Watery discharge 37 weeks pregnant
Signs and what to do
Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds a fetus in the womb. It has a range of functions, all of which relate to the development of the fetus.
The fetus and fluid stay in the amniotic sac, which usually breaks when a woman goes into labor. It can sometimes rupture early, which is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
In this article, learn about the signs that amniotic fluid is leaking, the common causes of PROM, and when to speak to a doctor.
Leaking amniotic fluid might feel like a gush of warm fluid or a slow trickle from the vagina. It will usually be clear and odorless but may sometimes contain traces of blood or mucus.
If the liquid is amniotic fluid, it is unlikely to stop leaking.
Signs that it is not amniotic fluid
The uterus sits on the bladder during pregnancy, so it is not uncommon for pregnant women to leak urine. If the discharge smells like urine, it probably is.
Women may also experience an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Normal discharge tends to have a mild smell and look milky.
Share on PinterestA person should consult a doctor if they suspect that they are leaking amniotic fluid.
If the fluid does not appear to be urine or discharge, it is best to speak to a doctor.
Women who also experience the following symptoms should seek medical attention too:
- foul-smelling, brown or green discharge from the vagina
- fever
- the uterus feeling tender
- rapid heart rate
- a decrease or lack of increase in weight
While waiting for medical attention, a woman should not use tampons, have sex, or do anything else that might introduce bacteria into the vagina.
A doctor may take a sample of the fluid to determine whether it is amniotic fluid. They may also carry out tests to determine the cause of the leak.
These tests could include a vaginal exam to see if the cervix is dilating and the woman is in labor. An ultrasound can help doctors check how much fluid is surrounding the baby.
They may also perform a dye test, which involves introducing blue dye into the amniotic sac and asking the woman to wear a sanitary pad. If the dye shows up on the pad, this can indicate leaking amniotic fluid.
The amniotic sac ruptures when a woman goes into labor. People often refer to this as the water breaking.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, just one in 10 women will experience a “dramatic gush” of amniotic fluid. For most women, it is more likely to feel like a constant trickle.
Sometimes, the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before labor starts. If the amniotic sac breaks before the 37th week of pregnancy, doctors refer to it as preterm PROM.
Women who got pregnant less than 6 months after their last labor or are carrying more than one baby have a higher risk of PROM.
Other factors that can lead to PROM are:
- contractions that put pressure on the amniotic sac, causing it to tear
- the amniocentesis needle making a hole that takes too long to heal
- cerclage, a procedure where doctors stitch the cervix closed until the baby is ready for delivery
- a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- medical conditions, such as lung disease and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- exposure to harmful substances, including tobacco, illicit drugs, and alcohol
- too much or too little amniotic fluid
- the placenta separating from the uterus
Share on PinterestRest may help treat the cause of a leak.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the leak, as well as the age, health, and development of the fetus.
A doctor may recommend bed rest, meaning that the woman should reduce her activities and rest for most of the day. They may also advise abstaining from sex.
If a woman has an infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy.
If the baby is ready to be born, doctors may choose to initiate labor using a drug called oxytocin. Alternatively, medications called tocolytics can help stop premature labor if it is too early for the birth to occur.
About 12 days into pregnancy, an amniotic sac forms around the growing fetus. Amniotic fluid fills the sac and has several purposes, including:
- protecting and cushioning the fetus
- keeping the fetus at a steady temperature
- allowing the fetus to breathe in the fluid while the lungs grow and develop
- helping the fetus’s digestive system grow and develop as they swallow the liquid
- assisting the muscle and bone development of the fetus as they move around in the fluid
- protecting the umbilical cord, which carries food and oxygen from the placenta to the fetus
The amniotic fluid comprises mainly water for the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. After that, it also contains nutrients, hormones, antibodies, and the baby’s urine.
The quantity of fluid in the amniotic sac tends to increase until around the 36th week of pregnancy when it starts to decrease. At its peak, there is about 1 quart of amniotic fluid inside the sac.
It is not unusual for women to experience more vaginal discharge than usual during pregnancy. Vaginal discharge will typically smell mild and appear milky. Women may also leak urine when they are pregnant.
A pregnant woman with a liquid other than urine or normal discharge coming from the vagina should visit the doctor. This is particularly true if the fluid is green, brown, or has a foul smell.
