Pelvic pressure 39 weeks

39 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy

Pregnancy normally lasts around 40 weeks and most women will go into labour a week either side of their due date. That means any day now.

What's happening in my body?

You might be getting a lot more discharge in your pants than usual. This should be thin, white and not smell of very much. If you spot a slimy blob of mucus that's yellow or bloody, then that's called a "show". This sticky stuff used to plug up your cervix and when it comes out, it can be one of the first signs that your baby's on the way. However don't grab your hospital bag just yet, as you could still have days to wait.

You may be getting back pain as your baby moves down your pelvis and starts head butting your spine. You'll probably feel increased pressure at the bottom of your bump now.

You could also be getting sudden bursts of energy and urgently want to fold baby clothes or tidy drawers that you haven't opened for years. That's your nesting instinct kicking in.

If you get any of the following signs, then treat it as an emergency and call your midwife, doctor or NHS 111:

bleeding from your vagina
brown or pink discharge
severe itching, particularly at night
a terrible headache that won't go away
vision problems (blurring, light sensitivity, seeing spots or flashing lights)
pain just below the ribs
extreme swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and face
persistent stomach pains
a high temperature (above 37.5 degrees C) with no other flu or cold symptoms

7 things you might not expect when your baby's born

Babies don't usually come out wailing, like they do in the films. It could take a few seconds before they cry or splutter to clear their airways.
Your baby will be checked out within a minute of being born. You might not be aware of it, as you'll be meeting your baby at the same time. Your baby will be rated on the Apgar scale for their heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, responsiveness and skin colour. This will be rechecked at 5 minutes.
Your baby's hands and feet might be blue, as their circulation is still a work in progress. The rest of their skin will be dark red or purple, then turn a brighter red when they take their first breath. It can take weeks before their true skin colour is revealed. If your baby's rubbed vigorously with a towel, this doesn't mean that there's a problem, it's probably just to help the blood flow.
It can take a few minutes before your baby's breathing regularly. They tend to do lots of fast breaths, then lots of slow breaths. The gap between breaths can be as long as 5 seconds. They're just learning to breathe, so this is normal.
Boys can be born with large testicles – that's just temporary, caused by hormones and water retention. They will settle down and look more in proportion soon.
It's not always love at first sight. Give yourself time to bond with your baby and ask for help if you need it.
It can take 6 weeks for your womb to go back to the size it was. Breastfeeding can speed this process up as it makes your womb contract. Find out more about your body after the birth on the NHS website.

Find out more about what happens when your baby is born on the NHS website.

3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 39 weeks)

You could be getting a lot of practice contractions, but if they start getting painful, then they could be the real deal. Read 5 signs that baby's on the way on week 37's page.

Phone your hospital or midwife when your contractions last for at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes – or call any time if you're worried that something is wrong, such as if your baby stops moving or if you're losing blood.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page)
swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
headaches
backache
indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
feeling hot
dizziness
swollen hands and feet
urine infections
vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
greasier, spotty skin
thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page)
weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
a heightened sense of smell
sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page)
a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 50.7cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 3.3kg. That's approximately the length of 5 courgettes and the weight of a mini watermelon.

A few weeks ago, your baby's skin was almost transparent but now they're growing a tougher new layer that's looks more solid. This is better at protecting their internal organs and helping with temperature control.

The skin will be coated in a white, waxy substance called "vernix", which means varnish in Latin. This creamy layer helps to protect their skin and eases your baby down the birth canal. Your baby might be covered in it when they are born, or it could be mostly gone.

Action stations

Be on full alert in case your waters break, as this could happen at any time. Don't expect a tidal wave, as it could be just a trickle. If you think it's started, then call your midwife or doctor and ask for advice. You might have just wet yourself, but if your waters have broken, then your labour may need to be induced as your baby will be at a greater risk of infection.

This week you could also...

You're probably on leave now. Find out how much maternity leave and pay you're entitled to.

It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle pelvic floor exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze or cough. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stopping midflow.

To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.

Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.

