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Pregnancy: 35 weeks
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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How the child grows:
Growth of your baby has reached 46 cm, and its weight is now 2, 7 kg. Since in the uterus, already very little space, he will no longer perform complex acrobatic movements, but the number of movements should not change. His kidneys are already fully developed, and the liver can excrete the products of life. Most of his basic physical development has already occurred, now the main emphasis is on weight gain.
Important: the development of each child is strictly individual. Our information is designed to give you an idea of the development of the fetus.
Changes of the future mother
Your uterus has reached the level of the chest and most of it is occupied by a child, and not by an amniotic fluid. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on other organs, which is why you are often forced to urinate, and experience heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. If you do not face any of these conditions, you are a happy woman! From now on, your medical advice will be repeated every week. Until week 37, the doctor will take a vaginal and rectal smear to reveal the bacteria of Group B Streptococcus. Usually these bacteria are safe for adults, but if you give them to the baby during labor, it can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis or infection blood. Since such bacteria are detected in 10 - 30 percent of pregnant women, screening is necessary. If bacteria are detected, you will be given intravenous antibiotic treatment during labor, which reduces the risk of developing infection in the baby.
This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our special form, you will be able to focus on specific features: a list of those present during labor, pain management techniques and wishes for the further location of the child after childbirth. This will give you a foothold and suggestions for discussion with your doctor. Childbirth is an unpredictable process that does not always follow the plan, so discuss your preferences with your doctor in advance.
3 Questions about ... Maternity home
- How to prepare for a trip to the hospital?
Before you go to the hospital, you and your partner should know in advance: where is the nearest parking for the car, when you need to arrive at the hospital and when you can leave. Most hospitals make presentations and organize study tours for potential clients, so do not miss your chance.
- What happens in the hospital?
Most likely, the doctor has already told you about the necessary actions and gave clear instructions. If for some reason, you do not know whom to contact at the hospital, contact the reception of the clinic and the nurse will take you to the delivery room, and also inform about your arrival to the obstetrician. The nurse will take a sample of urine and help change clothes, then check the indicators of vital functions and ask about the frequency of fights, whether the water has left, and whether you had vaginal bleeding. She will also check the child's activity, find out when you last ate and how much pain is tolerated.
The doctor will check the frequency and duration of your fights, as well as the heartbeat of the child, after which he will perform abdominal and vaginal examination. If it turns out that this is a false alarm and the birth has not yet begun, or the delivery is at a very early stage, you will probably be sent home.
- The process of delivery?
The obstetrician will ask you about the presence of a prescribed birth plan and your preferences, if there is none. Then, if necessary, take a blood test, inject intravenously antibiotics or spinal or epidural anesthesia. The nurse will also help you navigate, showing what, and where is in the waiting room. Do not hesitate to ask, what you need: whether it's a rocking chair, ice or a second blanket. If during the delivery there will be CTG (recording the heart rate and fetal tone), the nurse will explain how the cardiotocography functions.
This Week's Activity: Prepare food for yourself and your partner for the first time after the birth of the baby. Prepare a double serving and freeze half - you and your partner will be too worn out to cook food in the first two weeks after the birth of the baby.
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