actively continues until the very birth.
The height of the baby is 37-38 cm, and the body weight is about 1300-1400 g.
Mother-to-be
The mother-to-be may experience active breast swelling and colostrum production in the thirtieth week. This secret of the mammary gland - "primary milk" - is quite thick, has a white or yellowish tint. The release of colostrum can occur at different times, everything is very individual, but most often this happens after the 30th week of pregnancy. If you find such discharge in yourself, then this means that your body is actively preparing for the upcoming lactation. In the first few days after the birth of a child, colostrum from the woman's body will be released very actively until the appearance of breast milk.
During pregnancy, the fetus itself stimulates the production of colostrum. His adrenal glands produce a special hormone that, when interacting with placental hormones, activates the production of prolactin.
Prolactin is a maternal pituitary hormone that is responsible for milk production after childbirth.
At the 30th week of pregnancy, a woman receives a certificate of temporary incapacity for work, and also goes through the procedure for issuing maternity leave, which lasts only 140 days.
31st week
Baby
At the 31st week of its intrauterine life, the fetus weighs 1500-1600 g and has a height of 39-40 cm. This period is characterized by the continuation of the development of the nervous system. The brain grows at a high rate, the convolutions deepen, and the surface area of the cortex increases. The brain, as well as its departments, thanks to nerve connections, function as one. In the baby, periods of sleep and activity are already clearly changing. Sleep, as before, takes up most of the time. It is worth noting that the child closes his eyes during sleep, and opens them during the period of activity. The eyelids are so well developed that the fetus can already blink, open and close its eyes, squint and even squint at this stage.
If bright light hits the stomach, it makes the baby close his eyes, which indicates a good level of development of his nervous system.
Expectant mother
By this time, the weight of the expectant mother increases by 7-8 kg. For a woman in position, it is important to monitor the rate of weight gain, because too much weight gain may indicate poor kidney function. So, per week, the weight should increase by no more than 300-400 g. In addition, it is important to monitor the presence of edema on the limbs and notify the doctor if they are found. Fluid retention is a sign of a pregnancy complication. Preeclampsia, which is also called late toxicosis, is characterized not only by swelling, but also by an increase in blood pressure, as well as the appearance of protein in the urine.
At the initial stages, preeclampsia can be completely asymptomatic, so a pregnant woman may not notice changes at all, feel great. That is why it is important to constantly visit a doctor who can already determine the presence of late toxicosis by analysis.
Preeclampsia is one of the main causes of complications in both the mother and her child. It can provoke fetal growth retardation, hypoxia, adversely affect the functioning of the kidneys, the vascular system and the heart, as well as the woman's liver.
Preeclampsia is mildly manifested in the form of edema. It can be corrected by normalizing the water-salt metabolism. The doctor may prescribe special diets for the pregnant woman, as well as drugs that will help cope with this condition.
Moderate or severe preeclampsia (nephropathy, preeclampsia and eclampsia) requires urgent hospitalization. In a hospital setting, intensive care is provided. Nephropathy in a future mother manifests itself not only in the form of edema, but also in the form of high blood pressure, as well as the appearance of a protein in the urine, which is detected during tests.
Active progression of preeclampsia can cause a severe degree of nephropathy, which smoothly flows into preeclampsia.
This condition is manifested not only by edema, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, but also by circulatory disorders in the brain. Women note frequent dizziness, pain, as well as nausea, vomiting, and changes in reflexes.
Preeclampsia at its most severe stage (eclampsia) is characterized by the manifestation of convulsive seizures, which can cause coma. That is why it is important for a pregnant woman to detect signs of preeclampsia in the early stages in order to avoid an increase in symptoms, which in the future can lead to irreversible consequences.
32nd week
Baby
This week of pregnancy is an important stage in the development of fetal immunity, in the blood of which there is a sharp increase in its own immunoglobulins. These substances protect the child from infection. At the time of delivery, the level of immunoglobulins will increase greatly under the influence of the mother's immunoglobulins entering the child's body. The last weeks of pregnancy are characterized by excellent permeability of the placental barrier, so protective cells from the mother's body easily pass into the baby's blood.
In this week of pregnancy, the baby weighs about 1,700-1,800 g, and its body length is 41-42 cm. . The even distribution of fat under the skin allows the baby to change the color of the skin from bright red to pink.
The accumulation of subcutaneous fat is very important for thermogenesis. This process is necessary to constantly maintain body temperature at the same level. In an adult, these processes are controlled by special thermoregulation centers in the brain. At the time of birth, the child is not yet able to fully provide thermoregulation, so the presence of subcutaneous fat is so important for him to maintain the required body temperature.
Expectant mother
The third trimester of pregnancy can be manifested by pain in the back, pubis, as well as knee and hip joints. There may also be a feeling of fullness of the pelvic bones, pain. Such phenomena are present in many pregnant women, since the center of gravity changes, the spine shifts (due to the growth of the abdomen).