Leaking amniotic fluid will usually be clear and odorless and will continue to leak.
Clear (Watery) Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy: Signs & Treatment
White watery discharge, also known as vaginal leucorrhoea, is common among women. It begins at the onset of puberty and lasts until the end of menopause. The amount of discharge varies from woman to woman and usually increases during the menstrual cycle. A watery discharge signifies a healthy vagina as it helps expel bacteria, keeping the vaginal area free from infection.
Apart from daily life, if watery vaginal discharge comes during pregnancy, it raises questions about whether or not the pregnancy is progressing well. Plus, if it is your first pregnancy and you ask around your friends and family who did not experience it, the worry and anxiety just double up.
To free you of that anxiety, we are here to help you with the knowledge of clear discharge during pregnancy, what signs to watch for, and in what cases you should consider seeing a doctor.
Also Read: Cloudy Urine While Pregnant: Causes & Treatment
What Is Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?
The fluid that comes out of the vagina is known as vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is usually white or clear. If you are pregnant, you may notice watery discharge, but there is nothing to worry. Watery discharge during pregnancy usually depends on the stage of pregnancy. Based on the stage of your pregnancy, the characteristics and implications of a watery discharge may differ. Here is a categorised list of the same:
1. Watery Discharge in Early Pregnancy
Clear discharge during early pregnancy or first trimester has a slightly pungent smell. It resembles the slimy discharge of menstrual cycle and can stain your underclothes. This watery discharge appears due to the sudden surge in estrogen levels that increases blood flow to the vaginal area leading to an increase in other secretions.
Also Read: Vaginal Odour during Pregnancy: Reasons & Treatment
2. Watery Discharge in the Second Trimester
In the second trimester, vaginal discharge is milky egg white in colour and consistency. It is considerably more frequent than the discharge in the first trimester but is perfectly normal as it occurs due to the hormones cascading through a woman’s body. However, if you notice bloody discharge or foul-smelling discharge in your second trimester, it can indicate a problem. In such a case, you should consult a doctor immediately.
3. Watery Discharge in the Third Trimester
At this point, the discharge can exhibit itself in many forms, based on colour, odour, frequency, amount, and presence of blood. A heavy flow near your due date might imply preterm labour or even water breaking.
Also Read: Common Vaginal Infections during Pregnancy
Is it Normal to Have a Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?
It is quite common for a pregnant woman to have a watery discharge from the vagina. The amount of discharge will only increase as the pregnancy progresses. Read on to know about normal and abnormal watery discharge in detail.
1. Normal Watery Discharge
Most instances of watery discharge are perfectly normal. You have nothing to worry about if you experience the following:
- Leucorrhoea
As mentioned, this is the standard fluid discharge. It is thin, clear, and watery in consistency. It can be perceived as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy as it shows up at the very beginning after conception.
- Bloody Show
In your final week, the discharge might include blood and mucus, which implies that you are ready to go into labour within a few days. The mucus is part of the plug that blocks your cervix, preventing infections. This is known as a bloody show.
- Amniotic Leakage
When the watery discharge in the third trimester of your pregnancy resembles urine and has flakes in it, it might be your amniotic fluid leaking. This is a perfectly ordinary occurrence; you need not worry about it. However, if you notice a greenish watery discharge in copious amounts, it may indicate that your water bag has broken and the baby might have passed the meconium. In this case, you should rush to the hospital.
2. Abnormal Watery Discharge
Sometimes, a watery discharge is associated with several other symptoms which can irritate you. In such cases, a watery discharge is abnormal and can be a sign of one of the following:
- Premature Labour
Noticing a small amount of blood in the last week of pregnancy is normal but if it is excessive, it might indicate preterm labour. Please contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.
- Yeast Infections
A yeast infection can happen any time, but it may cause a lot more discomfort during pregnancy. Besides having greenish-yellow watery discharge or thicker white curdy discharge, you may experience pain while urinating. Yeast infections can also lead to irritation or redness in the vaginal area.
- STIs
Watery discharge can even occur if you contract sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy. Any disease can affect your health and immune system. It can also affect your fertility levels. Hence, consulting a doctor would be the best option if you notice watery discharge frequently.
- Vaginosis
Caused by bacteria, it is accompanied by discharge, itchiness, and burning sensation while urinating. In addition, the discharge has a foul odour. It needs to be treated immediately as it might lead to premature labour or even miscarriage.
