Photo: UGC If the 39th week of pregnancy has begun, then it’s time for the expectant mother to pack her maternity suitcase. Childbirth can begin any day, and it is necessary to prepare for this event. Familiarize yourself with the changes that occur in the mother's body, the signs that foreshadow delivery, find out what the fetus looks like at 39 weeks.
Fetal development
At this time, the child has already grown significantly, so he no longer has enough space in the uterus to make active movements. Now he can only turn slightly, and the woman will feel light internal tremors. With the help of such movements, he begins to train coordination of movements, gradually increasing muscle strength. The expectant mother needs to monitor the frequency of movements. Normally, a child should make himself known at least 10-12 times. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the movements. If they are too intense, or, on the contrary, are absent for a long time, then you need to inform your doctor about this as soon as possible, since such changes are a sign of trouble.
The baby in the womb can react to light and dark. He feels touches on his stomach and hears loud sounds. From the first days of life, the baby will learn to focus his gaze, so you need to smile at him.
The baby is completely ready to be born. His lungs, digestive organs, heart and other systems will already be able to function normally outside the womb. However, they continue to improve, and this process does not end after birth.
At this time, myelination of neurons continues, reflexes are formed, and the nervous system is improved. The most developed will be the sucking reflex. After a few feedings, a chewing reflex will appear.
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s pancreas is already active, producing enzymes necessary for digesting food. At the same time, the child’s intestines are sterile and covered with small villi. The first bacteria will appear in it after the baby tries breast milk. Now the intestines contain only meconium (original feces). It can come out either after the baby is born, or while still in the womb, before labor begins. The reason for this may be a lack of oxygen in the last stages of pregnancy. If meconium was passed before the baby was born, then after birth, obstetricians perform bronchial lavage to clean them. As before, the fetus continues to receive nutrients through the placenta, but by the 39th week it begins to age.
What's happening
Now the baby’s body is actively preparing for existence outside the mother’s tummy. The heart, kidneys, and lungs are already capable of supporting the life of a newborn. The intestine has become completely passable, and its muscles are slowly moving into the lower sections of the meconium.
The improvement processes will not stop even after the baby is born. By 39 weeks of pregnancy, the development of the central nervous system has not been completed, and although the sucking apparatus is functioning, the muscles will become even stronger, because the child will have to “get” his own food. Due to lack of training, the salivary glands and chewing apparatus are not yet developed. Saliva will begin to be produced only a month after birth, and the baby will learn to chew when the time comes.
At the 39th week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus is usually from 51 to 52 cm, and the weight is 3250 - 3300 g. It has a rather large head, and the shoulder girdle and chest are now better developed than the girdle of the lower extremities. In the remaining time, the baby grows due to lengthening of the torso and legs.
The child spends 16–20 hours a day sleeping, gaining strength before childbirth. And when he’s awake, mom clearly feels his movements. You have already noticed that there are fewer movements, but, like last week, there should be at least 10 of them per day.
By the 38th – 39th week of pregnancy, the placenta ceases to cope with its functions. Aging is a physiological phenomenon associated with tissue thinning, metabolic slowdown, and deterioration of blood supply. The fetus receives less and less oxygen and nutrients.
Position of the baby in the uterus
By this time the child had taken his final position. There is not enough room for him in the uterus, so the fetus’s legs are pressed to the stomach and the arms are folded on the chest. This is the most suitable position for the easiest passage through the birth canal. In 95% of cases, the baby's head is pressed against the pelvis.
Sometimes the baby may be in a breech position. There is no need to panic about this, since it will be possible to give birth naturally, without harming the health of the woman or baby. If the doctor suspects any threat, a caesarean section will be performed.
All women whose baby is in a breech position are sent to the maternity hospital even before labor begins. There, a control ultrasound is performed, during which the size of the child is assessed, its location is clarified and the method of delivery is determined.
Signs of labor, how to recognize the onset of labor?
