32 week of pregnancy: features, what happens to the baby and the expectant mother

Photo: UGC The 32nd week of pregnancy corresponds to the eighth calendar month of this important process. At this time, expectant mothers can begin preparing for childbirth. There are no longer many changes in the woman’s general condition, and the baby is almost ready to be born. Read the article for important information about what you need to know after 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. You should not resort to the treatment methods described herein without first consulting your doctor.

Interesting Facts

Your baby is the size of

Chinese cabbage

424 mm Size

1700 g Weight

At this stage, all the baby’s organs and systems are practically mature, and in the event of premature birth, his body is quite viable. The mother's body also prepares for childbirth. Let's find out what else happens to the pregnant woman and the fetus at this stage, but first let's say a few words about methods for calculating gestation periods.

Causes of premature birth

1. The cause of premature birth and the threat of miscarriage is psycho-emotional STRESS of the pregnant woman and/or fetus, FEAR.
2. A common cause of premature birth and threatened miscarriage is inadequate physical activity (physical stress). Pregnancy is NOT THE TIME for RECORDS! Long walking (more than 20 minutes continuously), running, jumping, long jump, jumping rope, extreme sports, carrying bags, buckets, lifting and carrying a child and objects weighing more than 3 kg are not advisable. NOT DESIRED during pregnancy participation in general cleaning, performing work with a bent torso and “squatting”, long-term (more than 20 minutes continuously) standing.
3. The cause of premature birth and the threat of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy is placental or decidual (due to abruption of the placenta or mucous membrane of the uterine cavity) BLEEDING.
4. A serious cause of premature birth and the threat of miscarriage in early pregnancy is INFLAMMATION in the decidual tissue (endometritis during pregnancy), amnionitis (inflammatory reaction in the amniotic fluid), chorionitis (inflammation of the fetal membrane, “fetal membrane”).
5. One of the causes of premature birth (birth before term) is wearing shoes with HEELS more than 3 cm. Wearing high-heeled shoes changes the angle of the pelvis, making the gait unstable. Unsteady gait is compensated by increased tone (compensatory tension) of the muscles of the back, legs, abdomen and uterus! The pregnant uterus actively participates in balancing the torso!
6. The cause of premature birth and the threat of termination of pregnancy can be a SHARP movement, getting up from a chair, or falling. A sharp change in body position causes a protective tone - protective tension of the uterus.
7. HOT WEATHER. According to statistics, the threat of miscarriage and premature birth (birth before term) are significantly more likely to occur in hot weather due to changes in vascular tone.

Feelings of the expectant mother

The fundus of the uterus is rising higher and higher: now it is 34 cm above the pubic joint. Therefore, you feel more and more heartburn, shortness of breath, and back pain. Movements become more measured, you get tired faster, because the daily load on the body is colossal.

Acceptable weight gain at 32 weeks of pregnancy is up to 11.3 kg for women with a normal body mass index. Weigh yourself every week at about the same time. Keep an eye on your blood pressure too. A sharp weight gain along with an increase in blood pressure are possible symptoms of gestosis.

The discharge becomes thicker and more abundant. Normally they should be light in color with a neutral odor. An admixture of blood, yellow color, pus or mucus are symptoms that require mandatory consultation with a specialist.

Nutrition

Nutrition of a pregnant woman at 32 weeks
It is recommended to build proper nutrition for a pregnant woman at 32 weeks according to some rules:

• eat often, but not much. It is ideal to eat 5-6 times a day every 2-2.5 hours;
• stop eating until you feel full;
• do not mix different dishes at one meal;
• The last meal is 2-3 hours before bedtime. If necessary, you can curb your appetite with yogurt or fruit;
• drink about 1.5 liters of fluid per day, unless the gynecologist prescribes otherwise;
• exclude harmful foods, avoid semi-finished products, pickles, smoked foods, dried foods;
• completely avoid strong tea and coffee, unless otherwise prescribed by the gynecologist;
• consume a minimum of salt.

Following these recommendations can significantly reduce the manifestation of unpleasant sensations caused by the growth of the uterus: constipation, flatulence, heartburn.