What Causes Clear, Watery, or Jelly-like Discharge in Pregnancy?
The increase in oestrogen hormone and increased flow of blood to the pelvic region causes the mucous glands in the cervix to produce extra mucus. In addition, the cervix and vagina may also shed dead cells, which may lead to white jelly-like discharge.
If the watery discharge is accompanied by cramps in pregnancy, it should not be taken lightly. If it is green or yellow in colour and has a strong and foul odour, you should consult a doctor. You might also experience redness, itchiness, or swelling in the vaginal area.
Important Facts About Watery Discharge in Pregnancy
There are several signs and symptoms associated with a watery discharge during pregnancy. Some of them are stated below:
- A watery discharge may occur consistently throughout the entire pregnancy period.
- Watery discharge can be yellow, green, pink, white, or brown in colour.
- It may occur during and after sexual intercourse in pregnancy due to a congested cervix and ectropion.
When Does Watery Vaginal Discharge Indicate an Infection?
As watery discharge is common during pregnancy, most women can’t tell the difference between normal watery discharge and abnormal watery discharge. It can be difficult to say that watery discharge is due to an infection. But if you observe any of the following things mentioned below, it might help to consult your gynaecologist.
- Excess watery discharge along with lower body pain, especially after the 27th week of pregnancy.
- Sudden changes in the colour or smell of vaginal discharge.
- Itchiness, inflammation, redness, or painful sensation in your vaginal area.
- Persistent fever.
- Difficulty in urinating.
What If the Discharge Is Smelly or Changes Colour?
Watery discharge is usually white in colour and has a mild smell. If these features change drastically, it might be due to underlying problems such as premature labour or infection. Remember to carefully scrutinise your discharge for any changes.
When Is the Discharge Heavy?
The amount of watery discharge increases during periods and as the pregnancy progresses. You can expect a much higher amount of fluid secretion near the end of your third trimester.
If you are experiencing vaginal watery discharge during your first trimester that is pink in colour, it might indicate a miscarriage. The colour will be due to blood, clots, or pieces of tissue from the placenta, uterus or amniotic sac.
How to Treat Watery Discharge
The treatment for the issue depends greatly on the underlying condition. The problem of watery discharge can easily be treated at home by making a few changes in your lifestyle. But sometimes, it may require medical intervention. Here’s how watery discharge can be taken care of.
1. Medical Treatment
As explained, you should consult your doctor if you observe any changes in your vaginal discharge during pregnancy or if you experience certain associated symptoms. Your healthcare provider might take swabs from your vagina for assessment, and provide you with treatments as well as steps to keep your vagina healthy and clean.
2. Remedies to Try At Home
Maintaining proper hygiene can keep your vagina clean and healthy. Here is what you can do to ensure good vaginal health:
- Keep a stock of panty liners and sanitary napkins and use them as required. Avoid using tampons as they might irritate or cause toxic shock.
- Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your vaginal walls and to prevent urine leakage.
- Maintain hygiene to lower the risk of contracting any infections. Wash your vaginal area with clean water.
- Wipe your genital area from front to back after urinating or passing stool.
- Steer clear of processed food and opt for fresh fruits and veggies instead. Follow a healthy diet and avoid eating sugary foods as they might lead to yeast infections.
- Wear cotton underwear as cotton is a breathable fabric. Your underwear should stay clean and dry.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from your body regularly.
- Include yoghurt in your diet to encourage the growth of good bacteria as it is a probiotic.
- Use pH balanced vaginal washes intermittently to prevent abnormal bacterial growth.
Things to Remember
Taking a few precautions will help you avoid complications that can come with watery discharge.
- Get Tested Regularly
If your watery discharge is accompanied by symptoms of an infection, you might have to get medical treatment. In addition, consume foods rich in probiotics to avoid the occurrence of yeast infections.
- Maintain Hygiene
Keep your vaginal area clean. Avoid using a bar of scented soap or spray to clean your vaginal area. If you have foul-smelling vaginal discharge, using a spray won’t help. Wash your vaginal area with warm water and wear clean and comfortable underwear.
- Change Your Underwear Regularly
Protecting your panties with a liner or simply changing underwear every time you experience a discharge will keep your vaginal area fresh and lower the chances of contracting any infection.
