What to do and what not to do in the last month of pregnancy?

 What to do and what not to do in the last month of pregnancy?

It is natural to have health problems. However, if you notice any complications, you should see a doctor immediately.

What to do and what not to do in the last month of pregnancy?

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Generated by OK AI. Editorially reviewed.

In the last month of pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes changes and complications, such as an increase in the size of the abdomen.

General examinations and tests, such as hemoglobin and ultrasound, are performed to assess the condition and health of the baby.

If you experience symptoms of labor, it is necessary to go to the hospital immediately and prepare according to the doctor's advice.

The nine months of pregnancy are a special and sensitive time for a new mother. The reason for this is that the 9-month wait for a child is coming to an end. Pregnant women and their families experience a mixed feeling of excitement and some fear while waiting for their baby.

Pain can be unbearable. Fear that something will happen to the child or herself can torment a woman. Even the thought of labor pain is overwhelming to some extent. It is important to overcome fear and take precautions to prepare for childbirth during this time.

What happens in the last month?

Many changes occur in a woman's body during the last month of pregnancy. These changes indicate that the body is preparing for childbirth.

The weight of the baby increases significantly, which can make it uncomfortable to walk, sleep, and breathe. When the muscles of the lower abdomen stretch, the lower abdomen hurts and heals. This is normal.

In the last month of pregnancy, the baby moves downward in preparation for childbirth. As the baby's head moves lower in the uterus, it puts pressure on the bladder, which can cause frequent urination and burning sensation in the urine.

Sometimes the baby's head can squeeze the blood vessels, which can cause swelling, tingling, pain, or burning in the legs.

The legs are normal in the morning. But if they swell throughout the day, this is a normal pregnancy symptom. But if you have swelling in the morning, it is a sign of high blood pressure, in which case you should see a doctor.

Constipation and gas accumulation in the stomach are common problems for many pregnant women. This is due to hormonal changes and increased pressure in the stomach.

Complications

It is natural to have health problems. However, if you experience some complications, you should see a doctor immediately. For example, there is a risk of bleeding when you sit down, which is a high-risk condition.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that causes symptoms such as high blood pressure, swelling, headache, or blurred vision.

If abdominal pain is severe or persistent, you should seek immediate medical attention. If the baby's movement slows down or the water breaks, you should go to the hospital immediately. Ignoring such symptoms can be dangerous for the health of both the mother and the baby.

Mother's mental and emotional state

Hormonal changes (especially the increase in progesterone) in the last months of pregnancy cause emotional instability. Along with the excitement of having a baby, the fear of responsibility, worries about raising a child, and the stress of changes in personal life affect pregnant women.

It is natural to have mixed feelings of happiness and worry during this time.

Sometimes this emotional instability can lead to anxiety, depression or mood swings. Symptoms such as night sweats, irritability or sudden anger can be due to hormonal imbalance.

This condition can also increase the risk of postpartum depression. With family support, a positive environment and regular communication with the doctor, these problems can be reduced.

Development in the baby

- The baby has completed the necessary development.

- The baby's skin is pink and soft.

- The baby's head is turned downwards

- Fat begins to accumulate around the elbows, knees and shoulders.

- The baby grows to 19 inches long and weighs around 2.5 kg to 3.5 kg.

What tests should be done?

By this month, 32 weeks have passed. The doctor checks the baby's condition, weight, water level and growth status through hemoglobin, platelets, urine tests and ultrasound.

A blood pressure test can detect the risk of pre-eclampsia. A urine test can detect the presence of protein or infection.

The baby's health condition is assessed by listening to the baby's heartbeat.

At this time, the possibility of natural delivery is assessed. If the baby is breech, dehydrated, blood pressure and diabetes are increasing, a caesarean section may be performed early.

If everything is normal, the due date should not be cut or 3-4 days later.

What to eat and what not to eat?

As the baby grows, the nutritional needs of both the mother and the baby increase. Iron and calcium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue or bone pain. Therefore, iron and calcium supplements should be taken on the advice of a doctor.

It is necessary to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Foods rich in fiber (such as green vegetables, fruits, oats, and whole-wheat bread) can help reduce constipation. It is also common to feed curd to babies during this time.

Therefore, you should control your food intake and eat small meals 6 to 7 times a day, which will reduce the pressure on the digestive system.

Foods rich in protein and calcium, such as curd, milk, lentils, and fish, strengthen your health. Fatty, spicy, and processed foods can affect your health. Do not drink too much tea, coffee, or soda, as they contain caffeine.

Eating raw or undercooked meat is risky, as it increases the risk of infection. Kohl and smoking should be completely stopped, as these are harmful to the health of the baby.

Physical activity and precautions

A light walk for 15-20 minutes after eating and yoga can also be beneficial. However, long-distance travel, walking on bad roads or lifting heavy objects should not be done.

Avoid heavy household chores such as washing clothes and cleaning. Physical contact can also be risky. The baby's movements should be felt at least 10 times a day. If the baby moves less, count it calmly after eating and if there is less movement, contact the doctor immediately.

Go to the hospital at the time prescribed by the doctor

Even if the delivery time is fixed, it is often delayed based on auspicious times or astrology in emergency situations. Delaying the time can put the life of both the mother and the baby at risk due to problems with the baby's heartbeat, direction or other complications.

Therefore, decisions should be taken immediately according to the doctor's advice. If a normal delivery is not possible, one should be mentally prepared for surgery.

How to know if the baby is in labor?

Labor pain usually begins after 40 weeks, but it can be two weeks earlier or later. As far as labor is concerned, it is already estimated by tests whether the delivery will be by cesarean section or natural birth by this month. However, some symptoms are visible early when labor begins.

– Regular, severe abdominal pain that comes and goes every 15 minutes

– Pain that spreads from the back to the thighs

– Increasing intensity and duration of pain

– Water breaking or discharge of a blood-tinged substance.

If such symptoms are observed, it is necessary to assume that labor is occurring and go to the hospital immediately. While taking the patient to the hospital, the patient should be kept calm, comforted, and follow the doctor's instructions.

Preparation for labor

Delivery can occur at any time. If you prepare in advance, you do not have to rush separately in an emergency.

In preparation, you should first decide which hospital to deliver in, the budget for the hospital, breastfeeding-friendly clothes for the mother to wear in the hospital, hospital pads since there may be bleeding after delivery, clothes for the baby from head to toe, and clean and soft blankets for bedding.

Starting this month, you should wash and store the baby's cotton clothes. By washing and storing new clothes in advance, the color and bacteria present in them will not be affected.

The most important thing that should not be missed is that blood group testing and blood donor preparation are also important for delivery, because blood may be needed at any time in an emergency.