To provide the fetus and your own body with the necessary nutrients, it is recommended to consume:

• red meat, offal, fish (preferably sea), daily;
• dairy products (cottage cheese, cheese, kefir);
• porridge (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, etc.);
• chicken eggs (daily);
• vegetables and fruits (carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, bananas, apples);
• dried fruits;
• berries.

Ideally, if you can include at least one of these products in your daily diet.

Vitamins

It is recommended to take multivitamin complexes and dietary supplements at the 32nd week of pregnancy strictly as prescribed by the gynecologist. You should not self-prescribe. To correctly determine the required dosage and the appropriate complex, the doctor evaluates the test results, the woman’s health status, takes into account regional characteristics and other factors.

It is worth remembering that an excess of certain elements can be no less harmful than their deficiency.

Fetal development

At this stage, the baby weighs on average 1.7 kg with a height of 42.4 cm. Usually he is already head down, but breech presentation of the fetus at 32 weeks is not a death sentence. There is still plenty of space and time for a coup. You can help this happen by swimming or doing some simple exercise. Lie on your back for 10-20 minutes with your hips raised. You can place a pillow under your buttocks. Breathe calmly, trying to lengthen your exhalation. In most cases, by 38 weeks the baby will be in the correct position in the womb.

Fetal movement at 32 weeks of pregnancy

The child’s nervous system is quite developed, and you probably already feel that a cycle of activity and rest has been established. For an hour he can actively move and push, and then suddenly calm down. Many pregnant women complain that the baby's waking hours coincide with their sleep. There is nothing surprising. Your rhythmic movements, for example, while walking, simply rock the baby. When you suddenly go to rest, the baby wakes up. Many newborns continue this habit in the first months of their life and sleep exclusively while moving.

What to do if the membranes rupture?

RUPTURE of the amniotic sac always occurs unexpectedly and WITHOUT PAIN.

If amniotic fluid leaks or is suspected of leaking, you should NOTE THE TIME of the incident (“note the time”), PLACE a clean SHEET between your legs, take a horizontal position (LIE) and CALL your doctor.

If it is impossible to discuss the situation with your doctor, you should immediately CALL an ambulance.

This algorithm of actions in case of rupture of membranes is the only correct one, since after 12 hours the probability (risk) of infection of the fetus and the pregnant woman increases significantly, and the need arises to resolve the issue of the method of delivery (birth).

Considering that RUPTURE of the amniotic sac always occurs UNEXPECTEDLY, a pregnant woman must constantly CARRY with her an outpatient (exchange) card, a copy of her passport, and an insurance policy. YOU CAN have electronic COPIES of your exchange card, passport, insurance policy in your PHONE.

CHECK that your doctor's telephone number, obstetric hospital telephone number and emergency medical service telephone number are available in your phone book (in your phone).

If a critical situation arises, DO NOT rely only on yourself - LOUDLY, thinking about the child and WITHOUT HESITATION, seek help from others, warning about your pregnancy.

Starting from 24 weeks of pregnancy, it is very wise to form an “ALARM SUITCASE”. A complete list of things for the maternity hospital in detail...

The threat of miscarriage, the threat of premature birth, rupture of amniotic fluid are contraindications to driving: call an ambulance, DO NOT RISK the health of the baby, your life and the well-being of your family!

Tests and ultrasound

At this stage of pregnancy you will be prescribed the following tests:

• clinical blood test - to exclude iron deficiency, inflammation or infections;
• general urine analysis - for the purpose of diagnosing diseases of the urinary system and gestosis.

At 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, a third planned ultrasound is prescribed, the purpose of which is to assess the condition of the placenta and the compliance of fetal development with established standards, determine its position in the uterus, measure the length of the cervix and establish the expected date of birth. If changes in the uteroplacental blood flow are suspected, it is performed in conjunction with Doppler measurements.

Vaginal discharge: normal and pathological. Or what a woman needs to pay attention to.

Vaginal discharge: normal and pathological. Or what a woman needs to pay attention to.

Many women, “obsessed” with the cleanliness of the body, strive in every possible way to get rid of vaginal discharge, considering it a manifestation of “uncleanliness” and ill health. They do not understand that the presence of vaginal discharge is as physiological as the formation of saliva, tears, gastric juice and other physiological secretions. Getting rid of these secretions is pointless and unsafe.

