The late stage of pregnancy is the most dangerous time. Many expectant mothers have a large belly in the late stage of pregnancy, and their physical activity is more limited. So what are the precautions for the late stage of pregnancy?
【Sleeping position in the late stage of pregnancy】
It is best to choose to lie on your left side in the late stage of pregnancy, with the leg on the bed bent. It feels safer to have the belly side against the bed.
For expectant mothers who often have swollen legs, a pillow or body pillow can be placed under the legs when lying on the side to elevate them.
This improves leg blood circulation and reduces fatigue. During pregnancy, avoid sleeping on your stomach or lying flat. Sleeping on your stomach is not good for both the fetus and the pregnant woman.
Lying flat in the late stage of pregnancy will compress the enlarged uterus against the spine, hindering blood circulation.
【Shortness of breath in the late stage of pregnancy】
In the later stages of pregnancy, due to the increased pressure of the enlarged uterus on the diaphragm, you may feel more short of breath, especially if the fetal position is higher or if you are carrying multiples. Shortness of breath during pregnancy is usually not a big problem and is quite normal.
In daily life, you can slow down your pace a bit and not push yourself too hard when exercising or being active. Keep your upper body straight, shoulders back, and try to expand your lungs as much as possible, especially when sitting. When sleeping at night, using a few extra pillows to elevate yourself might make you feel better.
【Precautions for diseases in the late stage of pregnancy】
1. Abdominal pain:
Generally speaking, premature babies usually use various means such as abdominal pain to send signals of entering the pelvis ahead of time. Therefore, severe abdominal pain in the later stages of pregnancy may be a sign of premature birth. In this case, expectant mothers should go to the hospital for examination immediately.
2. Edema:
Physiological edema will not have adverse effects on the fetus and will gradually resolve after delivery, so expectant mothers don't need to worry too much. Avoid eating excessively salty, indigestible, and gas-producing foods in daily life. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and doing some appropriate exercises can also help alleviate edema.
3. Increased vaginal discharge:
Normally, at 37 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus in the mother's abdomen continues to descend, causing lower abdominal pressure and increased irregular contractions. Expectant mothers will constantly feel the need to go to the bathroom, with increased bowel movements and more vaginal discharge. Pay attention to maintaining personal hygiene because theoretically, delivery may happen at any time.
4. Frequent fetal movements:
In the late stage of pregnancy, normal fetal movements usually occur more than 3 times per hour. If fetal movements occur more than 30 times in 12 hours, it indicates that the fetus is in good condition. However, due to individual differences, some fetuses can move about 100 times in 12 hours, and less than 20 times indicates fetal hypoxia in the uterus.
5. Abnormal fetal position:
Generally, the medical term for the occiput anterior position is the normal fetal position, and delivery in this position is usually smoother. Other types of fetal positions are considered abnormal. If the fetal position does not adjust by 1-2 weeks before the expected due date, most likely a cesarean section will be needed to avoid umbilical cord compression and fetal hypoxia caused by compression of the birth canal.