- Keep Track of Your Vaginal Discharge
Always keep track of your vaginal discharge. Notice the colour, consistency, amount, and odour of the discharge, so you can tell if it changes suddenly. Also, wash your vaginal area properly after sexual intercourse and urinate often.
- Trust Your Doctor
Listen carefully to your doctor, as she will be able to guide you the best through your pregnancy journey. If necessary, note down the instructions and tips given by him so you don’t miss out on important things.
Can You Prevent Watery Discharge?
If your discharge is normal, then there is no need for any treatment. However, taking the precautions mentioned above will help treat or prevent any abnormal watery discharge.
When to Consult a Doctor
In some situations, urgent medical care is required to treat any underlying problem. In any case, experiencing excess discharge in the third trimester is a serious matter, especially if you experience pain and discomfort. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor even if you are not entirely sure about the situation.
Any sort of watery discharge is bound to be unpleasant, but it is completely natural most of the time. By now you must have understood the differences between normal and abnormal watery discharge. Pay attention to the changes your body goes through. Furthermore, follow the tips mentioned in this article to ensure that you have a normal watery discharge. However, if you notice abnormal discharge, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
Also Read: Losing Your Mucus Plug during Pregnancy
how to cure, causes, symptoms, prevention, doctor's advice, consequences
Your situation is already considered almost complete and discharge often appears at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Often, some of them do not pose a danger to the health of the mother and baby, while others may signal developmental pathologies or infections.
There are several varieties of this situation, which can be dangerous or indicate completely normal physiological processes occurring in the mother's body.
Basic species
Watery. The leakage of a clear liquid indicates the beginning of the discharge of amniotic fluid. Therefore, you need to see a doctor and expect a baby. This period of the perinatal period is considered full-term. At this time, children are born completely healthy, with the exception of developmental pathologies. Mucous. This indicates the exit of the cork. It has a transparent, beige, pinkish or brownish hue with bloody streaks. Since at this time the uterus is already beginning to expand, preparing for the exit of the baby, this protective barrier of the child against the penetration of infections comes out. Do not worry, such mucous discharge at 37 weeks of gestation is normal, and the baby has protection in the form of an amniotic sac. Another kind. Here you need to pay attention to their color, other symptoms, smell, and so on. If you notice their regularity, there is severe discomfort, itching - you should immediately contact a gynecologist.
In which cases is it dangerous?
Regardless of the specificity and consistency, some manifestations of this situation can be a serious cause of the disease, so action must be taken immediately. Liquid, having an unpleasant odor and even a greenish tint - a sign of a bacterium that has entered the vagina. If the problem is not immediately eliminated, it will lead to premature birth, which is dangerous when the mother's body is not ready. White discharge at the 37th week of pregnancy, having a curd consistency, accompanied by itching, discomfort in the uterine region - often indicate candidiasis, that is, thrush. Deep brown, non-mucilaginous, can be dangerous, so get to the hospital quickly. A yellowish-green, frothy nature indicates an infectious disease that must be treated immediately and under the supervision of your gynecologist. Often, if the cork has come off and water has begun to leak, profuse spotting appears. This situation signals the detachment of the placenta, its presentation.
Recommendations
In the last stages of the perinatal period, you must carefully monitor all the changes that occur in your body. In order to accurately determine the nature - we recommend wearing a daily pad. It is better at the moment to abandon flavored pads that can cause allergies, itching, redness. About all the changes, sensations - it is imperative to speak to the gynecologist, so that in case of a disease, it can be detected early and eliminated. With timely diagnosis and treatment - an infection, bacteria will not be able to harm the health of your child, who will be born soon.
37-40 weeks of pregnancy
37th week of pregnancy for a baby
At 37 weeks of gestation, the baby is approximately 48 cm tall and weighs 2,600 g. all facial features, cartilaginous tissues are pronounced. The accumulation of subcutaneous fat at this stage of pregnancy makes the outline of the body softer and more rounded. The skin of the child is gradually smoothed out, it is no longer as pink as in the previous weeks of intrauterine development, the integument gradually brightens. The body of the baby is still abundantly covered with grease, but the amount of fluff is noticeably reduced, fluff hair remains only on the shoulders and back, in some babies they disappear almost completely.