On the other hand, there are a number of diseases in which changes in the nature of the discharge are the first alarming sign, forcing a woman to consult a gynecologist. Let's try to figure out where the border between normality and pathology lies.

Before finding out which discharge is normal and which is clearly pathological, it is important to understand what vaginal discharge is: where it comes from and what it consists of.

Vaginal discharge includes:

• mucus produced by the glands of the cervical canal (cervical canal);
• epithelial cells of the cervical and vaginal canal, which are constantly exfoliated from the walls into the vaginal lumen;
• microflora, represented by 5-12 types of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that normally populate the vagina (the cervix, uterine cavity, tubes and ovaries are normally sterile).

Normal vaginal flora in women of reproductive age is mainly represented by lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus, Dederlein bacilli) - the number of colonies found during bacterial culture of secretions is 10 to 7 degrees and higher. Streptococci, bacteroides, enterobacteria, and fungi are found in small quantities. In very small quantities (less than 10 to the 4th power) opportunistic microorganisms are found - mycoplasma, ureaplasma, fungi of the genus Candida, Gardnerella. The mere fact of detecting these microbes does not indicate the presence of a disease.

Thanks to lactobacilli, vaginal discharge normally has an acidic environment (pH value 3.8-4.4), which causes the discharge to have a sour odor (not always).

Normal discharge

There are several types of normal vaginal discharge, the nature of which depends on the woman’s age, hormonal status, the presence or absence of sexual activity and other factors.

Let’s immediately make a reservation that girls should not have vaginal discharge before puberty. This fact is due to the characteristics of the hormonal profile and the structure of the genital organs in this age period. The appearance of vaginal discharge in a girl under 10-12 years of age, especially discharge that has color and odor, indicates trouble either in the reproductive system or in the nearby digestive or urinary tract.

About a year before the start of the first menstruation, girls begin to experience vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes in the body, the transition of the body from the “girl” state to the “girl” state. These discharges are liquid, sometimes mucous, have a whitish color or a faint yellow tint, are odorless or have a faint sour odor. These secretions are physiologically normal and necessary to moisturize the vaginal wall and protect the genitals from infectious agents. Naturally, normal discharge is not accompanied by sensations such as pain, itching, burning and does not lead to redness and swelling of the skin and mucous membrane of the external genitalia.

After the onset of menstruation and the establishment of a regular menstrual cycle, normal vaginal discharge is characterized by a cyclic change in properties and qualities depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. In the first phase of the menstrual cycle (with a 28-day cycle - from the end of menstruation to the 12-13th day of the cycle, which is counted from the first for menstruation 0) - the discharge is light (1-2 ml per day - the diameter of the spot on a panty liner is 2- 3 cm), watery or slimy in nature, have a uniform consistency (or there may be impurities in the form of small (up to 2 mm) lumps), they are colorless or have a whitish or yellowish tint, odorless or with a weak sour odor.

During the period of ovulation (1-2 days in the middle of the cycle), the amount of discharge increases to 4 ml per day (the size of the spot on a panty liner increases to 5 cm), it becomes mucous, viscous, and sometimes the color of the discharge becomes beige.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the amount of discharge (compared to the ovulatory period) decreases, and the discharge may become creamy or jelly-like in nature. A few days before the onset of menstruation, a repeated increase in the amount of discharge is typical. This cyclical change in the nature of discharge is conditionally maintained throughout the woman’s entire reproductive period - from the establishment of a regular menstrual cycle to the appearance of the first signs of extinction of the hormonal function of the ovaries in premenopause.

However, there are many factors that, while not pathological, change the nature of vaginal discharge.

Such factors include the onset of sexual activity and a change of sexual partner, sexual intercourse itself, taking hormonal contraceptives, changing intimate hygiene products or the composition of underwear, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.

Let us consider the influence of these factors on the nature of discharge in detail.

The onset of sexual activity and a change of sexual partner lead to the fact that a new, alien, unfamiliar, although absolutely normal, non-pathogenic microflora enters the woman’s genital tract. As a result, over a certain period of time (purely individual for each woman), the reproductive system and the woman’s entire body adapt to the “new residents.” This period is characterized by an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in color and consistency. The main thing is that there are no unpleasant sensations (discomfort, itching, burning).