It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

There's no need to eat for 2. Now you're in the 3rd trimester, you may need an extra 200 calories a day, but that's not much. It's about the same as 2 slices of wholemeal toast and margarine.

Try to eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.

How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need. You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family.

You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important that you ask for help if you need it.

Having another baby is probably the last thing on your mind. However now is a good time to start planning what type of contraception you would like to use after your baby is born.

Getting pregnant again could happen sooner than you realise and too short a gap between babies is known to cause problems. Talk to your GP or midwife to help you decide.

You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):

read government guidance on how to stay safe from COVID-19

get NHS advice about COVID-19

use the NHS COVID-19 app for England and Wales – it's the fastest way of knowing when you've been exposed to COVID-19

To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:

NHS website

Breastfeeding Network

World Health Organization

This week's treat

Spend some time in nature. Go and kick leaves in the park, walk in the woods, water your garden or plant some seeds (use gloves to avoid the risk of infection). This is good exercise and will encourage your brain to release 'feel good' chemicals.

Go back to week 38

Go to week 40

39 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms & Baby Development

At 39 weeks, your baby is fully cooked, or in other words, “full term.” Your due date is imminent, and your body is preparing for labor. Here’s what you can expect from week 39 of pregnancy.

What To Expect At 39 Weeks Pregnant

How Many Months Is 39 Weeks Pregnant?
Your Baby’s Development at 39 Weeks
Your Body at 39 Weeks
Frequently Asked Questions About Life at 39 Weeks Pregnant
39 Weeks Pregnant Checklist

How Many Months Is 39 Weeks Pregnant?

39 weeks pregnant in months is nine months pregnant, which is part of the third trimester of pregnancy.

Your Baby at 39 Weeks

Congrats, baby, you’re officially full term! Your baby is getting ready to make their debut any day now. This is what else is going on at 39 weeks.

Full term: Your baby’s officially considered “old enough” for delivery. Even though you may be ready for baby to be born, this week they’re still putting down fat deposits, and their brain keeps developing to get them ready for the wild stimulation of the world.
Milder baby movements: Your baby isn’t kicking and moving around as wildly when you’re 39 weeks pregnant because it’s tight quarters in there. Even if they’re not as sharp, your baby’s movements should be just as often as usual. If you have trouble getting your baby to move, try drinking some cold water to wake them up; if that doesn’t work or you have any concerns, call your healthcare provider to check in. They may want to monitor baby’s movements with a nonstress test.
Skin cell turnover: Your baby is forming new skin cells to replace the older ones. The new cells will help with temperature regulation after birth.

How Big Is Baby at 39 Weeks?

Your baby is 19. 9 inches long and weighs 7.3 pounds this week. That’s about the size of a Cabbage Patch Kid doll.

💛 Congratulations 💛

One more week till your due date. You are full term!

39 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

Top Tip for 39 Weeks Pregnant

Nipple stimulation does help bring on labor. It’s so effective that you should probably avoid it if you’re not at a hospital or birth center (or if you have a high-risk pregnancy).

Your Body at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Remember how you used to be so nervous about delivery? By the time you get to 39 weeks pregnant, you’re probably more than ready for your baby to be born. After all, your baby is around 20 inches long, you’ve probably gained a total of around 25-35 pounds and you’re more than a little uncomfortable—not to mention really eager to meet your little one!

Though everyone around you might seem to have a guess as to when you’ll have your baby, predicting when labor will actually start can be difficult as we still don’t know exactly why people go into labor when they do. “Science still can’t explain what makes someone go into labor but it’s believed that there is an intricate dance between the mother’s hormones secreted by her adrenals and the baby’s adrenals also secreting hormones,” says Venus Standard, a nurse midwife and assistant professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Rest assured your baby will arrive when they’re ready. As you wait it out, try to take advantage of the time you have left by relaxing and maybe getting a pedicure or some other self-care. You are this close to meeting your baby!

39 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Your body is gearing up for labor, and you may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or find out that you’re dilated. Here are some of things you may be experiencing when you’re 39 weeks pregnant.

