The eighth month of pregnancy means that training and rehearsals are over, from now on, the most real preparation for childbirth starts. Until the appearance of the baby, there is very little left, and the mother feels their inexorable approach with more and more frequent periodic, called Braxton-Higgs contractions. Normally, uterine contractions at the 8th month of pregnancy are not accompanied by sensations of severe soreness, and the duration and frequency of contractions are not long and not intense. But mom needs to know that if suddenly the contractions become painful and last longer than an hour, it is necessary to urgently contact the doctor - perhaps the baby is "tired" of sitting in his mother’s tummy, and began premature birth.
It is now very important to continue to observe proper nutrition , walk more, breathe fresh air, rest more often. The belly at the 8th month of pregnancy has reached a huge size, and by the end of it, the woman's uterus will take its highest position. Because of this, it becomes more difficult for a pregnant woman to breathe, and the baby's jerks fall on the very ribs, which can be quite painful. A large belly makes it difficult to choose a sleeping position. Experts recommend categorically not to sleep on your back during the last stages of pregnancy. In this position, the inferior vena cava is compressed, which can result in increased heart rate, "seizures" of dizziness, and simply feeling unwell.
It is important to remember that the anatomical features of the body are different for different women, and therefore it is absolutely pointless to compare your belly at 8 months of pregnancy with the size of the bellies of “colleagues” in carrying a child. Some women have a very impressive belly at this time, while others have a "compact" and "diminutive" until the very birth. But let's discuss the eighth month of pregnancy in more detail.
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· Baby development at 8 months of pregnancy
The development of the child at this time already allows him to distinguish between darkness and light. The kid is finally formed and is only improving day by day. By the beginning of the month, its height is approximately 40-43 cm, and the average weight is 1.7 kg. While the eighth month of pregnancy is going on, the baby will gain 200 grams. every week.
During 32-33 weeks of the term, the child in the womb of the mother takes a position in which he will move towards this world. Ideally, this position is with the head down (head - Fig. 1). However, in 4-6%, the baby is positioned with its head up (breech, breech presentation - Fig. 2), or even across the mother's abdomen (transverse presentation - Fig. 3). While the 8th month of pregnancy is going on, you should not worry too much about this - the child still has time, and he may well have time to roll over, taking a cephalic presentation.
The future man is already experiencing emotions, mood swings, pain. He distinguishes smells, tastes, hears, sees and needs attention. The child knows how his mother's heart beats, recognizes the noise of blood moving along the umbilical cord, and the sounds of peristalsis. Among the many sounds reaching him, the baby singles out the voice of his mother and recognizes the voice of his father.
At 8 months, he constantly develops the muscles of the face by sucking on his thumb. This workout will allow a newborn baby to easily get the first and most important food in life - colostrum
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The baby is almost ready for birth - all the main organs and life-supporting systems are developed and functioning, it remains only to finally develop the lungs. And, if a child for some reason "decides" to be born at the 8th month of pregnancy, then it will be a matter of early, rather than premature birth.
At this stage, the child is almost no different from the most ordinary person: he sees, hears, knows how to squint, frown, blink. The marigolds reach the ends of the phalanges of the nail plates. The skin color is evened out, the face and shoulders are rounded, due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. The germinal fluff of lanugo gradually disappears from the skin, the first hairs on the head break through, there are eyebrows and eyelashes. At the same time, the layer of primordial lubricant continues to thicken, it will make it easier for the baby to "travel" through the birth canal, allowing it to slide.
Scientists believe that a child in the third trimester is already dreaming - his eyelids move in a rhythm that is characteristic of the rapid phase of sleep. His brain becomes more and more complicated and improved - multiple neural connections are formed between cells, and already formed brain cells acquire a protective meilin sheath. And, although the bones of the crumbs are already quite strong, and the cartilages of the ears and nose are hard, the cranial bones remain soft so that the child goes through the birth canal normally, without injuries.
A huge work is done by the child's liver: at this stage of development, it must accumulate iron in the quantities required by the body for independent hematopoiesis during the first year of the baby's life.
The eighth month of pregnancy is significant for an intensive weight gain: by the end of the pregnancy, the fetus will weigh about 2500-2700 grams, and the average height will increase to 45-46 cm from the crown to the heels.
· Feelings and possible problems of the period
The eighth month of pregnancy is often full of anxieties and worries about the upcoming birth, the health and well-being of the child, and the intensive preparation of the "dowry". All this happens against the background of absent-mindedness and a feeling of severe fatigue of a woman from pregnancy, both emotionally and physically.