Sexual intercourse itself also contributes to the appearance of specific vaginal discharge. Within a few hours after unprotected sexual intercourse (without using a condom), vaginal discharge looks like transparent clots with a white or yellowish tint. 6-8 hours after sexual intercourse, the nature of the discharge changes: it becomes liquid, white, and abundant. If sexual intercourse was protected by a condom or the method of interrupted sexual intercourse was used, then after it the release of a creamy, white, scanty secretion consisting of “worked-out” vaginal lubrication is characteristic.

Taking hormonal contraceptives helps to change the hormonal profile, which plays a fundamental role in the formation of vaginal discharge. Inhibition of ovulation, on which the action of almost all hormonal contraceptives is based, leads to a decrease in the amount of discharge (during the period of taking the pills). After discontinuation of the contraceptive, the nature of vaginal discharge is restored.

Breastfeeding has a similar effect on the nature of discharge. At the end of the postpartum period, the amount of vaginal discharge is very small (provided the baby is fed “on demand” and there are no periods).

During pregnancy, the hormonal status of the body also changes, affecting the structure and function of many organs. The amount of vaginal discharge in pregnant women, as a rule, increases due to increased blood supply to the organs of the reproductive system and the penetration of a small amount of plasma (the liquid part of the blood) through the walls of the vagina into its lumen. The discharge becomes abundant, watery and causes the need to change panty liners more often.

At the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases further due to mucus leaving the cervical canal, which serves as a harbinger of the approaching birth. A pregnant woman should be very attentive to her condition, including monitoring the nature of vaginal discharge. For example, the appearance of very thin discharge in the second half of pregnancy should necessarily alert a woman and become a reason to consult a doctor, since a similar picture can be observed when amniotic fluid breaks.

Normal discharge after childbirth is called lochia.

Lochia is a physiological postpartum discharge from the uterus, consisting of blood, mucus and rejected, non-viable tissue (decidua of the uterus). Normally, the duration of lochia discharge is 3-6 weeks after birth (sometimes up to 8 weeks). It is important that there is a tendency towards lightening and a decrease in the number of lochia. In the first week after birth, lochia is comparable to regular periods, only they are more abundant and may contain clots.

Then their number decreases every day. Gradually they acquire a yellowish-white color due to a large amount of mucus (become similar to egg whites), and may contain a small admixture of blood. Approximately by the 4th week, scanty, “spotting” discharge is observed, and by the end of the 6-8th week after birth, vaginal discharge acquires the same character as before pregnancy. The amount of discharge during perimenopause (the period that includes the period of time before the end of menstruation, the last menstruation and the entire subsequent life of the woman) progressively decreases. Coccal microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci) predominate in vaginal discharge during this period (as well as in girls before puberty). We remind you once again: normally there should not be the slightest sensation of discomfort in the genital area, no pain, no itching, no burning. The appearance of these symptoms, even against the background of a supposedly normal discharge, should be a signal of the need for immediate consultation with a gynecologist.

Pathological discharge

Now let's talk about clearly pathological vaginal discharge.

Let us say right away that by the nature of the discharge it is almost impossible to accurately establish a reliable diagnosis, since in most cases there is a combination of two or more pathological processes, and doctors are often faced with atypical manifestations of a particular disease. Therefore, based on the appearance of the discharge, one can only assume the development of a certain pathological process, and its presence must be proven by the data of clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations.

The most common causes of changes in the nature of vaginal discharge are specific infectious and inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, namely trichomoniasis, candidiasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, as well as bacterial vaginosis and nonspecific inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

Let's figure out what the discharge looks like during these pathological processes, and using what methods you can confirm or refute the diagnosis.

Trichomoniasis.

Copious white, yellowish or greenish foamy discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and/or burning, painful urination. To clarify, it is necessary to study a native smear or a smear after Romanovsky-Giemsa staining, or a PCR study of vaginal discharge or a cultural method.

Thrush (candidiasis).

Thick discharge, similar to lumps of yellowish cottage cheese, the amount of discharge is significantly increased. As an accompaniment - exhausting intense itching of the genitals and irritation (redness, swelling) of the external genitalia. Confirmation - microscopic examination of vaginal smears, bacterial culture of discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis.