Lightning crotch

This phenomenon is almost as exciting as it sounds. It’s a short, shooting pain in your pelvis that can get triggered when you or your baby moves. It hurts because your baby’s head is putting pressure on your cervix, where you have a ton of nerves. Most of the time it’s just uncomfortable and goes away quickly. For relief, if you have access to a pool, go for a dip. Swimming will lighten the load on your pelvis.

Braxton Hicks contractions

These practice contractions may still be happening, and they may be getting a bit uncomfortable. Take note of the tightening—when it starts getting regular and undeniable, it’s no longer Braxton Hicks; it’s the real deal!

Dilation and effacement

At your appointment, your ob-gyn or midwife will probably do a cervical exam to see if you are starting to dilate or efface. This is what happens: they put a couple fingers into your vagina to determine if your cervix is opening. This can help determine if the labor process is starting, but it can’t accurately predict when you’re going to deliver. Some people have early labor that they don’t even feel as their bodies ramp up for childbirth, and others stay at zero centimeters until after their water breaks.

Vaginal discharge

It’s normal to have an increase in discharge when you’re 39 weeks pregnant. But don’t mistake leaking amniotic fluid for discharge. Amniotic fluid is thinner and waterier—seek medical guidance right away if you notice it or if you’re unsure of what you’re experiencing. Amniotic fluid can be mistaken for leaking pee too.

Soreness and joint pain

Hauling around your baby, their placenta and the amniotic fluid that surrounds them can be hard on your body. Hormone shifts that help ready your body for labor can also contribute to the discomfort you feel in the final weeks of pregnancy. “Hormones, primarily relaxin and progesterone, increase during pregnancy,” says Dr. Rodney Wise, a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Market Chief Medical Officer at AmeriHealth Caritas, “which results in the loosening of ligaments and joints.” Rest assured that you’ll feel some instant relief after your baby is born and your belly loses much of its heaviness.

Fun Fact

Human pregnancies last about 268 days from ovulation, putting us between cows at 286 and chimpanzees at 240. Elephants are pregnant for 645 days, or almost two years!

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming up in Week 40

There’s a pretty good chance you could already have your baby by this time next week, especially if you’ve delivered a baby before. If not, try not to stress, it won’t be long. In week 40 you can expect many of the same symptoms to continue with fatigue, increased vaginal discharge and difficulty sleeping, all common challenges in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Commonly Asked Questions About 39 Weeks Pregnant

Is it safe for me to have sex?

In most cases, sex is safe up until labor begins (as long as your water hasn’t broken). Plus, having sex in the last week or two may actually help to induce labor. The theory goes that orgasms can cause contractions. So, if the mood strikes, don’t hold back.

What is a membrane sweep?

If they haven’t already, your ob or midwife may soon offer to perform a membrane sweep, which is when they swipe their finger around your cervix to separate the amniotic sac from the uterus. Studies show that this may reduce the need for a medical induction. It’s safe, quick and can be performed more than once, although it’s not the most comfortable feeling in the world.

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Recommended Products for 39 Weeks Pregnant

Your due date is mere days away. Is the anticipation killing you? Here are some things to shop for as you wait for contractions to start.

If you’ll be delivering at a hospital or birth center, you’ll want to bring along a ‘coming home’ outfit. You can’t go wrong with an outfit that is simple, neutral and comfortable.
Create a keepsake without the mess by adding an inkless footprint kit to your shipping cart. You’ll want to remember just how tiny those feet are forever—we promise.

39 Weeks Pregnant Checklist

Go to your week 39 prenatal visit.
Get busy. There’s no conclusive evidence that sex induces labor, but it doesn’t hurt to try if you’re up to it.
Try to relax and get some rest before delivery.
Ask your healthcare provider or midwife if a membrane sweep might be right for you if you go past your due date.

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.

Pregnancy calendar 39 weeks - Miracle Doctor multidisciplinary clinic in Moscow

At the thirty-ninth week of pregnancy, the most impatient women are already in anticipation of childbirth, and many babies are ready to be born. Usually girls are in a hurry to be born a little ahead of time. Boys, like future men, have more endurance and try to wait until the deadline.

