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37 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect
With labour just around the corner, by the start of your 37th week, the baby has matured most of its organs and can survive the outside world without any difficulty.
Your Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy- Week 37
Some of the developments that have taken place with your baby include:
Toenails
By now, the toenails should have grown enough to fully cover the toe. These will continue to grow so you can always expect your baby to have slightly overgrown nails when they are born.
Swelling of Mammary Glands
The placental hormones send chemical signals to the pregnant mother to begin the lactation process. These placental hormones also find their way to the baby whose mammary glands will begin to swell. These will return to normal once they are out of the womb.
Armed with Antibodies
The umbilical cord starts to pump the baby’s body with antibodies to help it fight off disease and infection after birth. This is supplemented by breastfeeding once the baby is out of the womb.
Fully Formed Lungs
The baby is ready to come out as the lungs are fully functional by this time. They will support the baby breathing the outside air by producing a lipoprotein called surfactant.
What Is The Baby Size
When you’re 37 weeks pregnant baby size is about the size of a Romaine Lettuce. She is approximately 19.1 inches long and has probably attained a weight of 2.8 kilograms. This is about the same weight as that of a baby kangaroo!
Common Body Changes
The common body changes during pregnancy in the 37th week include:
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are practice contractions that increase in frequency by the 37th
Amniotic Fluid
There is a reduction in the amniotic fluid as the size of the baby has displaced most of the fluid.
Symptoms Of Pregnancy At Week 37
Some of the symptoms that women experience during this time include:
Heart Burn
As the uterus has expanded to accommodate the baby, it presses against many of the internal organs within the body such as the stomach. This can cause stress to the digestive system which may result in problems such as heartburn.
Spotting
Spotting or bleeding is something that is common at the 37th week of pregnancy due to the increased sensitivity of the cervix. The bleeding may have taken place due to some irritation in the region or even because of sexual intercourse.
Insomnia
Sleeplessness is something that is bound to affect all pregnant women at some point during their pregnancy. The reasons for this include urge to urinate frequently, uncomfortable sleeping position and anxiety.
What Are The Signs Of Labour?
The onset of labour is likely to happen around the 37th week and the baby is considered a term baby. Some of the signs that can help you figure out when its time include:
Regular contractions
Regular contractions begin prior to labour but they can often be confused with false contractions better known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Though these may be similar in intensity, the best indicator for labour contractions is consistent contractions over time. If they are irregular or go away if you rest, they are probably Braxton Hicks contractions.
Water breaking
This is the breaking/tearing of the protective amniotic sac that has been cradling your baby all this while. Every woman has a different experience when her water breaks as it depends on the size and area of the tear. Based on this, the amount of amniotic fluid that comes out of cervix and vagina could be a trickle or a gush.
Mucus plug
This is a type of cervical mucous loaded with antimicrobial properties to protect that baby from infection against bacteria. Once this comes out because of the baby drop, most women go into labour in the next 12 hours.
Inducing Labour At 37 Weeks
If you wish to induce labour, you can try out the below techniques to get things going. Please consult your doctor before trying out the below methods as they can recommend the most appropriate technique based on your condition.
Stimulating the Nipples
This is a time-tested way of inducing labour as stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin which helps in inducing labour. This is a powerful method to bring about contractions as they are likely to be stronger and longer in nature.
Sexual Intercourse
Sexual intimacy can help get the ball rolling as the male ejaculation contains prostaglandins that help induce labour. This may be difficult to perform for some women due to the size of their belly. One can use sex positions such as spooning, rear entry or woman on top to induce labour.
Belly at 37 weeks of Pregnancy
By this time, you would experience something called dropping. This is a phenomenon when the baby descends to the pelvic region in preparation for labour. However, this ‘dropping’ cannot be visually noticed by anyone.
37 Weeks Ultra Sound
During the 37th week of pregnancy, an ultrasound is mainly taken to see that the baby is in a head down position. Other developments can be tracked during this time such as heartbeat rate and condition of the uterus. Determining the sex of the baby at this point is difficult as the baby almost doesn’t move from here on out.
What to Eat
As you enter your 37th week pregnancy food must be classified based on three factors. Firstly, as the pregnancy is considered full term, one can begin to eat labour inducing food items which include castor oil, small amounts of spicy food, raspberry leaf and primrose oil. Secondly, as the body still experiences heartburn, trigger foods such as alcohol, fatty foods and oily foods are to be avoided. Lastly, the baby’s brain is making rapid strides in terms of development. For this, protein-rich foods like fish, eggs and milk are to be eaten.
Tips and Care
Below are some of the things that you must be taken into consideration when you're 37 weeks pregnant:
Do’s
Chart out a route that you can take to the hospital which has the least amount of traffic.