The amount of discharge increases significantly, the color of the discharge is grayish-white, an unpleasant odor appears (the smell of rotten fish) and a mild, periodic itching of the external genital organs appears. Symptoms worsen after sexual intercourse. If the process lasts for a long time, the discharge becomes yellow-green, sticky, and when examined in the mirror, it is evenly “smeared” over the walls of the vagina. To confirm the diagnosis, bacterial culture of vaginal discharge is performed.

Chlamydia.

Increased discharge is uncommon. The discharge is characterized by a yellow color (this sign is especially noticeable to the doctor when examining a woman in the mirror, since the discharge comes from the cervical canal and flows down the walls of the vagina), often accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, painful urination, enlargement and soreness of the Bartholin gland. The diagnosis is confirmed by cultural examination and PCR examination of discharge from the cervical canal.

Gonorrhea.

Moderate yellowish-white vaginal discharge, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating and, often, intermenstrual bleeding. To confirm the diagnosis, microscopic examination of discharge, bacteriological culture and PCR research are used.

Nonspecific vaginitis (colpitis).

Vaginal discharge is the main symptom. Their characteristics are varied: liquid, watery, sometimes thick, purulent, often foul-smelling, often mixed with blood. Acute inflammation is accompanied by itching, burning or heat in the genital area. The diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of vaginal smears.

A special place in gynecology is occupied by vaginal discharge mixed with blood.

In most cases, spotting outside of menstruation indicates the presence of a disease and indicates the need to see a doctor. Some doctors believe that intermenstrual vaginal bleeding is a harmless phenomenon caused by hormonal fluctuations associated with ovulation. However, such discharge sometimes occurs in connection with menstrual irregularities, and may also indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (for example, gonorrhea), endometriosis, polyposis, chronic inflammation of the uterus (endometritis), etc. and therefore require special attention and examination (consultation with a gynecologist, microscopic and bacteriological analysis of discharge, colposcopy, ultrasound of the pelvic organs).

Any bloody discharge (of any color, in any quantity, of any duration) that occurs during pregnancy should be alarming. Even if they are not accompanied by pain. The cause of such discharge may be the threat of miscarriage, incorrect location of the placenta (placenta previa), or premature placental abruption. A less dangerous cause of bleeding in pregnant women is micro-ruptures in the vessels of the eroded cervix that occur after sexual intercourse. Only a doctor can determine the true cause of bleeding, so if such discharge appears, a visit to the doctor is indicated.

How to distinguish normality from pathology: vaginal pH test CITOLAB

One of the main criteria that allows you to assess the state of the vaginal microflora is the pH level of the discharge. In a normal state, the ratio of vaginal microflora is balanced: lactobacilli predominate, which create an acidic environment (pH 4.0-4.4). This is a natural protection against the entry and proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Changes in the pH of the vaginal environment can be associated with various reasons: candidiasis, trichomonas or bacterial infection.

Today it is possible to determine the pH of vaginal discharge without resorting to complex tests. Thanks to the creation of the CITOLAB vaginal pH test from , determining the pH of vaginal discharge has become possible even at home. Using this test, you can determine the deviation of the acidity of the vaginal environment from the normal level (pH≥4.7), which is a sign of a vaginal infection.

The CITOLAB pH test makes it possible to detect the disease at an early stage and begin treatment on time, which is important, as it allows you to avoid complications of the disease. However, you should remember that to clarify the causative agent of the disease, you will need additional examinations, which your gynecologist will prescribe for you.

Finally

To summarize the above material, we repeat: vaginal discharge, in most cases, is normal. Their absence, changes in characteristics, the appearance of blood, itching, burning, and discomfort should be alarming. In all of the above cases, it is necessary, without delay, to seek advice from a gynecologist. Take care of your health!
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What to discuss with your doctor

• If you cannot cope with increased anxiety during this period of pregnancy on your own, consult a perinatal psychologist. He will help you analyze and accept your emotions and, if necessary, prescribe therapy. You can find such a specialist in many maternity hospitals and antenatal clinics. Admission here is free.
• If your stomach often pulls, the pain is probably associated with stretching of the tissues of the growing uterus, as well as with the gradual divergence of the pelvic bones. However, expert supervision will not hurt. Find out how to distinguish physiological discomfort from pathological uterine tone or other pathologies.