The child prepared for childbirth, huddled up and pressed his knees to his chin. Most of the vellus hair came off the baby's body, only those that are hidden in the skin folds remained. Marigolds on the fingers and toes of the industry so much that they protrude slightly beyond the fingers. The child already has a fully formed organism and is just waiting for his birth to demonstrate how he can independently breathe, scream, blink, move his limbs, etc. Unable to withstand the expectations, some babies begin to show their skills even before birth. Lack of oxygen can cause meconium (original stool) to pass into the amniotic fluid. With amniotic fluid, meconium can enter the respiratory system of the baby. If, at birth, the child’s body is covered with greenish mucus, and fragments of the original stool are found in the departed amniotic fluid, obstetricians immediately after birth will carry out a series of activities called lavage, aimed at cleansing the child’s respiratory tract and bronchi from meconium.

The weight of the baby a week before the birth reached 3.2 kilograms, and the height exceeds 50 centimeters. The child continues to gain weight. Nutrients and oxygen enter the baby's body through the umbilical cord, which connects the baby's body to the placenta. By the end of pregnancy, the diameter of the placenta reaches 20 centimeters, and the weight is 1.5-2 kilograms. Although the baby is limited in movement, at 39 weeks of gestation there is a risk of the umbilical cord wrapping around his body.

A small amount of mother's antibodies can cross the placenta into the baby's bloodstream, thereby triggering the baby's immune system. 6 months after birth, this type of antibody will disappear from the baby's body on its own. All systems of the baby's body have formed and are waiting in the wings.

Having an idea about the symptoms of the onset of labor, every woman should constantly keep her finger on the pulse of her condition. Harbingers indicating the imminent onset of labor are:

discharge of amniotic fluid,
Drawing pains in the lower abdomen and lumbar region,
regular uterine contractions,
reduction of the interval between contractions,
spotting and discharge of the mucous plug from the genital tract,
slight weight loss in a woman,
frequent and loose stools,
increased appetite,
woman's troubles aimed at arranging a secluded corner, manifestations of the "nesting" instinct.

The bladder of a woman at 39 weeks experiences the maximum pressure for the entire duration of pregnancy. To this inconvenience is added some nervousness preceding childbirth.

During pregnancy, the cervix has a firm texture, more than 2 centimeters long, and its opening is closed. K 37-39week of pregnancy, the cervix is already somewhat softened, and its length is 1-2 centimeters. The opening of the cervix occurred on 1 finger. The opening of the cervix for more than 2 fingers means its maturation and the physiological readiness of the mother's body for childbirth, but this does not mean that they will begin in the next day. Between the full maturation of the cervix and the start of regular contractions, it can take from 1-2 days to a week.

Before childbirth, the head of the fetus is installed in the bone pelvis, which ensures its easy passage through the birth canal. But in women who have given birth before, the head may not be installed in the pelvic bones and, nevertheless, its passage through the pelvic canal is smooth.

The doctor can confirm the opening of the cervix and the installation of the baby's head in it during a scheduled visit. The gynecologist either probes the head from the outside through the abdomen, or detects its installation during a vaginal examination.

You can advise the expectant mother to consider the option of partner childbirth, which is becoming increasingly popular in the world. In partner childbirth, the spouse is in the prenatal and labor ward with the woman and provides her with all kinds of support at the crucial moment of childbirth. Most of the couples who participated in partner births speak positively about them.

Harbingers of childbirth - How to understand that it is time to go to the hospital?

January 10, 2017

Alekseeva Inna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor of the highest category

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Every pregnant woman with excitement and joy awaits the upcoming birth. The closer the cherished date, the more attentively the expectant mother listens to the changes taking place in her body and in the behavior of the baby. Of course, the expectant mother wants to know by what signs it is possible to understand that childbirth is just around the corner.

It is customary to call the harbingers of childbirth external, really tangible changes in the body, which are direct preparation for the onset of labor. The tissues of the birth canal - the cervix, vagina, vulva, perineum - become quite elastic, extensible, but at the same time - very strong and resistant to tearing. The cervix is located in the center of the vaginal vault, shortens by almost half its normal length and softens significantly. The cervical canal - the lumen of the cervix connecting the uterine cavity with the vagina - opens slightly, as a result, the diameter of the cervical canal is approximately 2-2. 5 cm. Of course, such a significant "perestroika" takes more than one day.

