What’s happening to the mother?
The cervix softens and the contractions of the womb are uncoordinated and irregular. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the level of activity will subside, and it can be tiresome at times.
Signs of labour
Loss of the mucus plug is a sign that the body is getting ready for labour, but it gives no indication of when the labour will actually start. However, the vast majority of women do not notice that they have lost their mucus plug, so this can be difficult to detect.
The birth
If you give birth at week 37 or within the next 4-5 weeks, this is considered normal. If your pregnancy has passed week 41, it is recommended that you be followed up with a check-up at your birth center. Healthcare personnel will, in collaboration with you, assess whether it is necessary to induce your labor. It is recommended that this be done no later than week 42.
Labor may start with contractions, water breaking or bleeding, or a combination of these factors.
Most labors start with contractions. If your water breaks without you having contractions, contractions will usually start on their own within a day. If your water breaks or you see fluid that you think may be amniotic fluid, contact your birthing center.
Development of the foetus
Childbirth is approaching. If the child is born now, the child will be considered to be born at term. Most foetuses now lie head down towards the birth canal, but some still lie with their buttocks or feet facing down. This position is called the breech position.
Weight and length will vary depending on whether the birth takes place early or late during this period. The foetus is probably between 48 and 55 cm long and weighs around 2,700-4,500 grams, but both length and weight can vary considerably.
After birth, newborn babies have a natural need for body heat, closeness, security and love. This is why it is important for the mother and her partner to get started early with attachment, preferably through skin-to-skin contact with the baby. Skin-to-skin contact can help newborn babies adjust to life outside the uterus.
Skin-to-skin contact has a number of advantages:
- your baby will cry less
- your baby will maintain a stable body temperature
- attachment and breastfeeding will get off to a better start
It is important for the person having skin-to-skin contact with the baby to be awake so that it can be observed.