Timing of the threat of pregnancy, timing of the threat of miscarriage

The threat of miscarriage most often occurs during

5-6 weeks of pregnancy 7-8 weeks of pregnancy 10-12 weeks of pregnancy 15-16 weeks of pregnancy 20-21 weeks of pregnancy 24-25 weeks of pregnancy 26-28 weeks of pregnancy 30-31 weeks of pregnancy 32-34 weeks of pregnancy

During these periods of pregnancy, PHYSIOLOGICALLY (provided for by the natural characteristics of human physiology), the tone of the uterus increases significantly and there is a threat of miscarriage, the threat of termination of pregnancy, and the threat of premature birth.

Possible complications

The thirty-second week of pregnancy is usually calm for mother and baby. To diagnose dangerous conditions in a timely manner, do not miss scheduled visits to the gynecologist.

Premature aging of the placenta

Occurs against the background of endocrine disorders, gestosis, Rh conflict. Negative factors also include smoking and multiple pregnancies. The condition is dangerous because it causes hypoxia in the fetus and increases the risk of intrauterine death. The diagnosis is made based on ultrasound data.

Low water

The causes of the condition are associated with metabolic disorders in the mother's body. Symptoms of oligohydramnios include abdominal pain. The pain increases if the fetus moves. The size of the uterus usually does not correspond to the duration of pregnancy. Treatment is carried out exclusively in a hospital setting.

Leading specialists in the management of complex pregnancies in the Southern Federal District

Ermolaeva Elvira Kadirovna is a well-known and recognized specialist in the North Caucasus in the field of diagnosis and treatment of miscarriage, miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, management of pregnant women with thrombophilia, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), uterine fibroids, management of pregnancy in young and older pregnant women (after 38 years), management of capricious pregnant women, management of pregnant women with excess body weight. A good obstetrician-gynecologist, a specialist in rational nutrition during pregnancy, a physiotherapist-resortologist, an experienced ultrasound doctor. Those who want to maintain their figure and successfully carry woman's pregnancy.

Ermolaev Oleg Yurievich Candidate of Medical Sciences, gynecologist-endocrinologist with 25 years of experience and successful experience in managing pregnancy in women with uterine prolapse, bicornuate uterus, saddle uterus and other malformations of the genital organs, managing pregnant women with livedo, thrombophilia and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) , polycystic ovary syndrome. Management of multiple pregnancies, which require special attention and experience from doctors. Management of pregnancy after IVF, ICSI, after artificial insemination. Management of pregnant women with placental insufficiency. Management of pregnancy against the background of an IUD.

About the doctors of the Clinic in detail...

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION of the reputation and achievements of the Women's Health Resort Clinic in the development and implementation of effective and safe treatment methods and the quality of medical services provided is the AWARDING of the Women's Health Resort Clinic in Pyatigorsk with the SIQS International QUALITY CERTIFICATE in the field of medicine and healthcare. International Socratic Committee, Oxford, UK and Swiss Institute for Quality Standards, Zurich, SWITZERLAND. Read more…

The best prevention of edema is the right lifestyle

Swelling at 32 weeks of pregnancy occurs quite often. If the swelling is minor and goes away on its own, there is nothing to worry about. But if more than 3 days have passed, and your blood pressure has risen or you have noticeably gained weight, immediately consult a doctor to rule out preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition for the baby.

To prevent swelling, it is important to eat right. Reduce your intake of fats, salt and sugar, which contribute to fluid stagnation in the body. But remember to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Monitor your weight gain week by week: This is another effective tool for preventing swelling.

Don't forget about physical activity. Even a five-minute walk in the park will help prevent swelling. And don’t be afraid to drink more fluid, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. By preventing dehydration, you eliminate excess salt and the need to store water.