The child's active growth and development continues, leaving less and less room for movement. The sensations of jolts are now very distinct, especially sharp and indignant blows to my mother's ribs. Be patient a little longer, soon the place will sink closer to the pelvis and it will become much easier. Physical sensations at 8 months can hardly be called pleasant: shortness of breath, problems with movement and sleep, bouts of heartburn, frequent urge to go to the toilet, for sure, the problem of constipation, back pain has worsened. The grown toddler squeezes the internal organs, so the eighth month of pregnancy for mom is marked by frequent urination and shortness of breath. Do not be afraid of cases of urinary incontinence - at this stage this is normal, do not tolerate it, go to the toilet more often, preventing urine from stagnating. The pelvic floor begins to expand as labor approaches. This condition can cause unpleasant painful sensations during pregnancy and other inconveniences for a woman in position.
In gait, the expectant mother is similar to a duck. Light training contractions became more tangible and regular. Colostrum is already excreted from a woman's breast - the very first and most important food for a newborn. Now the pregnant woman gets tired very quickly and is not able to walk for a long time. And therefore, you should not go far from home, as well as walk alone. Despite everything, daily walks on the street should be a truly invincible rule for the mother - oxygen is vital for the baby now! Take care of a few more weeks and do not "urge" the offspring to go out into the world.
At this time, shortness of breath is a completely normal symptom, the uterus, which has risen to the maximum height, compresses, including the lungs. The main thing is that other symptoms, such as blue lips or fingertips, chest pain, rapid heartbeat and breathing rhythm, do not appear against the background of difficulty breathing. If this is the case, call the ambulance immediately.
In the body of the expectant mother, the amount of fluid increases significantly, which is manifested in some swelling of the face and limbs. The "severity" and spread of edema must be monitored, as well as the blood pressure of a pregnant woman: severe edema and high blood pressure may indicate about.
In order to "calm down" the baby a little and relieve the soreness in the ribs, which is characteristic of this period due to the intrauterine "acrobatics" of the child, it is recommended to perform the "cat's back" exercise.
The eighth month of pregnancy, among other things, annoys and pains in the back, arising from a significantly enlarged abdomen. They often increase after a walk, starting to give in the stomach. In this case, you should lie down and rest, if it is very hard, you can drink half or a whole Nosh-py pill. In case of pain lasting more than half an hour, you need to urgently call an ambulance.
Feelings of congestion in the ears and nose, the appearance of spontaneous nosebleeds, bleeding gums, leg muscle cramps are possible. Also, you do not need to be scared if the discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina increases somewhat: in the absence of physical discomfort, changes in the color and consistency of the secreted, there is no reason for excitement such an increase in discharge.
Changes in hormonal levels can lead to a rather unusual and unpleasant phenomenon for a woman - increased body hair growth. This is temporary, after childbirth, after the stabilization of hormonal processes, the situation will resolve itself.
· Premature birth at 8 months of pregnancy
The third trimester is the period of pregnancy, when a miscarriage is no longer a cause for alarm, with its onset they talk about premature birth, and towards the end - about premature birth. Premature birth means that the woman's body cannot bear the baby until the end of the due date. The reasons for this phenomenon are mostly little known or not studied at all, since many factors are capable of provoking the birth of a child ahead of time. Known causes include infections, hypertension, smoking, drug use, problems with the placenta, trauma, anomalies of the cervix or the woman's uterus itself.
Premature birth is more common in the summer months, due to the high level of fluid loss in the body of the pregnant woman. Remember: it is necessary to maintain an optimal fluid regime at any time of the year, and especially in summer. If the first signs of premature birth appear, go to the hospital immediately!
The reason to urgently call an ambulance is for women who observe the following signs of premature birth:
- active uterine contractions began, the frequency of which is five or more times within one hour;
- there was a discharge of scarlet blood from the genital tract in the third trimester of pregnancy;
- pain when urinating;
- swelling or swelling of the face or hands appeared in a short time;
- there are acute or prolonged abdominal pain;
- continuous or acute vomiting has begun;
- there is strong pressure at the bottom of the pelvis;
- sudden discharge of water from the genital tract - a clear watery liquid.
For a woman in the third trimester, premature birth does not differ much from timely birth, but this cannot be said about a baby. First of all, a child is born without having time to achieve a sufficient degree of physical maturity required for an autonomous existence. Despite the earlier appearance, nursing premature babies today has great chances. Modern medicine is able to save a child's life and prevent most of the developmental pathologies associated with early birth.
