week 40
What is happening to my baby?
Your baby is now fully mature. The intestines are also matured producing and secreting dark green material called meconium which is secreted in the amniotic fluid. When your water breaks, your doctor will examine the colour of your liquor. Usually it is clear in colour. Occasionally, if you are post date, there is a slight tinge of meconium mixed with the amniotic fluid, your doctor will used the term light meconium stained liquor. If the amniotic fluid is stained heavily with meconium, term such as moderate and thick meconium stained liquor is used. Please refer to the topic on Meconium staining of amniotic fluid.
What is happening to me?
At the moment you may be quite anxious as you may be coming soon to your due dates or past byour due dates. A lot of women would circle their Expected date of delivery (EDD) in their diary thinking that labour would happen exactly on that day. Unfortunately, labour could either be 2 weeks earlier or even 2 weeks later than the expected date of delivery. If you have diabetes or hypertension not on treatment, your doctor may want to induce you at your date of delivery. However, if there are no complications, it is alright to wait about 10 days after your EDD before being induced. Most women will be advised by their doctor to be admitted at least at 9 days post their EDD to be admitted to the hospital.
What should I plan this week?
- See your doctor for your weekly antenatal check up. Your doctor may perform a vaginal / internal examination to check whether the cervix is opening.
- Relax and take time out with your hubby
- Discuss with your doctor regarding timing and method of induction of labour
- Continue your fetal movement chart
- Read up on breast feeding
Tips of the week
Tips of taking care of your episiotomy wound:
- Keep the wound clean and dry
- Do sitz bath twice a day
- After going to the toilet, wash your genital area with warm water and pad with clean towel or tissue.
- Avoid being constipated by drinking a lot of water and eating loads of vegetables and fibres.
- If you feel there is excessive pain, swelling, redness or discharge at the episiotomy area, see your doctor immediately.
Health matter
You could read up further on the following topic:
