Throughout pregnancy, a woman with special attention monitors her health, because now she is responsible not only for herself, but also for her unborn baby. A huge concern in many ladies is the condition when the stomach is stony. 40 weeks of pregnancy is a reason for them to panic, as many think they have had a baby.
New sensations
At this time, the baby is tired of the darkness and loneliness, he is already ready to meet with his parents and the whole world. Mom may feel that the intensity of the baby’s movements has decreased, but other strange sensations appear in return. The stomach is lowered, thereby helping the baby find the right position for future births, making it hard to walk. Most women endure pregnancy quite easily, and when the stomach stiffens at 40 weeks, they start to panic. These sensations appear due to girdle pain in the lower abdomen and in the lower back. One of the reasons may be the first harbingers of childbirth. Even if the preparation for childbirth is taking its course, inexplicable sensations can cause anxiety due to ignorance of the causes of this phenomenon.
Uterine hypertonicity
The increased tone of the uterus causes such a terrible phenomenon for many as the feeling that the stomach is stiff. 40 weeks of pregnancy is the period during which such phenomena are quite normal. An increase in tone occurs with muscle contraction for several seconds. Repetitions can occur up to several times in an hour. There should be no discomfort and discharge. It is better at this time to lie on your side in a relaxed state. You can pat your stomach or ask your loved one to do it. When you relax, your tone will decrease by itself.
Factors that predetermine this phenomenon are:
- stressful situations;
- large physical exertion;
- fatigue;
- processes in the body of a woman;
- hormonal surges;
- bloating.
You must tell your gynecologist about the tone of the uterus in order to avoid unnecessary consequences. If there are no contraindications to sports, there is an excellent exercise to relieve tension in the uterus.
Other sensations
The last term of preparation for childbirth, to which not all are carried by the baby, is 41 weeks of pregnancy. The stomach is stiff, the lower back is pulling, false contractions, the prolapse of the uterus are normal sensations at this time. They only confirm the approach of hour X. To somehow survive this time, do sports or just relax. Read, watch a movie, in general, spend time as you like, because very soon it will be very difficult to devote at least a minute to yourself.
What to do?
You can perform exercises when fatigue, swelling of the legs, when the stomach is stony. 40 weeks of pregnancy is not the time to lie down, panic and get ready for the worst. Many doctors recommend leading an active lifestyle until birth. There are several exercises that will not only reduce the tone of the uterus, but also help prepare the body for future births:
- These movements can be done at any stage of pregnancy to relieve all kinds of spasms. The first thing to do is stand on all fours, raise your head slightly and bend your back for just a few seconds. No need to exert much effort, keep even breathing. Lower your head and, having rounded your back, freeze for about 5 seconds. Repeat all the manipulations several times until you feel relief.
- Butterfly pose, stretching exercise. Sit on the floor, spread your legs and bend them at the knees. Lay them so that your feet are closed and your knees look in different directions. Place your hands on your knees and carefully try to pin them to the floor. No need to rush, let your legs get used to the tension a little and try to stretch your muscles a little more.
If, for medical reasons, sport is contraindicated for you, try to take off your tone by taking a not too hot bath with sea salt.
41 weeks: belly stiffens, what to do?
In the last month of pregnancy, it is very important to listen to new sensations, so as not to miss the onset of childbirth. Signs that indicate that it’s time to call an ambulance include: spotting, cork outlet, regular contractions, discharge of water, if the stomach is stony. 40 weeks of pregnancy and 41 - the period when the baby is born fully formed and ready for an independent life.
Useful Tips:
- Since nobody canceled daily walks, before leaving the house, be sure to check that the phone has a charged battery and the bag contains the most necessary documents.
- To bring the delivery closer, with the permission of the doctor, you can have sex, do light exercises, take a walk up the stairs. Some women say that laxatives have helped them.
No need to panic if you have not yet given birth, and a personal calendar indicates that 41 weeks have passed. The stomach is stiff, the contractions intensified, the waters receded - do not worry, because these are signs that you will soon see your long-awaited child.