However, enough about the difficulties and dangers. You are already on the "finish line", just a little bit separating you from the significant, wonderful meeting with your blood, your child!
· Nutrition during pregnancy 8 months
The eighth and ninth month of pregnancy will also be accompanied by digestive problems, the provocateur of which is the pressure of the uterus on the internal organs of the pregnant woman: heartburn, constipation, bloating. The main condition for reducing these unpleasant phenomena is the observance of proper nutrition and the exclusion from the diet of foods that contribute to digestive disorders.
In the last stages, proper nutrition plays, without exaggeration, a very important role. Its principles are still the same: it is better to eat little by little, but more often, avoiding overeating. Heartburn is often associated precisely with a large amount of food consumption: the stomach of a pregnant woman is compressed by the grown uterus, and excess food is simply thrown into the esophagus. Refusal of fatty and fried foods in the diet, smoked meats, sour foods and sweets can help avoid heartburn. It is not recommended to go to bed immediately after a meal - it is preferable to walk for at least half an hour.
In order not to aggravate the manifestations of puffiness, it is recommended to limit salt intake, and besides that, do not drink fluids before going to bed. The same goal can be pursued by preferring lingonberry and cranberry fruit drinks as a drink: they have a slight diuretic effect and can improve the excretion of fluid from the "pregnant body".
Meals during pregnancy 8 months should still contain lean meats and fish, however, it is advisable to monitor the amount of their consumption without overusing them in the last months. Meat and fish, however, like cereals, it is preferable to eat in the morning, you can have breakfast and lunch, later it is better to include dairy-vegetable food in the diet.
Considering the colossal intake of calcium from the mother's body by the fetus, fermented milk products and cottage cheese should be included in the daily menu. Beef, liver, spinach, herbs, green apples in the diet of a pregnant woman help to prevent anemia.
In general, the nutritional requirements remain the same: the most natural, familiar, homemade food, the categorical exclusion of semi-finished products and instant products. For a while, it is better to forget about coffee and strong teas. And one more thing: when purchasing cottage cheese or yoghurts in stores, be sure to pay special attention to the expiration date and date of manufacture of the product! Expired fermented milk products are a very favorable environment for the reproduction of E. coli, which can cause very tangible damage to the course of pregnancy and the development of a growing child.
· Sex at 8 months pregnant
The last dates are the most relevant period for the question of whether sex is possible and justified now, at the 8th month of pregnancy. Unfortunately, only a doctor leading a pregnancy can give a woman certainty in terms of intimacy. It is with him that you will have to solve this dilemma, and only he will be able to make a "professional" conclusion whether or not sex at 8 months of pregnancy is possible for you, whether or not the presence of physical intimacy is justified for you in the penultimate month of gestation.
To refer to literature of this kind, even exclusively medical, is essentially meaningless - different sources "dictate" opposite postulates. Some say that sex at 8 months of pregnancy has every right to exist, provided that there are no contraindications and situations when mom is carrying twins. According to other sources, the eighth month is not the time for intimacy, it is strongly recommended to refuse sex, referring to the fact that it is possible to “disturb” the child who has taken the correct position in the uterus for childbirth, that is, the head presentation.
One way or another, and the priority for giving a final answer to the acceptability of sex in each individual case, remains with the doctor, who is aware of all the nuances of your "interesting position". As for the unequivocal contraindications for "sessions" of intimacy, they include: bleeding of unexplained origin, placenta previa, separation of the child's place, damage to the membranes, the risk of premature birth.
· Analyzes, examinations, ultrasound for 8 months
Visits to the doctor at this stage will become more frequent, however, a two-time examination of a pregnant woman within one month should have been prescribed a month earlier. In general, from now on, you need to "visit" the doctor at least twice.
It is already customary for the antenatal clinic doctor to measure the weight of the pregnant woman and blood pressure, and be sure to listen to the child's heart. Among the mandatory procedures: examination of the hands and feet of the mother in order to assess the degree of swelling; a traditional urinalysis to detect maternal protein and sugar levels.
The third ultrasound scan during pregnancy is performed at 8 months. Actually, the eighth month quite often becomes the time of the last scheduled ultrasound scan. The tasks of ultrasound during pregnancy on the eve of childbirth are as follows:
- in order to exclude the possibility of premature aging of the placenta, the degree of maturity is determined by ultrasound;
- determination of the real size of the uterus, assessment of the state of the cervix, its readiness for labor;
- determination of the state and amount of amniotic fluid;
- assessment of the state of the child's internal organs to exclude possible defects in his development;
- exclusion of intrauterine malnutrition and determination of the size of the fetus;
- determination of the location of the umbilical cord and presentation of the fetus.