Fat accumulation continues this week. It reaches a maximum of 15% of the total body weight of the child. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of adipose tissue for newborns, it is it that protects the child from overheating or hypothermia, since the baby's thermoregulation system after childbirth is still not sufficiently formed and continues to develop in the first months of a small person's life.
At this time, not only the volume of subcutaneous fat increases, but the muscles and skeleton also develop intensively. The child constantly moves arms and legs. These unique workouts help increase muscle mass. Also, the baby makes rhythmic respiratory movements that strengthen the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and prepare the respiratory organs for childbirth.
Pregnant woman at 37 weeks
As the due date approaches, pregnant women begin to notice the appearance of their precursors, that is, certain signs, changes that occur under the influence of hormones. The body of a woman is preparing to give birth to a child, progesterone gives way to the dominant role of the birth hormone estrogen, the state of health of a pregnant woman changes.
From the 37th week expectant mothers can observe the following changes:
- slight weight loss;
- reduction in abdominal volume;
- the appearance of training or "false" contractions and the increase in their intensity;
- discharge of mucus from the cervix.
The nature of the stool changes, it becomes looser, aching pains in the lower back of varying intensity may appear, the bottom of the uterus descends. A woman notes some signs on her own, others are observed by a gynecologist during a routine examination.
Harbingers do not appear in all women. Some expectant mothers notice only some of the above symptoms, while others observe signs of an impending birth not two or three weeks before their date, but just a few hours. Both the appearance of precursors at the 37th week and their absence are a variant of the norm and depend on the individual characteristics of the woman's body.
This week the woman's body is intensified preparation for the birth of a child. If the fetus is located correctly, head down, it gradually descends, goes to the lower part of the uterus, presses to the body and bends the limbs, intuitively taking the most comfortable position for passing the birth canal. The consequence of the movement of the fetus is the omission of the bottom of the uterus. The abdomen drops, the pressure on the diaphragm significantly decreases, the pregnant woman can breathe easily, the shortness of breath that haunted her in previous weeks disappears. The pressure on the stomach also decreases, heartburn disappears, a feeling of heaviness after eating and other unpleasant sensations. Moving the baby can put pressure on the bowels and bladder. A pregnant woman at this time often experiences the urge to urinate, may suffer from frequent loose stools. The reason for frequent bowel movements is not only the mechanical effect of the uterus on it, but also an increase in the content of estrogens in the body, hormones that contribute to the excretion of fluid. At the 37th week, the expectant mother can empty her intestines up to 3-4 times a day and at the same time observe a significant liquefaction of feces.
38th week of pregnancy: the development of the unborn baby
At the 38th week, the fetus is fully formed, so childbirth at this time is no longer dangerous for both the mother and the baby. The weight of the fetus is about 3 kg, but this indicator can vary significantly for different babies, the weight depends on the individual characteristics of the mother and child, the structural features of the body and other factors. The body length of a newborn is approximately 50 cm.
All organs and systems at 38 weeks of age are characterized by physiological and morphological maturity, they are fully ready for work. At this time, the child prepares for childbirth, makes respiratory movements and prepares the intercostal muscles for breathing. The tissues of the lungs are bathed in amniotic fluid, which helps maintain the right level of surfactant that coats the baby's lungs from the inside. All elements of the respiratory system are ready for use. With the first breath after birth, the alveoli begin to transfer oxygen from the air to the blood, gas exchange occurs, the respiratory and circulatory systems begin to work intensively.
Pregnant woman
The body of a pregnant woman continues to actively prepare for the birth of a baby, the estrogen content rapidly increases, and the progesterone level decreases significantly. A change in the hormonal background contributes to the softening of the tissues of the birth canal and cervix. Throughout pregnancy, the lumen of the cervical canal is closed by a plug of thick mucus, which protects the baby from infection, and the uterine cavity protects against the penetration of microorganisms dangerous to health. In the last weeks of pregnancy, the consistency of the mucus changes, it becomes more liquid and begins to gradually flow out. In some women, mucus leaves gradually, while in other women in labor at the same time. The discharge resembles colorless egg white in its consistency and appearance. Sometimes the mucus is colored pinkish, brown or yellow. The discharge of the cork is painless, a woman may experience a slight feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen. More abundant vaginal discharge than during the entire pregnancy can signal the passage of the cork.