Quite often, even before contractions begin, women intuitively feel that labor will soon begin. During contractions, pain does not appear immediately; it usually begins with a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen or lower back; some women experience pain similar to menstrual pain. Gradually, these sensations become stronger, spreading to the entire abdomen and lower back, pain appears, which can vary from quite strong pressure to twitching sensations.
The pain during contractions is paroxysmal, its occurrence, intensification, reaching a peak and gradual decrease are clearly felt, then a period without pain begins. At first, contractions before childbirth occur with an interval of 15-30 minutes and last 10-15 seconds.
The first few hours they bring minor discomfort rather than pain. Gradually, the duration and strength of contractions increase, and the intervals decrease.
Before childbirth, bloody discharge appears - this is how the mucus plug comes off. It should not be bright red with a lot of blood. The plug may come off before contractions begin. Sometimes the water breaks before the contractions begin.
Just before the birth of the child, contractions become so frequent that they turn into one another almost without intervals. Then they are joined by pushing - contractions of the muscles of the uterus, abdominal wall and perineum. At this time, the child presses his head on the small pelvis, and the woman in labor has a desire to push, and the pain moves to the perineum. When the cervix is fully dilated, labor begins.
How do contractions occur? Contractions before childbirth develop gradually, so three stages can be distinguished:
- The first stage is the initial stage, lasting 7-8 hours. At this time, contractions occur with an interval of approximately 5 minutes, and their duration is 30-45 seconds.
- The second phase is active. Its duration is about 5 hours, uterine contractions become more frequent and last longer - with an interval of 2-4 minutes, the duration of contractions reaches 60 seconds.
- The last, transitional phase is from half an hour to 1.5 hours long. Contractions become even more frequent and last longer. They can occur at intervals of a minute and last from 70 to 90 seconds.
If this is not your first birth, the process goes faster, so don’t delay your trip to the maternity hospital!
What women experience at 39 weeks of pregnancy
At this time, a woman is most often in agonizing anticipation of the baby being born. After all, the birth process can begin at any moment. It is important to maintain peace of mind and calm: the bags for the maternity hospital are packed, there are no health problems. However, slight nervousness is usually present in every woman. To remove it, you must talk to the child and listen to his movements. After all, the baby will have to go through an equally difficult path.
It will not be possible to miss the onset of labor, since the first contractions are always expressed in the appearance of spasms in the lower abdomen. They will repeat every 10-15 minutes, and then even more often. It is possible that water may break and bloody discharge may appear. Some women experience increased appetite at the beginning of labor. Therefore, you need to take care of a light snack in advance.
It is worth paying attention to your blood pressure. Normally, it should be no higher than 140 by 90 and no lower than 90 by 60.
Recommendations
Be outdoors every day to ensure your baby gets enough oxygen. To get rid of pain, do breathing exercises, and if your health allows, continue to do gymnastics for pregnant women.
In the final stages, do not stop monitoring your diet. By the end of the 38th - 39th week of pregnancy, the uterus has dropped, therefore, most likely, your appetite has awakened, but try not to overeat so as not to overload the body before childbirth. The daily menu should contain foods with sufficient amounts of protein: fish, porridge, cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt. Now you also need carbohydrates. To maintain energy, you can indulge in desserts, but give preference to natural products without harmful artificial fillers. Don’t forget about fiber: your table should have vegetables, fruits, and wholemeal products.
At 38–39 weeks of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are overcome by “nesting syndrome.” I want to start a renovation or at least rearrange it, buy new things and solve a whole bunch of other problems. Before you do anything big, think it through. Due to emotional imbalance, what you like today may begin to irritate you tomorrow. Model the future appearance of the interior on the computer, consult with the designer and only then get down to business. Don’t overestimate your physical capabilities: let specialists, friends or relatives do all the work.
When shopping at 39 weeks pregnant, remember that babies grow very quickly, and you may end up with a lot of unused items. Buy only the essentials, and prepare a list for your friends and family - then they won’t have to rack their brains about what to give you.
