Pregnancy Calendar at Week 41
What's Happening with the Baby
Each day, the baby gains a little weight, and the internal organs are functioning properly. Except for the respiratory system, the baby is ready for life independent of mom:
- The maturation of the nervous system has slowed down a bit, but after birth, this process will continue in a new way;
- The heart is actively beating;
- The baby's lungs have accumulated enough surfactant for that first breath after birth and independent breathing;
- The intestines are working properly with meconium, and the pancreas and liver are releasing the necessary enzymes into the digestive tract.
What's Happening with Mom
Feelings
A pregnant woman lives in anticipation of the next crucial period and worries about how to determine the exact due date. After the estimated due date passes, she becomes anxious – is everything okay with her? If she has regular check-ups with her doctor, she's under supervision. Since everyone's physiology is different, the timing can vary.
Dropping of the Belly
Usually happens earlier, but if the baby's position is unstable, it can occur closer to delivery. When this happens, breathing becomes easier and heartburn disappears. The pregnant woman feels a surge of strength and energy.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are what we call practice contractions of the uterine muscles to help position the baby's head and prepare for childbirth. They feel similar to menstrual cramps and are accompanied by tightening of the abdominal muscles.
Weight Reduction
As the due date approaches, a pregnant woman's weight may decrease due to hormonal changes, changes in vascular tone, and some fluid loss. This process can also be influenced by a decrease in the woman's appetite.
Colostrum Discharge
At this stage, all pregnant women experience it, and some may notice leaking from their nipples. Use clean breast pads in your bra; your mammary glands are getting ready for breastfeeding.
Frequent Urges to Empty the Bowels
A prolapsed uterus puts pressure on the rectum, causing the urge to empty the bowels. The pregnant body tries to cleanse itself before the upcoming labor, getting rid of toxins.
Rupture of Amniotic Sac
This indicates a breach in the integrity of the amniotic sac and is characterized by the release of clear fluid from the birth canal, up to 150 ml. If this occurs, a doctor's examination is necessary, and the woman should be hospitalized for delivery.
Passing of the Mucus Plug
This is accompanied by the discharge of a small amount of mucus from the vagina, which can be clear or pinkish in color. It's time to head to the hospital.
Medical Examination
Pregnant women registered at the prenatal clinic are fully examined by this time. If a woman has not been monitored, a minimum set of examinations and procedures is recommended for tactical decisions during childbirth.
Doctors
- Obstetrician-Gynecologist: Examines the pregnant woman, assesses the readiness of the birth canal, the condition of the fetus, and orders urgent examinations.
- Therapist: Diagnoses the degree of any accompanying pathology, recommends additional specialists, and prescribes treatment based on medical indications.
- Specialist: Consulted only if necessary.
Tests
- Complete blood count with platelet count.
- Urinalysis to rule out pregnancy complications.
- Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.
- Blood type and Rh factor.
- Biochemical blood tests as prescribed.
- Blood coagulation tests.
Examinations
- Mother's ECG to assess heart function.
- Fetal photometric study to determine the baby's heartbeat.
- Ultrasound may be prescribed if indicated.
What to Do at 41 Weeks Pregnant?
At 41 weeks pregnant, the expectant mom could head to the hospital at any moment, so the hospital bag should be ready. Before that:
- avoid heavy meals,
- prepare your hospital exchange card and necessary documents;
- follow all your doctor's recommendations and take any prescribed medications;
- try to get a good night's sleep before heading to the hospital, you'll need plenty of energy;
- if you're feeling well, take walks to ensure adequate oxygenation;
- stay positive and focus on a successful delivery and the birth of your baby;
- take a warm shower before heading to the hospital to help relax your muscles.
The Mucus Plug Has Dislodged
The mucus plug refers to the mucous secretions from the reproductive tract that normally block access to the uterus and prevent infection. The plug dislodges some time before regular labor activity begins and signals that the mother's body is preparing for childbirth. It can come out a few days in advance or right before labor starts; this process is individual.
It manifests as a one-time release of thick mucous secretions up to several milliliters in volume or as a gradual staining of a pad with colorless or pinkish discharge over several days.
After the mucus plug dislodges, check your bag of necessary documents and items for the hospital, and be ready for the onset of contractions. During this time, sex is not recommended to avoid infection. Before heading to the hospital, it is recommended to take a warm shower.
Helpful Tips
There's just a little time left before your baby arrives, bringing new responsibilities and worries. To feel more comfortable, sleep on your side in the fetal position, get out of bed gently and carefully, and stay as active as possible – this will make the birthing process easier.
Until then, enjoy the peace and tranquility, get plenty of rest, listen to your favorite music, and spend time with your loved ones.
Labor
The labor process begins with irregular contractions, which the pregnant woman feels as muscle spasms in the abdominal area, accompanied by back or lower abdominal pain. The frequency of contractions gradually increases. Throughout this period, it's important to listen to the doctor and midwife, who monitor the process and assess the condition of both the mother and baby:
- When a contraction ends, it's crucial for the woman to breathe deeply so the baby doesn't experience a lack of oxygen;
- Between contractions, moving around can make the process less painful and more active;
- If the contractions are intense but the cervix isn't fully dilated, medication-induced sleep may be recommended;
- As contractions become more frequent and pushing begins, the woman is moved to the delivery room;
- In the final stage of birth, it's important to follow the doctor's instructions for a successful delivery and to prevent tears.