Changes happening to your body in week 41
Exhaustion overrides all other changes in your body. Emotionally you might be drained as you keep worrying about when your labor pains will start. The sheer anxiety of delivering …show more content…
The placental function and the health of the baby are monitored through ultrasound scans and cardiotocographs (administered to record the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions.) The location of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and the size of the baby are key measurements to ensure the health and wellbeing of mother and child.
It is advisable that you keep a track of your baby’s movements as overdue pregnancies pose certain uncommon situations for both mother and child.
Towards the end of this week you might feel like your baby is pressing down on your cervix. This pressure is hard to describe in words, but most women recognize the pressure when it happens.
This pressure might increase as your labor begins and progresses through the different stages of labor. During active labor, the cervix dilates as much as 10 centimeters to allow the passage of the baby’s head.
The cells in the vaginal passage and the cervix produce a mucous discharge around week 41. The discharge is indication of the beginning of labor, although true labor might take a few more days to set in.
Changes happening to your baby in week …show more content…
Keep an open mind and allocate answering phones to a family member if it begins bothering you. Consider the following during week 41:
Go for short walks that will help to take your mind away from the anxious waiting. Exercise and being active is also thought to stimulate labor.
Drinking some castor oil and eating spicy curries are thought to stimulate labor. Always check with your doctor before giving in to any rumors and old wives tales about kick-starting labor.
You might find sleeping to be a drain on your energy levels if you have an overactive imagination that does not allow your brain to feel rested. Try relaxing music, aromatherapy baths and scented candles.
Start telling yourself over and over that you are strong enough to handle all the labor pains and you are ready to meet your baby. A positive outlook changes a lot of factors that are directly related to your stress and exhaustion levels.
Try to have your husband and friends around you to help take your mind off things. After all, there is nothing that a good laugh can’t