Don’ts
Nesting phase is a time when pregnant mothers are expecting their newborn to soon and go on a cleaning frenzy. While one doesn’t need to suppress this urge, moving around can be difficult, so one needs to take rest. As an alternative, one can make somebody else do the work for you!
Limit the intake of caffeine as it will only aggravate your insomnia.
What you need to shop
As you’re full term now at 37 weeks of pregnancy, here are some of the things you can shop for:
Baby’s arrival
The baby isn’t going to be carrying a suitcase when he/she arrives so you’ll have to buy some baby essentials. These include baby pads, nappies, a blanket and unisex baby clothes.
Your comfort
The delivery process can take a while and can be uncomfortable which is why you can arm yourself with books, a comfortable pillow and your own toiletry set.
Conclusion
By this time, you’re almost towards the end of your pregnancy. The most important thing that one needs to do at this point is to watch out for the signs of labour.
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External Cephalic Version(ECV) Technique For Breech Baby
External Cephalic Version (or ECV) is a manual procedure that is used to turn a baby from its breech position (bottom or foot facing down) to a head-first position.
This article discusses how the ECV procedure is performed, along with when it should be done (or not) and the outcome and risk factors of this procedure.
The Breech Baby Position
The Breech baby position is a foetal position where the baby’s bottom or feet is facing downwards, instead of the normal head position. It occurs in around 3-5% of pregnant women after 37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy.
The probability of childhood handicap for a breech baby is as high as 16%, irrespective of the mode of the baby’s delivery.
Most babies in breech position are delivered through Caesarean (or C-section) instead of vaginal births.
What Is An External Cephalic Version Procedure or ECV?
External Cephalic Version (or ECV) is a manual procedure where the breech baby (or foetus) is externally rotated from its breech position first to a sideways position and then finally to a head-first position. This ECV pregnancy procedure enables pregnant women to deliver their babies through the normal vaginal birth, rather than undergoing a C-section.
ECV procedure comprises of the following components:
Foetal monitoring
Version procedure
1. Foetal Monitoring
During this step, the foetus is closely monitored to avoid any harm during the version procedure. Monitoring can be done through foetal ultrasound to confirm the position of the placenta. An electronic foetal heart monitoring is used to measure the heart rate. A foetus, whose heart rate increases at a normal rate with its movement, is a healthy one, which is suitable for the version procedure.
2. Version Procedure
During this procedure, your doctor will place both hands on your foetus’s head and buttocks in order to attempt turning it to a head-down position. Before the procedure, you will be administered tocolytic medicines such as terbutaline to relax your uterus.
Your doctor may recommend additional version procedures if the first attempt is not successful.
Why Is ECV Procedure Performed?
The ECV procedure is performed after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Though most babies repeatedly keep changing positions throughout the pregnancy, they usually settle into a cephalic (or head-down) position by the 36th week. According to statistics, 1 in every 25 babies is in a breech position after 36 weeks. Even though breech babies can take the natural position in the last month, the chances of this happening are about 1 in 8 (for first pregnancies) and 1 in 3 (for second and subsequent pregnancies).
At this stage, your doctor may recommend the ECV procedure before the start of your labour.
When Is ECV Procedure Done?
According to 2016 statistics, 93.2% of the breech babies in the U.S. are delivered through Caesarean operation. This has led to a rapid growth of baby deliveries happening through Caesarean.
ECV procedure is done to improve the probability of a natural vaginal birth.
When Is The ECV Procedure Not Recommended?
An ECV procedure is not recommended for expecting mothers, if they:
Are having other pregnancy-related complications
Have any other medical complications (such as heart problems) that prevent them from consuming tocolytic medicines.
Are expecting twins or triplets
Are carrying a uterus with unusual shape
Have had a caesarean operation previously
Have low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus
Are having placenta praevia (or low-lying placenta), where the placenta is low or covering the cervix, which can block the baby’s path on the way out.
Additionally, the ECV procedure is not done when:
The amniotic sac (or the water bag) has ruptured.
The foetus has a hyper-extended head, or some birth defect.
What Is The Outcome Of ECV?
The use of the ECV procedure can reduce the 3-4% of breech births to around 1%. ECV also contributes towards reduction in premature labour, breech-related complications, and premature babies.
Although there is a chance that following the ECV procedure, the baby can turn back into the breech position, ECV can improve the overall chances of having a normal vaginal birth.
Is This Procedure Painful?