Female sex hormones are responsible for preparing for childbirth. During the nine months of pregnancy, progesterone "reigns" in the body of the expectant mother. It ensures the normal tone of the uterus (relaxed state of the muscles), the production of cervical mucus - a mucous plug in the cervix that protects the fetus from infection. The amount of progesterone during pregnancy largely determines the normal development and growth of the fetus, the necessary concentration of nutrients and oxygen in the mother's blood, as well as their timely and uninterrupted delivery to the baby.

Shortly before childbirth, the production of progesterone decreases markedly, it is replaced by estrogens - female sex hormones. The increase in estrogen in the blood is caused by the need to prepare the body for the upcoming birth. It is these hormones that are responsible for the elasticity and patency of the birth canal. The rate of cervical dilatation in the first stage of labor depends on them. In the second period, when the cervix is fully opened and the fetus passes through the birth canal, it is also very important how elastic and extensible the walls of the vagina are - this will largely determine the duration of the straining period. Finally, the onset of labor itself depends on the level of estrogen: contractions occur as a result of a nerve impulse that is caused by a certain level (“peak”) of estrogen accumulation.

These changes are normal and do not require an unscheduled visit to the doctor or hospitalization. Harbingers of childbirth are manifestations of a planned restructuring in the body of a future mother, the “finishing touches” of preparation for the upcoming joyful event.

The absence of clearly perceptible changes on the eve of the expected date of birth is also not a pathology. Not all expectant mothers note those changes in well-being that are commonly called harbingers. However, this does not mean that there is no preparation. In some cases, the “final preparations” go unnoticed by the pregnant woman. Therefore, do not worry or urgently contact a specialist.

The appearance of any of the "harbingers" indicates the likelihood of the development of regular labor activity over the next two hours - two weeks. None of the sensations described gives a 100% guarantee that a woman will become a mother within the next 24 hours. Hormonal changes before childbirth begin approximately two weeks before the expected birth. Theoretically, during these two weeks, at any time, a pregnant woman can notice certain changes in her state of health. Consequently, the absence of labor activity an hour, a day, or even a week after the first noted changes is not a pathology and does not require special medical advice.

Scarlet discharge from the genital tract in any amount.
Severe abdominal pain.
Increased blood pressure (above 130/80 mmHg).
Increase in body temperature up to 37.5°C and above.
Increased heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute).
Severe headache, vomiting, blurred vision.
Significant increase in edema.
Absence, sharp decrease, sharp increase in fetal movements.
Suspicion of amniotic fluid leakage.

Weight loss . Shortly before the expected date of delivery, the expectant mother may notice some “weight loss”. Weight loss during this period is associated with the removal of excess fluid from the body, that is, a general decrease in edema. The more pronounced the fluid retention during pregnancy, the more mass the pregnant woman will “lose” on the eve of childbirth. During pregnancy, water is retained in the body of all expectant mothers to a greater or lesser extent. The reason is progesterone - a hormone whose main function is to support the processes of pregnancy. Before childbirth, progesterone is replaced by estrogen. It is estrogen that removes excess fluid from the body. The first results are visible on the hands, feet and legs. Depending on the severity of edema, weight loss before childbirth varies from 0.5 to 2.5 kg.

Change of stool. Increased frequency and change in the consistency of physiological functions on the eve of childbirth is also associated with an increase in estrogen levels and the removal of fluid from the body of the expectant mother. Similar changes in the body of a non-pregnant woman are observed during menstruation. The chair can become more frequent up to 2-3 times a day, at the same time there may be some liquefaction of the feces. More frequent urge to defecate, a sharp change in the color and smell of feces, combined with nausea and vomiting, is a reason for consulting a doctor - food poisoning can be masked under such "harbingers".