Yana Lagidna, specially for MyMom . ru
8 month of pregnancy, video:
The eighth month of pregnancy lasts from 28 to 32 weeks.
Belly at 8 months of pregnancy
The belly of the expectant mother continues to grow. At the eighth month of pregnancy, it has the largest size for the entire period. The growing uterus protrudes far beyond the pelvis, exerting moderate pressure on the abdominal organs. During this period, the abdominal skin experiences maximum stretch. Stretch marks may increase, and itchy skin is often worse.
The growing uterus puts pressure on the venous plexuses of the abdominal and pelvic organs. Most women during this period observe the appearance of hemorrhoidal nodules in the anus. Do not be afraid of this, the main thing is to observe them and, if pain and tension in the nodules occur, consult a doctor in a timely manner.
Venous congestion in the eighth month can provoke an increase in the veins in the legs and labia. This goes away after childbirth. However, if swelling and pain appear against the background of enlarged veins, you should immediately consult a doctor.
How to properly organize food
Due to constant pressure on the intestines, it may appear. Therefore, in the eighth month of pregnancy, you need to carefully select your diet. The food should be based on plant foods, vegetables, fruits and cereals. Food rich in fiber stimulates intestinal motility and contains many nutrients for the growth of the fetus.
In addition to the pressure on the intestines, the growing uterus has an effect on the stomach. At this time, many women begin to worry belching and heartburn. These symptoms can be easily eliminated by eating small meals 5-6 times a day. You need to exclude from the diet:
- spicy and fried foods,
- spices,
- carbonated drinks.
Porridge, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat and fish are the basis of a balanced diet for pregnant women in later stages.
At this time, you need to limit yourself to salty foods. It is better to undersalt food a little. An excess of salt provokes excess water intake, and this is fraught with increased stress on the kidneys and the development of edema.
Pain at 8 months of pregnancy
The pressure of the uterus on the sciatic nerves can give drawing pains along the entire length of the leg. Such pains are intermittent, occur after a long walk and do not pose a danger to a woman.
Back pain can cause increased stress on the spine. The enlarged abdomen puts stress on the spine, not only when walking, but also at rest. Often women suffer from insomnia because they cannot find a comfortable sleeping position. During these periods, it is recommended to wear a prenatal bandage. It will significantly ease the load on the spine.
Much more dangerous for the mother and fetus are sudden pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which are a sign of a threat of premature birth. If pain occurs at regular intervals, and the gap between them is reduced, you should immediately contact the obstetric hospital.
Allocations
In the eighth month of pregnancy, discharge from the genital tract should be not abundant, transparent and free of impurities. If in the mucous discharge from the vagina appeared streaks of blood, this means that the cervix began to open and there was a threat of premature birth. Even if at the same time the woman does not feel cramping pains in the lower abdomen, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Thin, watery discharge mean. This is also the basis for hospitalization in an obstetric hospital.
If appeared brownish brown or scarlet blood stains, in almost all cases, this indicates the onset of placental abruption. This is an extremely unfavorable sign, and in this case you need to call the ambulance team, and before they arrive, take a horizontal position.
Woman eight months pregnant
At this time, the woman feels awkward, and the usual duties become a burden to her. A large belly makes it difficult to put on shoes and do any housework that involves bending over. For a period of 30 weeks.
How to sleep at 8 months pregnant? The fetus is actively moving, women feel it by sudden blows to the anterior abdominal wall or internal organs. Active fetal movements sometimes prevent the expectant mother from falling asleep. When choosing a comfortable sleeping position, you need to take into account that sleeping on your back at the eighth month of pregnancy is highly discouraged. In the supine position, most women develop inferior vena cava syndrome. The pregnant uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and in response to this, blood pressure reflexively drops. This is a rather dangerous condition.
In addition to severe discomfort - dizziness, weakness, tinnitus and nausea, inferior vena cava syndrome can provoke placental abruption.
The most comfortable and safe position for rest during this period is reclining, with the head end of the bed raised.
Child: how it develops
In the eighth month of pregnancy, the fetus continues to grow actively. Internal organs continue to differentiate. The original lubricant gradually disappears. By the end of the eighth month of pregnancy, the weight of the child reaches 1800 grams, in length it grows up to 40 cm.