As for intimate relationships at the 39th week of pregnancy, if you feel great and there are no medical contraindications, you should not deny yourself pleasure. Sex cannot harm the fetus, as it is protected by a mucus plug. And amniotic fluid protects against shocks. Sexual intimacy has a positive effect on the cervix: under the influence of sperm it softens, and this is useful for childbirth. But we must not forget about caution, because contractions can begin at any moment.
Precursors of the onset of labor at 39 weeks of pregnancy
If contractions have not yet begun, you need to carefully listen to your body. It is possible that it is already giving signals that labor will begin soon. For example, a decrease in appetite may indicate an approaching birth. There may also be weight loss. Many women note a loss of 1-2 kg.
If earlier false contractions were weak and painless, then in recent weeks they may become more intense and frequent. And at their peak, hardening of the abdomen is observed. Some expectant mothers are very worried that they will not be able to distinguish false contractions from real ones. In fact, it is difficult to confuse them. As a rule, false contractions end when the body position changes, or after a short walk around the apartment. If spasms and pain in the lumbar region go away, then it is too early to go to the maternity hospital.
The imminent onset of labor may be indicated by mucus appearing in the vaginal discharge. Sometimes it is transparent, and sometimes it can have a pinkish or brown tint. Don't be afraid - this is part of the mucus plug that comes out. Removal of the mucus plug is a natural process. The cervix gradually softens and contracts, preparing for the birth of the baby. Sometimes you can see the entire cork. It is represented by a lump of mucus, in which there are streaks of blood. The entire volume of the cork can fit in 2 tablespoons. If this happens, then labor will begin very soon.
Many women feel an unprecedented surge of energy before labor begins. With redoubled effort they begin to prepare the house for the arrival of a new resident. This is a very pleasant process, so you shouldn’t deny yourself it. However, hard work cannot be done. Let other family members do it.
Another sign of imminent labor is indigestion. There may be increased feelings of nausea, indigestion, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
However, until real contractions begin, you need to continue to lead a measured lifestyle, spend as much time as possible in the fresh air, and take walks. At the same time, you should not go far from home, and it is better to keep the exchange card with you.
Tests and studies during pregnancy
Visiting a doctor monitoring pregnancy: once a week.
Weighing, measuring blood pressure, measuring the height of the uterine fundus, listening to the fetal heartbeat. General urine test - before each visit to the doctor. Indicates the quality of kidney function.
Dopplerography (a study that allows you to evaluate blood flow in the vessels of the uterus, placenta and main vessels of the child) - in the last weeks of pregnancy or if the expected date of birth has already passed, according to indications . The study allows you to find out whether the child is getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
Cardiotocography (CTG, synchronous recording of fetal heartbeats and uterine contractions) - in the last weeks of pregnancy or if the expected date of birth has already passed, according to indications. The child’s condition is assessed and intrauterine hypoxia is excluded.
Abdominal prolapse
The belly most often droops between 36 and 39 weeks. This is one of the signs that suggests the imminent onset of labor. Although abdominal prolapse may not occur at all.
When the stomach drops, it becomes much easier for a woman to breathe, because the strong pressure on the diaphragm stops. Belching and heartburn also disappear. However, urination becomes more frequent as the uterus begins to put more pressure on the bladder.
You should also not worry too much about the appearance of nagging pain in the lower back. At 39 weeks of pregnancy, this is normal, because labor will begin very soon.
How you feel
The body is ready for childbirth, and there are practically no significant changes in your sensations. At 39 weeks pregnant, you may still experience itchy skin on your belly. Discomfort in the lower back and sacrum sometimes increases, and due to the strong pressure of the uterus on the bladder, the expectant mother is often bothered by pain in the perineum. In addition, due to the production of colostrum at this time, pain in the chest may appear.
Training contractions at the 39th week of pregnancy are observed more often, but their duration remains the same. You may now find that your weight has decreased. Don't worry: this is normal in later stages. Due to the fact that the body is freed from excess fluid, a woman can lose up to 2 kg. The intestines are also cleansed, which is why diarrhea is possible at this stage.