An ECV procedure usually lasts for around 3 hours. As ECV is a non-invasive procedure, the pain or discomfort factor is restricted to a limited time. However, based on patient response, the pain perception of the expecting mother is largely influenced by the success (or failure) of the procedure, along with the length of the procedure. Most women, who underwent longer procedures or a failed version, have reported more pain. On the other hand, women who underwent a successful ECV have reported less pain.
Risks Of External Cephalic Version
While foetus monitoring can reduce the risks of ECV, there are potential risks associated with ECV, including:
The umbilical cord getting twisted or squeezed, thus reducing blood flow and oxygen to the foetus.
Labour inducement, caused by the rupturing of the amniotic sac.
Rare complications such as Placenta abrio, uterus rupture, or damage to the umbilical cord.
What Is The Success Rate Of This Procedure?
ECV has an average success rate of 58%. According to 2016 statistics in the U.S., 68% of the women who had a successful ECV went on to have a normal vaginal birth, while only 25.2% underwent a C-section.
Can Someone With A Previous C-Section Have This Procedure?
According to the latest medical research studies, women who have already undergone a C-section can benefit from an ECV procedure for their subsequent pregnancies. Researchers have concluded that women with previous C-section have a success rate (50%) at ECV, quite close to the success rate (51.6%) for women who have not undergone any previous C-section.
Factors That Might Affect The Success Rate Of Versions
The success of the ECV procedure is dependent on multiple individual factors, including:
The skill of the physician performing the ECV
The information provided to the pregnant woman, along with her motivation to avoid a Caesarean.
The physician’s willingness to stop the ECV procedure in the event of any complication or additional effort.
Other factors that contribute strongly to the ECV success rate are:
The pregnant woman, undergoing the procedure, has previously given birth.
The baby is not engaged in the pelvis.
The physician performing the ECV can feel the baby’s head on palpitation.
What If The Version Doesn’t Work?
Depending on the breech position of your baby and other individual factors, a normal vaginal birth is still a possibility, even if the ECV procedure does not succeed.
Things To Consider
An ECV procedure carries a minor risk of causing bleeding, which could lead to the mixing of the mother’s and the baby’s blood. To prevent this, pregnant women with Rh-negative blood type is injected with Rh immunoglobin to prevent a condition called Rh sensitization, which can lead to complications in future pregnancies.
What Methods Can You Try Other Than ECV?
If you do not want to opt for the ECV procedure, there are alternative methods to consider, including:
Expectant management, which is based on the likelihood of a conversion to cephalic presentation from a breech presentation, quoted at around 3%.
Trial of labour, which can be a viable alternative for selected expectant mothers including multiparous females with proven pelvis, a full-term foetus, and complete cervical dilation.
ECV during labour, which suggests that ECV on the onset of labour is safe for pregnant women with their membranes intact.
Postural manoeuvres, which comprises of pelvic elevation in the hands & knees position or with a wedge for pelvis support.
Moxibustion & Acupuncture, where moxibustion is an ancient Chinese practice using a Chinese herb, which is burnt close to the mother’s acupuncture point.
The right position in the womb goes a long way in ensuring a safe delivery both for the child and the mother. Speaking to your doctor about opting for an ECV, if the baby is breech, is the best way to determine if it is a procedure which is suited to you, or if there are any alternatives you may try instead.
Also read: 10 Complications During Labour & Delivery,
Placenta Previa: Causes, Risks & Treatment Read more
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Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) in Babies, Its Symptoms, and Ways to Deal With It
Cow Milk Protein Allergy occurs in very rare babies. Hardly 2% of babies have this problem. Therefore, the awareness regarding this is also very low in our country. I wasn’t aware of it until I discovered this problem with my son. I had to go through hard times as a new mom due to a lack of knowledge in this regard. So I just hope this article would be helpful to all those mommies whose babies are suffering from CMPA.
What Is CMPA?
In CMPA, the immunity system of the baby does not accept cow milk protein and considers it a harmful product for the body. Most of the babies who suffer from CMPA will also have an allergy to all other animal milk. Hence it becomes very difficult for these babies to take any animal milk. The immune system starts acting to protect the baby and hence the following symptoms will be observed.
Symptoms of CPMA
1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhoea (with or without blood)
3. Persistent cough
4. Swelling of lips or eyelids
5. Hives, eczema
6. Tiredness
7. Lethargy
8. Restlessness
9. Distress
10. Sleeping Problems
Besides these symptoms, there may be other symptoms as well. My son had a fever after every 15 days with 100 degree to 101 degree and it wouldn’t come down even after giving antibiotics. It was only then we started to think and came across the problem.
How to Deal With CMPA
Firstly, you will have to cut out milk and all the products that have cow milk. No milk product should be given to the baby. In rare cases, milk protein affects the baby through breast milk but if it does in your case then the mother will have to stop taking milk and milk products as well.
