No one likes feeling tired. But getting a good amount of sleep is especially important when you're pregnant because it can affect your labor and delivery. Women who got an average of less than 6 hours of sleep each night were in labor longer than women who slept more, says the National Sleep Foundation.
It's a boy if:
- You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy.
- Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute.
- You are carrying the extra weight out front.
- Your belly looks like a basketball.
- Your areolas have darkened considerably.
- You are carrying low.
- You are craving salty or sour foods.
Look out for these 10 signs of labor that tell you baby's on the way:
- Baby "drops"
- Cervix dilates.
- Cramps and increased back pain.
- Loose-feeling joints.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight gain stops.
- Fatigue and "nesting instinct"
- Vaginal discharge changes color and consistency.
As the countdown to birth begins, some signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away can include low back pain, weight loss, diarrhea — and of course, your water breaking.
Your baby moves less: Women often notice that their baby is less active the day before labor begins. No one is sure why. It may be that the baby is saving up energy for the birth. If you feel less movement, call your doctor or midwife, as sometimes decreased movement can mean that the baby is in trouble.
It's very unlikely that you will suddenly go into labor without warning. Your body will let you know that you're close to the big day, so you can make sure your hospital bag is packed, and be ready to go to the hospital when the time is right.
One study has argued that there may be risks to excessive sleep in your third trimester. In the study, women who slept for more than 9 continuous hours without disturbance and routinely had non-restless sleep in the last month of their pregnancy had a greater instance of stillbirth.
Fatigue can begin in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Some women notice pregnancy exhaustion as early as one week after conception. While fatigue typically gets better around the start of the second trimester, it often returns in the third trimester, though like every symptom it varies from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The researchers also found that: 10% gave birth by 38 weeks and 5 days after the LMP. 25% gave birth by 39 weeks and 5 days after the LMP. 50% gave birth by 40 weeks and 5 days after the LMP.
Natural Ways to Induce Labor
- Exercise.
- Sex.
- Nipple stimulation.
- Acupuncture.
- Acupressure.
- Castor oil.
- Spicy foods.
- Red raspberry leaf tea.
If you notice that your water broke, head to the hospital or birthing center. There's a good chance you will go into labor not long after it happens. But you can still be in labor even if your water hasn't broken.
Other Signs: You may feel pelvic and rectal pressure, have hot flashes and/or chills, have cold feet, and feel nauseous or even vomit. You may feel overwhelmed, and it's also normal to feel discouraged, as though labor will never end.
Feeling emotionalSuddenly feeling very tearful or moody can be a subtle sign that your labour is beginning. Moodiness is caused by the changing levels of hormones in your body as it prepares to give birth.
Early Signs of Labor that Mean Your Body Is Getting Ready:
- The baby drops.
- You feel the urge to nest.
- No more weight gain.
- Your cervix dilates.
- Fatigue.
- Worsening back pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Loose joints and increased clumsiness.
KEY POINTS
- If your pregnancy is healthy, it's best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks.
- Scheduling means you and your provider decide when to have your baby by labor induction or cesarean birth.
Fetal movement at 38 weeks pregnantA lot of the movement you feel at this stage is your baby stretching and wiggling in the confines of your uterus. These movements could be more subtle than you're used to, so you may have to pay more attention during kick count sessions.
You at 38 weeks pregnantYour breasts could be leaking colostrum. You might be experiencing more Braxton Hicks contractions. Although they can at times feel uncomfortable, they're actually helping to prepare your uterus and cervix for labour and birth. The placenta is about 17-18 cm across, and can weigh up to 1 kg.
During this visit, your doctor will:
- Ask about your eating habits.
- Ask about your sleeping habits.
- Ask if you've received your cord-blood collection kit, if you're planning to store your baby's cord blood.
- Check your weight and blood pressure.
- Measure the height of your uterus to gauge your baby's growth.
ACOG and SMFM use these definitions to describe term pregnancies: Early term: Your baby is born between 37 weeks, 0 days and 38 weeks, 6 days. Full term: Your baby is born between 39 weeks, 0 days and 40 weeks, 6 days. Late term: Your baby is born between 41 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 6 days.
What you can do: Pushing tips
- Push as if you're having a bowel movement. Relax your body and thighs and push as if you're having the biggest BM of your life.
- Tuck your chin to your chest.
- Give it all you've got.
- Stay focused.
- Change positions.
- Trust your instinct.
- Rest between contractions.
- Stop pushing as instructed.
Generally, you expect a hard stomach when you're pregnant. Your hard-feeling stomach is caused by the pressure of your uterus growing and putting pressure on your abdomen. The hardness of your stomach while pregnant can be more pronounced if you eat a low-fiber diet or drink a lot of carbonated beverages.
Physical demands (lifting, standing, bending) Heavy lifting, standing for long periods of time, or bending a lot during pregnancy could increase your chances of miscarriage, preterm birth, or injury during pregnancy.
A baby's important organs, like the brain and lungs, are still developing in weeks 37 and 38. Babies born earlier than 39 weeks are more likely to have medical conditions that require time in the intensive care unit. A baby delivered early may have: Breathing problems because their lungs are not fully developed.
If you're pregnant, you know that rubbing your belly simply makes you feel good no matter the reason. (And during pregnancy, things that feel good are always a huge bonus.) Now, a new study confirms that fetuses respond powerfully to belly touches, which may suggest that it makes them feel good, too!
Here's help relieving symptoms — and anxiety — as your due date approaches. The third trimester of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Your baby's size and position might make it hard for you to get comfortable. You might be tired of pregnancy and eager to move on to the next stage.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be quite powerful towards the end of your pregnancy and it's easy to mistake them for labour contractions. You have them because the muscles of your womb tighten and you may notice that your tummy becomes hard for a short period, then softens again. These should not cause pain.
