Forty-second week

You may be confused by the fact that the baby is born late, but remember that only 2% of women experience this condition. One of the reasons for this condition is a misdiagnosis of ovulation due to irregular menstrual periods. It happens. Just remember that the time of birth is near: in a week, you will be holding your little one. If you have had a membrane graft and your contractions haven't started yet, the midwife may encourage you to start, first, she will apply an ointment or gel that contains prostaglandins (hormones that make the cervix lubricate). The midwife can also rupture the amniotic sac – this is known as artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) and is usually not recommended unless it is an emergency. Finally, Syntocinon – is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. Your water sac must break before you are given Syntocinon. You inject an intravenous drip, so the hormone can go directly into your bloodstream. This can cause severe contractions, so it must be monitored and may include pain relievers such Use an epidural.

Common symptoms this week:

• Diarrhea: Many women get diarrhea before the start of labor because it is a natural way to empty the bowels to make room for the birth of the baby.
• Muscle cramps: Even if the cramps are not very serious, you should contact your doctor.
• Swelling: You experience a large number of body fluids and such problems cause swelling in the feet and ankles, also known as EDEMA. You can also elevate your leg to prevent fluid accumulation.
• Birth signs: If your water sac breaks, you start bleeding, or you start having contractions, it's almost time to give birth. If you're already a mom, good news: Second (or third, or fourth) babies are usually shorter. And it is easier than the first.

Your baby's weight this week is about 3.7 kg and his height is approximately 51.5 cm. Your baby now looks like a small watermelon.