Posts Tagged ‘40th week of pregnancy’
40th Week of Pregnancy
By 40th week of pregnancy, your baby is around 19 to 21 inches long and weighs about 7 to 9 pounds. By this time, your baby has grown up and has developed her organs inside your uterus. All her bones except the skull have hardened. The skull of your baby is still soft as it helps your baby navigate her way through vaginal canal during delivery.
Some of you may not show symptoms of starting of labor during 40th week of pregnancy too. In such case, your health care provider will suggest inducing labor. He/she may start some medicines to induce labor. It is done keeping in mind your and your baby’s safety. As you proceed in pregnancy, level of amniotic fluid decreases gradually, if that level is too low, then there is a chance that your baby will not get sufficient nutrients through amniotic fluid. In such cases, the health care provider may induce you labor to avoid further risks to your and your baby’s health.
If you go into labor but it does not progress, your and your baby’s health is at risk because of this then your health care provider may induce labor. If your baby is in breech position or there are risk factors involved if you are to give birth vaginally then your health care provider may suggest delivery by C-section depending upon your individual situation. As each pregnancy is different and unique, your health care provider will make a decision depending upon your health.
If you are planning to breast feed your baby, then let your hospital staff know your wish so that you will be able to feed your baby as soon as possible after delivery. The early milk or colostrums contains protein and antibodies that help your baby improve his/her immunity and fight diseases to certain extent.
There are many advantages of breast feeding your baby. Apart from your baby getting antibodies and proper nourishments, it benefits you too:
It helps you loose weight quickly as more calories are burned during breast feeding.
While breast feeding, uterus contracts and bleeding reduces. Thus it speeds up your recovery process.
Apart from being economical it reduces the chances of breast cancer.
Above mentioned are a few advantages of breast feeding. If you are planning for formula feeding, then consult your doctor or a pediatrician for their recommendations.
Some of you may experience hemorrhoids, vaginal bleeding and swollen breasts after delivery. Many women suffer from postpartum depression, most commonly referred to as ‘baby blues’ due to additional hormones in the body. Consult your health care provider before taking any medicine for these symptoms.
Take proper rest during this week as you may not be able to get enough rest and sleep once you arrive home with your baby. Spend time reading baby care books or doing things you like to do. Once your baby arrives, your life will be changed totally therefore plan everything in advance so that you can take care of your baby properly.