Fundal prolapse. Shortly before delivery, the baby presses the presenting part (most often the head) against the lower segment of the uterus and pulls it down, pressing against the entrance to the small pelvis. The fetus "groups", taking the most advantageous position for itself at the time of the onset of contractions. As a result of such "preparations" from the side of the fetus, the uterus "sags", and its upper part - the bottom - ceases to exert pressure on the internal organs. After lowering the bottom of the uterus, the pregnant woman has no shortness of breath (it becomes easier to breathe, there is a feeling of a full breath). If in the last month the expectant mother had belching, heartburn, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating, these phenomena disappear when the bottom of the uterus descends. However, lowering down to the pelvic area, the uterus will put more pressure on the internal organs located there. The pelvic organs, in particular, include the bladder. It is located directly in front of the uterus, in its lower part. Behind the uterus, at a distance of several centimeters, there is an ampulla of the rectum - the output section of the intestine. It is not difficult to guess what the result of pressure on the bladder and rectum will be: the urge to go to the toilet before childbirth can become noticeably more frequent.

Isolation of the mucous plug. During pregnancy, the glands of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal (the lumen of the cervix) secrete a special secret. It is a thick, sticky, jelly-like mass that forms a kind of cork. The mucous plug completely fills the cervical canal, preventing the penetration of bacterial flora from the vagina into the uterine cavity. Thus, cervical mucus, or the mucous plug of the cervix, protects the fetus from ascending infection. Before childbirth, when the cervix begins to soften under the influence of estrogen, the cervical canal opens slightly and the cervical mucus contained in it can be released. In this case, the expectant mother may find small clots of yellowish-brownish mucus, transparent, jelly-like, odorless. The mucous plug can stand out at once or depart in parts during the day. In the latter case, slight discomfort is sometimes noted in the form of "sipping" in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of sensations before or during menstruation. However, most often, the release of the mucous plug is not accompanied by tangible changes in the well-being of the expectant mother. After the discharge of the mucous plug, it is not recommended to visit the pool, swim in the reservoirs and in the bath. When immersed in water, it fills the vagina; thus, in the absence of a mucous plug, the risk of infection of the fetus and membranes through the ajar cervix increases.

Training contractions. Training or false contractions are called such contractions that appear shortly before childbirth and are not actually labor activity, since they do not lead to the opening of the cervix. A contraction is essentially a single contraction of the uterine wall; this contraction usually lasts a few seconds. At the time of the contraction, the expectant mother feels a gradually increasing and then gradually decreasing tension in the abdomen. If at this moment you put your hand on your stomach, you can notice that the stomach becomes very hard, but after the contraction it completely relaxes and becomes soft again. In addition to involuntary tension of the uterus, other changes in the well-being of the expectant mother during false contractions are usually not noted. It is not difficult to distinguish training fights from real ones. In most cases, false contractions are weak, painless, irregular or alternating at a significant interval (30 minutes or more). Labor pains, on the contrary, are distinguished by regularity and a gradual increase in intensity. Unlike false contractions, real contractions lead to a visible result - the opening of the cervix. In doubtful cases, a simple obstetric examination will be enough to make an accurate diagnosis. In other cases, training contractions, like all harbingers of childbirth, do not require a visit to a doctor or hospitalization. False contractions may recur for several hours and then stop. Most often, they disturb a pregnant woman in the evening and morning hours for several days.

Discomfort. In the last weeks before giving birth, many pregnant women report discomfort in the lower abdomen and in the area of the sacrum (the area slightly below the waist). Such changes in

the well-being of the expectant mother is caused by sprain of the pelvic ligaments and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. Usually these minor sensations, described as a feeling of "light languor" in the lower abdomen, are comparable to similar phenomena in the period before or during menstruation. Discomfort, like training contractions, more often disturbs the expectant mother in the morning and evening hours. The level of discomfort is minimal, it should not worry the expectant mother and does not require medical intervention.

All harbingers of childbirth can appear during the last two weeks before childbirth, their presence, as well as their absence, is the norm and does not require a visit to a doctor. It is important to learn to listen to changes in your body, not to be afraid of changes in well-being associated with prenatal preparation, and most importantly, to have time to mentally and physically prepare for the most important event - the birth of a baby.