A woman should carefully monitor the color and volume of discharge, because too much colorless discharge may indicate not only the cork is coming off, but also be one of the symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage. Indicator pads and amnio tests or test strips will help determine the cause of the discharge. Pads are sold in many pharmacies and can be easily used at home. If amniotic fluid leakage is confirmed, you should immediately consult a doctor.
After the mucus plug has passed, you should stop visiting the pool and swimming in open water, as the risk of infection of the child increases significantly. It is also necessary to exclude sexual contact.
39th week of pregnancy: what happens to the fetus?
At 39 weeks, the baby weighs 3100-3500 g and is 50-52 cm tall. Height and weight are very relative and can vary significantly. The baby is rapidly preparing for the most important test of his life - birth, which requires endurance and considerable effort. During this period of pregnancy, the size and weight of the child's adrenal glands, that is, the glands of the endocrine system, which are responsible for the reaction of the human body to stress factors, increase. It is the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine produced by the adrenal glands that help the child quickly adapt to new temperature conditions, tactile, sound and light impulses.
All the senses of the baby are developed at 39 weeks. Within a few moments after birth, the baby can focus his eyes, he reacts to bright light and moving objects, many scientists claim that newborns distinguish colors, see the faces of parents and doctors. The hearing of the baby in the last weeks of fetal life is also fully developed; after birth, he reacts to loud sounds and noise. A newborn baby is able to determine the main shades of taste, recognize sour, bitter, sweet and salty.
In the womb, the baby is in an aquatic environment that minimizes contact. Immediately after birth, the baby experiences many tactile sensations, unlike intrauterine life, he feels the touch of his mother's hands and diapers, towels, dressings and other materials. Babies especially like the touch of skin to skin, so in a modern maternity hospital, newborns must be laid out on their mother's stomach even before cutting the umbilical cord. The child adapts to the new environment more easily, feels protected. Laying out a child has not only a psychological aspect, since it contributes to the colonization of microorganisms from the mother's skin to the skin and mucous membranes of the baby, and increases its immunity.
Pregnant woman
In the last weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother strives to prepare her apartment or house as much as possible for the arrival of a new family member. Scientists call this sign of impending birth the nesting syndrome. Many women observe signs of the syndrome from the thirtieth week of pregnancy, however, nesting reaches its maximum point at the 39-40th week. Pregnant women tend to do general cleaning and repairs, re-paste the wallpaper and purchase a lot of new things that, in their opinion, are simply necessary in the house. After giving birth, many purchases are puzzling. The reason for this behavior is an increase in the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the body. These hormones are produced by the adrenal glands, they are necessary not only for the woman, but also for the baby to prepare for the upcoming birth.
40th week of pregnancy: how does the baby develop?
40 weeks - term pregnancy. The weight of a child who was born at such a period ranges from 2,600 g to 4,400 g, and his body length is 48-53 cm. These indicators are very arbitrary, since miniature babies weighing 2,600 g and real heroes are born at 40 weeks, whose body weight approaches 5,000 g. The length of the newborns can also vary from 45 to 55 cm.
Most women give birth exactly at 40 weeks. At this time, the baby is completely ready for birth, it meets all the parameters of a full-term baby. Before childbirth, the child closely presses the arms and legs to the body, bends the head as much as possible and presses against the exit from the uterus. This position allows you to make it possible to pass the birth canal with the narrowest part of the skull. In the course of labor, with each contraction, the child gradually moves down, he does not move in a straight line, but makes helical-translational movements, as if screwing into the mother's birth canal. During the progress of the newborn, the complete descent of his head, the cervix fully opens. This is followed by attempts, that is, contractions of the uterus, which advance the child through the birth canal. Gradually, the head of the baby is shown, and after it - his torso. Childbirth is a complex mechanism that is aimed not only at the safe passage of the birth canal by the child, protecting him from accidental injuries due to increased pressure, but also at preventing ruptures of the woman's soft tissues.
Pregnant woman
The long wait for meeting her unborn child is coming to an end, and the 40th week of pregnancy is the last for most women. Every day, the anxiety of the expectant mother increases, a long wait affects the mood and well-being. Women strive to have a baby as soon as possible so that pregnancy and painful contractions are a thing of the past. Every pregnant woman dreams of meeting a baby, wants to hug him to her chest and stroke the delicate head.
Many women, especially primiparas, are afraid that labor will begin unnoticed, but such cases are extremely rare.