If your baby is only of a few days or a few months and has CMPA, then breast milk is the best. One thing to keep in mind is all infant formulas have cow milk and won’t be useful.
Many times CMPA is confused with lactose intolerance but both of them are very different.
It is important that you do not experiment with a cow’s milk-free diet for your baby without recommendation and guidance from your doctor.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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HOW RELATIOSHIP CHANGES AFTER YOU ARE PROMOTED AS NEW PARENT.
Being a new parent can put extra pressure along with a happyness of your babys arrival.So its good to speak out your parts as new parents because this will help to keep your relationship strong.It also helps you to know what a good job your doing as new parents and making time for yourself and for each other and to baby too.So,Relationship changes after babyRelationships often go through huge changes after babys arrival.These changes can be good and bad too.it happens because of demand of looking for your new born baby.it means your priority turns towards your newborn.its just not about you or me ,its us in your family now.you will have to work together for this to work out. Fitting with your newbornAfter your baby comes along ,you and your partner are on duty as partners together on duty as parents.your baby is completly dependent on you for everything,your newborn will sleeps alot but she will also wake often during nights for feeds and nappy changes.he might cry a fair bit too as parent youll more than likely find your lives suddanly formed around baby and his feeding,sleeping, setting awake time and daily care,you may say its not comlicated one, but its definatly demanding one.for sure in the early days moms will get lack of sleep. LESS SLEEPWhen you get a good night sleep your next morning will be good start,you think better that day.with less sleep you might be more irritable or more annoyed at others.when there are two parents who are not getting enough sleep and who are possiblly stressed out about caring new born might yell at each other or can hurt each others emotionally .so make time to sleep when the baby is sleeping. Helplessness and frustrationBecoming new mom or dad can take big emotional space.its big deal to take care for little person who is completly dependent who does not come up with manual.if your baby is crying and nothing woeks to settle or calm you might feel sad worried and upset its also normal for yoy and to your partnerto feel helplessnessand frustreated,some babys have addtional needs if this is your situation you might feel even more helplesness frustrated or worried More conflicts less time and freedomCouple often experience more conflicts after baby arrive because there are many things to do and think about all at once.suddenly,you might feel like u have less time to think about partners need and she has lees time to think about yours .as well as fitting with babys routine and getting less sleep you might find that money is tighter and you might have the new responsibility of being the sole provider of your family and this could also be the first time in your life when you have had less time for yourself.so these things can be source of stress frustretion and conflicts for both of you and your partner. so most of the time you end up arguing at each other and avoide open convo and feel bad and confused.so what can be done to avoide these issuesNegotiating your roles and sharing expection is good practice for parenting as team and can help you keep your relationship strong.pregnency is a good time to figure out who ll do what once the baby arrive and weathter you and your partner want to to things diffrently.this worksheet on new parents workload might help you both to look at issue u have.Remember that its also importent to be flexible and review your plans from time to time.life will keep changing and challenging as your baby gets olderit can help to focus on how much youre learning as new parents and how well youre caring for your new baby and these are big achivements.and also making time for each othercan help to boost your reletionship too.in the early days this might just be sitting together while you pr your partner feeds your baby.so i hope this was helpfull to new parents to cope up with their situationsHAPPAY PARENTING DEAR PARENTS..... Read more
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
13 hours ago
Q. Hi.. Priyanka kalra doctor..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
13 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is quite difficult to say anything about it without personally examination and proper reports evaluation. So better to consult with your treating gynaecologist in person as she knew the exact health condition of your pregnancy and can guide you better.
Take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. Hi, for May 1st they will check AFI fluid... should I need to be on empty bladder for that scan... which is around 37 weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
11 hours ago
A. It’s completely normal this kind of an ultrasound is different it is not necessary that your stomach should be full or you should go empty stomach you can have your basic breakfast and all whatever you would want to eat before you go ahead with getting a scan and there is no need to go empty stomach for the scan
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. hi everyone..the position of my baby is still in breech position from first trimester till now as I entered in my third trimester position is still breech is it normal..
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. Check your scan report
parminder kaur has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Mera Mera 7th month end pe hai ab scan Karate doctor please tell me
parminder kaur
Mom of a 1 yr 1 m old boy
10 hours ago
A. yess
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
9 hours ago
Q. what types of clothes are good for a new born baby during summers
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. Cotton, Muslin clothes can be used. Prefer white or light coloured clothes since it absorb less heat.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old child
49 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts please suggest diet plan for wait gain of my 2 years old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
43 mins ago
A. normal traditional food rich in protein ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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