By the end of the eighth month of pregnancy, the baby's active movements gradually decrease. The growing fetus occupies most of the uterine cavity and there is simply no room for sweeping movements. The child begins to show activity in most cases in response to external stimuli. A stuffy room, high ambient temperature and other factors that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood of the fetus - cause its physical activity. A woman should be sensitive to the child's reaction and provide him with a comfortable environment.
In the eighth month of pregnancy, the fetus is actively developing brain structures; by the end of this period, the weight of the fetal brain is a quarter of the mass of the brain tissue of an adult. The internal glands of the fetus continue to produce oxytocin, gradually increasing it in the blood and thereby preparing the mother's body for the upcoming birth.
Childbirth in the eighth month
The danger of premature birth at this time lies in several factors:
- First, the fetus has not yet taken a stable position in the uterine cavity. This leads to an incorrect presentation of the fetus - pelvic, oblique or transverse. Childbirth in such conditions will be traumatic for the fetus, as it will require some intervention. Currently, in maternity hospitals, it is not customary to make obstetric turns during childbirth to correct the position of the fetus, as a rule, in such cases, they resort to caesarean section.
- Secondly, immature fetal brain structures are very fragile. In the process of passing through the birth canal, there is a high probability of getting birth injuries. This is fraught with the development of intracranial hematomas in a child, with subsequent neurological diseases up to cerebral palsy.
It was previously thought that giving birth in the eighth month of pregnancy leads to respiratory failure of the newborn due to immaturity of the airways (lack of surfactant). This issue has now been resolved. Almost any obstetric hospital has in its arsenal a supply of surfactant for administration to a newborn.
Dos and Don'ts in the Eighth Month
In the eighth month of pregnancy, the woman is on maternity leave. This is the time to take care of yourself, your diet and daily routine. Obligatory daily walks in the open air... This will provide the child with a sufficient amount of oxygen, and a little physical activity for the expectant mother will help normalize the functioning of the intestines and other internal organs.
From air travel in the eighth month of pregnancy, it is better to abstain. Airports are located far from settlements, and in case of premature birth, you may simply not have time to get to the nearest maternity hospital. In addition, preterm labor is often rapid or rapid (less than 2 hours from the onset of labor).
Having sex at this time, it is highly undesirable. They will not bring anything except discomfort for the woman and the baby. It is necessary to explain this to the man, assuring him that the prospect of becoming the father of a healthy child in the next couple of months is much more important.
What should be the normal temperature
For pregnant women, due to hormonal changes, a temperature of 37 degrees is considered the norm. However, no pregnant woman is immune to infection with influenza viruses or respiratory diseases. If you have a runny nose, sore throat or cough against the background of an increase in temperature, you should immediately consult your doctor. Self-medication for pregnant women is extremely dangerous.
2019 Website for pregnant women
Joyful emotions are periodically replaced by feelings and even fear. Fatigue from your "position" rolls over more and more often, when will this long-awaited meeting between mother and baby take place? To make it easier to get through the last weeks of pregnancy, psychologists recommend finding like-minded people, that is, the same as yourself - expectant mothers. This will make it easier to cope with annoying internal issues related to the upcoming birth and caring for the baby.
After a while, you may recall with some longing the time when the baby was warm and safe. So do not indulge in despondency and suffering, now it is equally important to be in a good mood, because your emotions are felt by the baby in the womb.
What changes in the body occur at the 8th month of pregnancy?
During the eighth month, the uterus reached almost its maximum size and began to press on the ribs and lungs. It is sometimes difficult for a mother to take a deep breath. From this, shortness of breath appears, even with the slightest movements.
Chronic fatigue again makes itself felt, the body suffers serious stress. The kid pushes and kicks very noticeably and sometimes it gives some painful discomfort.
In most cases, by the eighth month, the baby has already taken the "head down" position. He is completely ready for an independent life. All organs function and if premature birth occurs, the baby will be able to adapt to a new life, outside the mother's womb. Children born in the eighth month are no longer considered "premature", they are rather classified as prematurely born. On average, a baby is about 40-45 cm tall and weighs 2500-2600 kg.
Some expectant mothers note, so to speak, increased hairiness on the head and other parts of the body. True, almost immediately after childbirth, all "superfluous" will begin to disappear. This can be cause for concern. But there is nothing to worry about, tk. this is a normal process of renewal of the body. Only those hairs that have grown during pregnancy fall out. Everything else will remain with you!
What eating habits are there during the eighth month of pregnancy?
- It is worth giving preference to ordinary clean water, introducing to a minimum the consumption of sweet, salty and carbonated drinks. This will help avoid unwanted swelling.
