Few questions are as likely to tip a woman in the last month of pregnancy over edge as “Are you having that baby already?
Already? Already? Are you kidding? At some point in that last month it’s easy to forget that you were ever not pregnant, hard to believe that it’s ever going to end, and that you’re really, truly, going to wind up with an honest-to-goodness baby. It’s also a period of anxiety, of wondering what giving birth and parenthood are really going to be like.
In spite of the sensation of time standing still, the last month of pregnancy is full of ups and downs. Knowing what to expect can ease fears about whether those ups and downs are normal. It can also show you that time really is still moving. You and your baby are making progress! Here are some of the mile markers from the pregnancy experts at Brigham City Community Hospital:
- Less heartburn and breathlessness: Through most of pregnancy, the baby’s head is above the top of the pelvis. As the baby gets larger, mothers often experience heartburn or shortness of breath. In the last month of pregnancy the baby’s head (when the baby is in the typical head-down position) settles down, or “drops,” into the pelvis. This can ease the discomfort up under the ribs.
- More aches in the back, legs, and pelvis: Babies put on weight rapidly during the last month of pregnancy. The increased weight puts more strain on the back and sits heavily in the pelvis, often making legs and buttocks feel heavy. In addition, ligaments in the pelvis begin to soften and loosen, which can make standing and walking uncomfortable. Don’t worry; they’ll tighten back up. In the meantime, back exercises may help to relieve some of the discomfort.
- Less movement: As the baby settles lower in the pelvis, movement becomes more restricted. Rapid weight gain also makes less room available for stretching and pushing, so the baby may move less. There should still be movement every day, though, and let your doctor know right away if there is an abrupt change in the amount of movement.
- More trips to the bathroom: Pressure is placed on the bladder and bowel, meaning more frequent trips to the bathroom and often constipation or hemorrhoids.
- Less weight gain: Though the baby is gaining weight rapidly, your weight gain may have slowed down or stopped. During the last month of pregnancy, hormones begin shifting fluid around in your body, leading to a decrease in amniotic fluid and more frequent urination. This loss in total body fluid can even result in weight loss.
- More contractions: The pre-labor contractions referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions become stronger and more frequent the closer to delivery you get. First-time mothers worry about recognizing real labor when these ongoing contractions can often be very strong. Keep in mind that the contractions of true labor become longer, stronger, and closer together over time. When in doubt, though, call your doctor. And don’t be afraid of going to the hospital and being sent home again. At Brigham City Community Hospital, our maternity doctors and nurses would rather see you and know what’s going on than have you guess and worry.
- Less sleep: Getting comfortable enough to sleep deeply is a challenge during the last month of pregnancy, and the frequent demands of a compressed bladder make interrupted sleep the norm. Try arranging extra pillows to support knees or elbows, and take naps as you can. Resting with your feet up will help you be more comfortable.
- More calendar watching: It’s natural to count down the days until your baby will come. The only problem is that your baby doesn’t know anything about that box you’ve circled and starred on your calendar, and are now watching get closer and closer and even (perish the thought!) passing right by. It’s okay. In fact, 95 percent of babies are born within two weeks of the due date—some on one side, and some on the other. Relax and trust your body.
For every person who says, “Are you having that baby already?”, another says, “Haven’t you had that baby yet?” Buy some earplugs, smile, and nod. However long your last month turns out to be, it will end. And it’ll be worth it. Besides, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to teach your child about being on time when the school bus comes.