Pregnancy week 31 (SSW 31): time for a birth plan

This is how the baby develops in the 31st week

In the 31st week, the baby is about 42 inches long and weighs about 1,600 grams. By the date of birth, it will almost double its weight. Officially there are still nine weeks of pregnancy ahead of you! In the next few weeks, small heavyweights or delicate elves will develop? Between 2,500 and 4,500 grams, most babies are in the 40th week of gestation at the calculated date of birth. But what does the birth weight actually depend on?

How close is that Birth date for the term of discharge defined by the gynecologist?
How work well Placenta and umbilical cord?
Of the eating habits the mother in pregnancy, but even before conception.
from Birth weight of expectant parents and
possible diseases of the mother (diabetes patients usually bring heavier babies into the world).

There is a shortage of space in the uterus, so your baby is not moving as much as in the last few weeks. Boxing games and sucking are still very popular. Many children are already turning in the birth positionthat is, in the cranial position. Others do this only in the days before birth or really just before delivery. Your gynecologist or the midwife, however, have that in mind.

Premature birth? That's waiting for you

If the baby is actually born in the 31st week, it may be that the production of the Surfactant (the protein ensures that the lungs can work properly) is not enough for the baby to breathe independently. This can affect all babies born before the 36th week of pregnancy. Then the baby is artificially ventilated and can survive the first few days outside of Mama's stomach healthy.

Pregnancy calendar: This happens in the 31st week of pregnancy (3rd trimester) with your body

If you have not done the last major ultrasound check-up for pregnant women yet, there is still an opportunity until the 32nd week of pregnancy. The weight, blood pressure and hemoglobin content of the pregnant women are examined; the urine is examined for protein, sugar and germs. In addition, the uterine fundus is detected: ie, where the upper edge of the uterus is located.

By now you probably feel a bit immobile with your big belly. Our tip: Keep moving and go swimming. In the water you feel smooth 10 kilos lighter! In addition: often put your legs up and massage your partner's back. Lavender oil or almond oil are now our favorites in the bathroom.

Birth Plan: Make a wish!

Of course, every birth is different and often it is completely different than we expected and desired. Unscheduled caesarean sections, jarring delivery rooms, labor pains that override everything that we have ever heard about sound and mindfulness. Nevertheless, you should use the time as an expectant mother to give you thoughts on important issues:

Who should be present at birth?
When the contractions begin, you still have time. What do you want to do to you to relax in anticipation? (Baden, eat something delicious? Yes, everything works!)
Do you want a PDA?
How does a suction cup work?
Inform yourself about the topic Caesarean sectionThe more you know, the better you can get involved.
Which birth position could you like it?
What do you want to take to the hospital so that you feel comfortable during the birth and afterwards?
Only courage! Dare to say clearly what you want, even during birth, to midwives and doctors. You can clearly communicate your wishes!
Would you like to have your baby photographed by a professional photographer at the babysitter? That's what nearly all hospitals offer.
Be prepared, too, that it does Family Room gives ? these are rooms on the daybed station, which are intended only for your little family: mum, daddy, baby? But it may well be that the hospital is so full that your husband can not stay at the hospital and that you will sleep in a room with another mother (or even two or three).

Do you know what haptonomy is?

Haptonomy should be the Promote bond between baby and parents already in the womb, especially between father and child. But she should can also improve the course of childbirth, With certain gestures, the trained midwives or therapists show the parents, they can already come into contact with the child through the abdominal wall. Haptonomy was discovered and developed over 60 years ago by the Dutchman Frans Veldmann. She promises in the birth accompaniment less pain, less technique and wants to have a positive influence on the medical-obstetric process.

Certain haptonomic exercises during pregnancy should provide a particularly elastic pelvic floor muscles. However, there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of this method during birth.