- Stick to a minimum amount of salt in your food. Try to cook practically without salt at all, and slightly add salt to food before use. This is also extremely important, as salt retains excess moisture in the body, which also leads to edema.
- Eating food is also frequent, but small portions. So you can relieve the liver and stomach, avoid heartburn and nausea.
- Increase your protein intake. And keep the amount of fat and carbohydrates to a minimum.
- Avoid foods that could trigger an allergic reaction. These include strawberries, citrus fruits, chocolate, and more.
What possible problems can arise in the eighth month of pregnancy?
One of the most important complications arising at the 8th month of pregnancy is preeclampsia - late toxicosis. Various factors can lead to the development of gestosis: high blood pressure, heredity, multiple pregnancies, diabetes mellitus, kidney problems even before pregnancy, overweight, and more.
The main symptoms of preeclampsia are: increased protein in the urine, severe edema and high blood pressure.
Normally, the protein in the urine should be completely absent. It is necessary to take AM at every planned visit to the doctor. And if it seems to you that the urine has become cloudy, dark in color, covered with foam - take the analysis immediately to exclude the disease.
High blood pressure can go unnoticed at all, or it can manifest itself as nausea, dizziness, or darkening of the eyes. It is also important to measure blood pressure at every visit to the doctor, because delayed treatment can lead to brain damage to both the mother and the fetus.
Swelling. Of course, edema is an average norm during pregnancy and by itself is not a sign of preeclampsia. But if they appear in combination with abnormalities in urine tests and high blood pressure, this is definitely gestosis. Moreover, gestosis, so to speak, "dry" (without edema) is much more difficult.
If you notice that the wedding ring is not enough for you and the shoes are tight. Do a simple test: press down on the inside of your lower leg for a few seconds and release. If a fossa remains in the place of pressure, this is edema. You must urgently notify your supervising doctor about this.
What examinations are necessary for pregnant women at 8 months?
- Routine check-ups with a gynecologist. There will also be an examination in the chair, because It is important for the doctor to know if the cervix is in a state of readiness for childbirth;
- General examinations by a doctor. Tracking weight gain, measuring pressure and abdominal circumference, the height of the fundus of the uterus, identifying the presence of edema;
- AM and AK. Routine tests to check sugar and other abnormalities;
- Scheduled ultrasound;
- Optional: Doppler ultrasound to check the quality of blood circulation.
What recommendations should be followed for 8 months pregnant women?
Despite constant tiredness and fatigue, the mother still needs to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air. Walk slowly, having previously chosen the places where there will always be a free bench nearby for rest.
The eighth month is the time to get ready for childbirth. Choose a maternity hospital and a doctor who will deliver the baby. Pack your hospital bag in advance. It should have everything you need: clean slippers, socks, postpartum pads, bra pads for nursing mothers, special mesh panties, a chemise. A more detailed list will be given to you at the hospital.
Is it okay to have sex in the eighth month of pregnancy?
Experts note that it is better for partners to refrain from sexual relations in the last weeks of pregnancy. The woman's body is preparing with might and main for the upcoming birth and is extremely tense. Sex can only provoke premature birth, which is not always good for the baby.
However, there are also reservations in which the same experts recommend that women listen to their desires. And if there are no contraindications, then pleasant sensations will only benefit.
The eighth obstetric month of pregnancy is the beginning of a period of active preparation for childbirth, both yours and your baby. Let's find out more about the sensations and problems that you may face at this time.
The eighth obstetric month is between the 29th and 32nd obstetric weeks of pregnancy. Heartburn, shortness of breath, back pain and swelling persist. At the end of the eighth month, you need to undergo a scheduled ultrasound scan. This is important in order to assess the health of your baby and the placenta. It is during this period that placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth retardation of your child may occur. Following the recommendations of your doctor and regular visits to the antenatal clinic will help to avoid various complications.
Does the stomach hurt at 8 months of pregnancy
If at 8 months of pregnancy the lower abdomen pulls or the stomach hurts, see your gynecologist so that he excludes the possible tone of the uterus. Short-term pain down the abdomen can occur during exertion due to the stretching of the ligament that holds the uterus.
Now your baby is actively moving, there is less and less space in the uterus. Its tremors are quite palpable and can even be painful. Try to calm the baby down, talk to him. Usually the child reacts to your appeal to him.
Over-activity of the child can be caused by the fact that he does not have enough oxygen. Try to walk more in the fresh air, do special exercises or yoga for pregnant women.
