9 months pregnant is a stressful time and one to look forward to. At this gestational age, the fetus is fully developed and ready to be born into the world. So, so that pregnant women are better prepared to deal with it, let's know the development of the fetus during 9 months of pregnancy.
In general, the estimated time of delivery of the baby is between 38–42 weeks of gestation. If the baby has not been born a week after the due date of delivery, the condition of the pregnant woman will continue to be monitored by the doctor to prevent the risk of complications that may occur.
However, the most important thing for pregnant women to do is to stay calm and prepare to give birth immediately if the contractions feel stronger and more regular.
Fetal Growth During 9 Months Pregnant
When entering the age of 9 months of pregnancy, the fetus usually weighs about 2.8 kilograms with a length of about 48 cm. The organs of the fetus also develop more and more perfectly.
The following is an explanation of the development of the fetus at 9 months pregnant:
37th week pregnant
By the 37th week, the fetal head is generally located and supported by the pelvis. However, in the second pregnancy and beyond, it is more likely that the fetal head will not descend until it is time for delivery. In addition, the fetus also undergoes the following developments:
- Most fetuses already have hair with a length of 1–2.5 cm
- Most of the fine hair that covers the fetus has been lost
- Fetal toenails have reached the tips of the toes although not as long as the fingernails
38th week pregnant
Entering 38 weeks of gestation, the fetus weighs almost 3 kg with a length of about 49 cm. Some of the fetal developments this week are:
- All of his organs have been able to work well
- The brain begins to control the overall functioning of the body, from the ability to breathe to regulating the heart rate
- Reflexes in the fetus are increasingly fully developed, especially in terms of grasping and sucking, making it easier for him to suckle after birth
39th week pregnant
At 39 weeks, the normal weight of the fetus has reached about 3.3 kg with a length of about 50 cm and can be born at any time of the week. The following are some of the changes that occurred:
- Layer vernix caseosa which protects the skin of the fetus has decayed, thus making the amniotic fluid that was clear to be cloudy
- The fetus's lungs produce more surfactant, a substance that opens its air sacs so that it is ready to take its first breath at birth.
- All fetal organs have developed well
40th week pregnant
By the 40th week, most of the fetuses have been born. However, if you haven't, pregnant women don't need to worry as long as there are no disturbances in the womb. Some of the baby's development at the 40th week are:
- The fetus has mastered all the abilities it needs to survive outside the womb
- His physical and organ development has reached a perfect stage
- His hair and fingernails can grow longer
Changes That Happened to Mother's Body During 9 Months Pregnant
During the 9th month of pregnancy, pregnant women will feel uncomfortable because of the pressure from the growing uterus due to the increasing weight of the fetus. False contractions will also occur more often and pregnant women will feel tired easily.
In addition, the cervix will begin to stretch and secrete more mucus. This mucus serves to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus until the time of delivery arrives.
To reduce discomfort during 9 months pregnant, pregnant women can do several things, such as getting plenty of rest, drinking enough water, and doing light stretching to reduce pain.
Various conditions that need to be checked when 9 months pregnant
When pregnant for 9 months, pregnant women need to be more alert and immediately check the condition of their pregnancy if they experience complaints, such as:
- The baby is not born even though it has entered 42 weeks of pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes
- Gestational hypertension
- Anemia
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
- The position of the fetus before birth is not normal, such as the position of a breech baby
All of these conditions can be monitored for their presence by checking their pregnancy to the obstetrician regularly.
Things to Pay Attention to When Pregnant 9 Months
9 months pregnant is a time when pregnant women have to prepare themselves for childbirth. The following are some guidelines that can make it easier for pregnant women to get through the 9 months pregnant period:
1. Pay attention to daily activities
Approaching the due date, some pregnant women can continue their activities as usual. However, for some other pregnant women, daily activities can feel increasingly heavy.
Reducing activity and getting more rest is not wrong, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Pregnant women can ask for help from a partner or family member to do certain activities that are considered difficult.
2. Prepare a bag containing the needs of childbirth
Entering the 9 month pregnancy period, pregnant women are advised to prepare a bag containing their labor needs so that when contractions occur, pregnant women and their partners are no longer confused and busy deciding what to bring.
Some things that need to be prepared are a change of clothes for mother and baby, toiletries, special postnatal sanitary napkins, breastfeeding supplies, as well as various baby necessities, such as clothes, blankets, and diapers.
3. Ask experienced people for advice
Pregnant women can seek advice regarding childbirth from people who have given birth previously. However, make sure the information obtained is accurate and not a mere myth. If necessary, consult a doctor to find out what needs to be considered during 9 months pregnant.
4. Knowing the right time to go to the hospital
Some pregnant women may still be confused about when is the right time to go to the hospital or maternity clinic. However, several things can be used as a benchmark to find out when delivery is near.
Pregnant women need to go to the hospital immediately if the contractions feel strong and last for about 1 minute and occur every five minutes, especially if the membranes have ruptured.
If the location of the house is far from the hospital, pregnant women should leave when the contractions are just starting to feel. In addition, if the delivery is carried out at home, immediately contact your doctor or midwife when the contractions are getting stronger.
Delivery Aid Steps
Although everything has been anticipated, pregnant women still need to be prepared to face several steps to help during childbirth, including:
Induction
Induction is an action taken so that the labor process can begin. Usually, induction is given under certain conditions, such as babies who have health problems, premature rupture of membranes, or babies who don't come when they enter 41 weeks of gestation.
Caesarean section
Pregnant women will need a cesarean section if it is difficult for the baby to be delivered normally through the vagina. This operation is performed by removing the baby through an incision in the lower abdomen.
Vacuum and forceps
Vacuum extraction is done to help pull the baby out of the vagina when normal delivery is obstructed. This procedure is done by attaching a vacuum extractor to the surface of the baby's head when it starts to appear out of the vagina.
In addition to using a vacuum, doctors can also use other tools, namely forceps, to remove the baby from the vagina when obstacles occur. This tool is used by pinching the baby's head to remove it from the vagina.
Although they can help with delivery, forceps can sometimes pose a risk for health problems for the baby, such as facial nerve disorders and eye injuries. Therefore, the doctor will consider the benefits and risks first before choosing this action.
Whatever procedure the pregnant woman will take during childbirth, the most important thing that must be considered is to maintain the health of herself and the fetus as well as possible. Check with the doctor regularly to monitor the condition of pregnant women and fetuses, and prevent pregnancy complications.