Useful advice for future parents

Any communication between parents and the child before and after his birth, if mom and dad are in a good mood or even if they are a little worried (but this is definitely not stress or conflict), has a developmental effect.
The more often communication occurs, the stronger the developmental effect. Developmental communication with the Baby before birth is initiated:

• mother - as a rule, it is associated with the current mood, the desire to communicate with the Baby and feel like a mother, and also if the Baby does not communicate for a long time or hiccups. In the last weeks before giving birth, mothers, especially when there is no one around, enjoy communicating with their children out loud, telling them what they are doing or going to do, discussing programs, news, etc. At the same time, the pronoun “we” often appears in their speech: “Let’s go for a walk with you,” “Isn’t it time for us to have lunch?”, “Dad will come soon, let’s look out the window,” etc. The baby becomes their main interlocutor - and the best listener in the world (it makes sense to learn this from him);
• The Baby himself, his active movements, movements and pushes, as well as somersaults - this feeling is difficult to convey in words (but you know what we’re talking about). The active actions of a son or daughter do not go unnoticed by the mother. The very first reaction is to put your hand on your stomach to the place that is closest to the epicenter of the Baby’s activity, the second reaction is to use words to encourage, console, and scold the naughty boy. This is incredible, but even without seeing their Baby, mothers are able to determine by his actions, their intensity and tension whether they are associated with his good mood or discomfort;
• dad - in the morning or when he comes home from work, as well as during moments of evening rest or on a day off. Dads are great inventors! And they can do things that mothers can’t do or wouldn’t even think of. For example, your husband can kiss a protruding back, fist or heel, but you cannot. He can put his ear to it and hear what the Baby hears inside you, as well as how he moves there, but you cannot. Dad can speak kind words very close to the Baby’s ears; he can easily act out a theatrical performance using improvised means (a book, a lighter, a spoon, a toy, etc.). Dad can grunt, bark and meow from the bottom of his heart, and also (oh horror!) tell non-childish jokes. Dads know how to play hide and seek with their kids and even... tickle them. And if the Kids could react to their father’s actions, they would probably squeal with delight. Dad can “get up” with Baby and, tired, do something else or fall asleep. And you will have to calm the naughty guy - and so on for the rest of your life. But how nice it is to see that dad loves the child, and the child loves dad!

Checklist for 32 weeks of pregnancy

• You are probably now thinking more and more often about the upcoming birth. A visit to your chosen maternity hospital will help you get rid of the fear of the unknown. Find out when it holds an open day and make a list of questions in advance.
• Don't forget about breathing exercises: it helps you relax, reduces anxiety and, of course, will be useful to you during childbirth.
• If your pregnancy is going smoothly, then don’t deny yourself physical intimacy. Sex, even late in life, is not prohibited.
• It’s exciting and pleasant to feel the baby’s movements, but until his leg hits somewhere in the hypochondrium area. To get your baby to get more comfortable, try rubbing your belly or changing your body position.

You can consult on all issues related to pregnancy management by contacting the Women's Medical Center. More than 400 women annually sign a contract with us and recommend us to their friends. Make an appointment too!

When is it better to perform 3D/4D ultrasound of the fetus?

The procedure does not harm the fetus at any stage of gestation - a three-dimensional ultrasound is performed in the same way as a regular one, the image is simply much clearer and more voluminous. You can do a 3D/4D ultrasound during screening or undergo a separate ultrasound examination at any stage of pregnancy:

3D/4D ultrasound of the 1st trimester of pregnancy:

In the first trimester of pregnancy, 3D/4D ultrasound is best performed at 11-14 weeks. In addition to the high efficiency of diagnostics using a 3D/4D device, the expectant mother gets the opportunity to see the baby as a whole, how he moves his small arms and legs, waves, crosses his legs, straightens his fists and sucks his thumb.

3D/4D ultrasound in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy:

In the second trimester of pregnancy, 3D/4D ultrasound is best done at 18-22 weeks. The fetus is becoming more and more like a newborn baby; its face is already formed. In the second trimester, the baby's facial expressions are actively developing - now you can see his first smile! The baby sucks his thumb and frowns. You can already recognize his ears, eyes and nose... for a short time you can still see the baby in full growth on a 3D/4D ultrasound machine.

3D/4D ultrasound in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy:

In the third trimester of pregnancy, 3D/4D ultrasound is most indicative at 30-35 weeks. This is the most favorable time for 3D/4D ultrasound examination; in addition to being informative, the image will be of greater interest to the mother. At this time, the baby has already formed all the vital systems. He already looks like a newborn baby, he even has eyelashes, nails, and sometimes hair on his head! He knows how to smile and open his eyes. In the third trimester, the baby develops all five senses - he sees light, tastes and smells amniotic fluid, hears sounds and feels touches through the mother's belly. Seeing your baby at this time is the greatest happiness for every mother!