Discharge at 8 months of pregnancy
Allocations during this period can be very abundant. Normally, they should have a white or beige color and a uniform consistency. Impurities of blood, brown or pink color, unpleasant odor, wateriness - all this is a reason to consult a gynecologist.
Bleeding at 8 months of pregnancy is a sign of placental abruption. This condition is dangerous for the baby's life. Call an ambulance urgently.
Detachment of the placenta threatens that the baby will not receive enough oxygen and may die. In this situation, obstetricians decide to induce labor or perform a caesarean section.
Thrush at 8 months pregnant
Have you noticed that the discharge has become cheesy and you are worried about itching in the area of the labia? Most likely, it is thrush (candidiasis). It is necessary to contact your gynecologist for examination and treatment. It is imperative to treat thrush, since a child can pick up the infection.
Cold at 8 months of pregnancy
What to do if you become infected with SARS or the flu at 8 months of pregnancy and you have a high fever? Here are some important recommendations of experts on this matter:
- no need to self-medicate and take any medications without a doctor's prescription;
- inform your obstetrician-gynecologist about your condition;
- if the temperature rises above 38.5 ° C, you can take antipyretics based on paracetamol or ibuprofen (they are harmless to the child);
- you need to drink plenty of fluids and bed rest;
- food should be light, containing many vitamins;
- after the end of the illness, it is imperative to see a doctor so that he can assess the condition of the child.
Is there a chance that the baby can get the flu or other infections in utero? The risk is small, but it does exist. During this time, the placenta is aging and can "pass" viruses and bacteria.
The baby already has its own immunity, but further examination will show how he will cope with the disease.
It's already hard for you to carry your big tummy and the expectation begins to weigh on you. But do not be discouraged - there is already a little left before the meeting with the baby and it's time to collect the bags for the hospital. Keep a pregnancy diary and write your feelings and wishes for the baby in it every day. Maintain a positive attitude towards meeting your baby.
Changes in the mother's body in the eighth month of pregnancy
During this month, your belly will increase in size almost to the maximum, the uterus has risen almost to the level of the ribs and you may experience a feeling of shortness of breath and shortness of breath. The kid pushes with his legs quite sensitively, kicking you in the ribs or liver. The height of the fundus of the uterus from the pubis reaches 39-40 cm and takes the highest position. All pregnant women have a different shape of the abdomen and sizes, in addition, by the size of the abdomen, one cannot judge either the size or the gender of the baby. It depends only on the characteristics of the figure and the capacity of the pelvis.
Your weight arrives at 300-400 g per week, and if your gain is more than half a kilogram per week, the doctor will look at urine tests and blood pressure, it is possible that weight is a sign of fluid retention. On average, weight by 8 months of pregnancy increases by 8-14 kg. the less weight was before pregnancy, the more a woman usually gains.
In the last months of pregnancy, due to hormones, excess hair can appear, which is very upsetting for expectant mothers. It depends on the fact that hair falls out much less than in the pre-pregnant stage, and they grow stronger than usual due to hormones that help the baby grow. After childbirth, excess hair that has not fallen out will begin to fall out, and everything will return to its previous rate.
Feelings of the expectant mother in the eighth month of pregnancy
This month is difficult morally and physically, you are uncomfortable in such a large body. The tummy interferes with movement, fatigue accumulates, and a large belly and frequent trips to the toilet, insomnia and baby's points interfere with sleep. In addition, lying down is quite difficult to breathe, your back hurts, and you are looking for a comfortable place for a long time. However, it is comforting to think that there are only a few weeks left before the meeting with the baby.
During this period, you can feel the so-called training contractions - these are not painful and irregular contractions of the uterus that appear in its upper segment and spread downward. They prepare the uterus for subsequent labor.
At this time, heartburn may bother you, even if you eat a little, remember our recommendations - drink milk or yogurt. Eat small meals, bend less. If heartburn is excruciating, ask your doctor for a prescription for it.
Walking is now more difficult - however, walks and fresh air are still needed. The kid is very active on a walk. He likes fresh air, and he sensitively kicks you in the ribs, or in the navel with his handles. Try to talk to him and calm him down, pig him not to kick so much.
Your psychological state also changes, you become anxious and anxious, emotional. It seems to you that no one loves and understands you - this is a normal condition of a pregnant woman. In addition, fear for the baby is mixed in, the fear of not coping with the responsibilities of the mother. You start to "nest" - this is early labor syndrome. The woman "is building a nest with a baby". However, do not move furniture or paint the ceiling, washing windows - this can harm you, ask loved ones to help you, or limit yourself to light room decors.
Talking to the future dad and family about everything that you would like or what worries you will help. Go to school for expectant mothers, talk to the same pregnant women and you will understand that you are not the only one - all women go through this stage. If you feel good, go out of town on vacation, go to the movies or for a walk, in a word, take a break from your everyday routine.
Your baby (fetal development in the seventh month of pregnancy)
The baby has grown significantly and it is cramped in the uterus, it is necessary to tighten the arms and legs strongly. It is no longer as active as it used to be because of the tightness, its tremors are felt mainly in the limbs, or it is tossing and turning with the head and body. His movements are especially sensitive in the area of the ribs.
Most babies have already taken a head-down position at this time, and this will remain so until delivery. This is determined by the doctor, but sometimes, with the help of exercises, you can persuade the baby to turn around if he has not yet occupied the required room.
The baby's organs are finally formed, the roundness of the cheeks, shoulders, hips and butt appears. These are fat deposits that will keep your baby warm and look so cute. The nails on the fingers have almost grown to the edge of the phalanges, the cheese-like grease covers his body in a thick layer, but the fluff on the body gradually disappears, the cartilages of the nose and ears become harder.
The child has already formed the basic reflexes - breathing, sucking, he sleeps and sees dreams, the nervous system and connections between neurons are actively formed. Between the bones of the skull there are cartilaginous membranes - sutures, due to which the head in childbirth is configured for the birth canal and does not injure the child's brain. The body of the crumbs began to accumulate iron, calcium is deposited in the bones. The fetal endocrine system is actively working and producing hormones. In a boy, the testicles descend into the scrotum.
The baby's lungs are fully formed and there is already enough of a special substance - a surfactant, so that the baby can breathe himself in case of premature birth.
In a month, the baby will grow up to 45 cm, his body weight by the end of the month will be 2.5 kg, he adds 30 g of weight per day.
Dangers of the eighth month of pregnancy
The most dangerous complication now can be gestosis - this is pressure, edema, kidney failure and toxicosis. The exact causes of gestosis have not yet been established, but this condition is dangerous for the mother and child, usually in the case of the development of gestosis, urgent delivery is indicated in order to save both lives.
If you have flies in front of your eyes, swelling occurs, blood pressure has increased, a headache appears - this is a reason to urgently call an ambulance and go to the hospital. Without treatment, it can result in eclampsia - convulsions that turn into a coma and death.
In the case of a timely start of treatment, everything ends happily and you can safely report the pregnancy.
Medical follow-up in the seventh month of pregnancy
A visit to the doctor is mandatory every two weeks with a preliminary urine test. The doctor will monitor your pressure and weight, the height of the fundus and abdominal circumference, the heartbeat of the baby, and the presence of edema.
At the end of the eighth month, you will have to be examined on a chair with swabs for flora if it is restless. The doctor will suggest that you be treated with drugs that are safe for the baby. Now, always carry all documents and an exchange card with you - childbirth is an unpredictable thing and can begin at any time - the documents contain all the necessary information about you.
In addition, you will undergo a routine ultrasound examination, where you will see your baby again, and the doctor will assess his condition and the condition of the placenta, the amount and nature of amniotic fluid. At the same time, CTG of the fetus is also carried out - a recording of its movements and the work of the heart. It will allow you to assess the state of the crumbs - whether he is experiencing discomfort in the mother's stomach.
Gradually, the doctor prepares you for childbirth, plans its course and conduct - whether they will pass on their own or are there indications for a cesarean section.
Now it is important to monitor your weight and your condition, to rest more and more often. Eat often and in small portions, drink only clear unsweetened water - salty and carbonated drinks increase thirst and provoke swelling. Limit salt and sugar in your diet, give preference to food proteins, and reduce carbohydrates and fats. Be outdoors more often, take a leisurely stroll, or sit on a park bench with a book or magazine.
Collect packages in the maternity hospital - there should be three of them - the first one for childbirth. the second for the postpartum period and the third for discharge and put them in prominent places. The composition of these packages differs in different maternity hospitals and therefore they will definitely tell you about it in the courses on preparation for childbirth.
At home, do not overwork yourself with work - do not stand for a long time in one position and do not sit with your legs crossed. It's time to think about choosing a maternity hospital and about whether you will go to give birth alone or with a partner. If you are going to give birth together, it's time to sign a contract for childbirth and send your partner for examinations, without them he will not be allowed to the hospital.