It is not uncommon for nausea caused by late toxicosis to appear in the 38th – 39th week of pregnancy. This condition is dangerous for the expectant mother and baby, and you must tell your doctor about this symptom. And to make your well-being easier, spend more time in the fresh air, increase the number of meals and reduce the size of portions. Try not to lie down immediately after eating to avoid possible vomiting.
If your stomach feels stiff, this may be a sign of hypertension. Consult a gynecologist - usually the doctor in such cases prescribes an antispasmodic drug.
Now it is important to monitor vaginal discharge: normally it is light milky, of uniform consistency, with a slightly sour odor. At 39 weeks of pregnancy, you should not be afraid of a slight increase in their number, as well as the presence of mucus. These are nothing more than particles of a plug that closes the entrance to the cervix. But purulent, flaky or curdled discharge of an unusual color is a reason to consult a doctor, since these are symptoms of genital infections, and while there is still time, you need to undergo treatment.
Go to the doctor immediately if you notice watery, yellowish discharge at 38–39 weeks of pregnancy. This is the release of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid does not always come out right away. If the integrity of the membranes is damaged, it can come out in small portions, which is bad for the baby, because he becomes very vulnerable to infections. Call an ambulance immediately if there is blood coming from the genital tract. Perhaps premature placental abruption has begun.
Causes of pain at 39 weeks of pregnancy
The causes of pain at 39 weeks of gestation may be as follows:
- Pain in the lower back and lower abdomen occurs due to the fact that the body is preparing for childbirth: the stomach drops, and with it the baby in the uterus.
- Pain in the pubic, pelvic and sacral region occurs due to softening of the pelvic bones and ligaments. This occurs under the influence of the hormone relaxin. Moreover, the bones gradually move apart so that the baby can be born more easily. It’s worth being a little patient, because after giving birth everything will pass.
- Pain in the back and spine appears due to the fact that a woman’s center of gravity is shifted. The same reason causes pain in the lower extremities.
- Aching or shooting pain in the back of the leg occurs due to the fact that the femoral nerve is pinched. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it even reaches the knee.
- Sometimes women notice some breast tenderness. This is also a variant of the norm, because the body prepares her for the upcoming process of breastfeeding. Therefore, in addition to pain, a feeling of heaviness may appear in the chest, and colostrum may come out of the nipples.
To reduce pain in the back, lower back and legs, you need to unload them as often as possible. You should sleep in the correct position, and it is equally important to wear a prenatal bandage.
What you need to know about starting breastfeeding
For some mothers, breastfeeding a baby seems natural and necessary, for others it is unpleasant, and for others it doesn’t even occur to them to think about it before the baby is born.
The intention to breastfeed your baby arises gradually and, if you work on it purposefully, becomes strong by the time of birth. Your body obeys the demands of the brain and launches a program for uninterrupted milk production. How to create an intention? And how to make it gain strength? Focus on the positive aspects of breastfeeding:
- your milk is the most physiological for the Baby, so you will avoid many problems with stool, diathesis, regurgitation, vomiting, colic, heartbreaking crying, spending on medications, etc., which arise with artificial or mixed feeding;
- Breastfeeding burns up to 500 (!) kilocalories every day. Those who care about their figure will appreciate it;
- When breastfeeding, your baby’s immunity is stronger, and the risk of being exposed to a viral attack is much lower. This means that breast milk is a reliable protection for the Baby’s health;
- This frees up a colossal amount of time that non-breastfeeding mothers spend on washing bottles and nipples (as well as selecting and purchasing them), sterilization, and preparing food that the Baby may not even like! Whereas he got used to your breast milk from the first weeks of his life before birth - however, the role of milk was played by amniotic fluid;
- It’s better to spend money on meat and fruit for you and Baby than on artificial formula - isn’t it?
- Your baby’s weight gain will be a special source of your pride: the pediatrician will not blame you for not feeding your son or daughter, nor for overfeeding him/her;
- In the process of breastfeeding, the Baby develops trust in the world - the basis for the successful development of his psyche and social success in general. In addition, during the process of breastfeeding, the Baby experiences a strong attachment to you, which will soon turn into a feeling of love for life;
- Breastfeeding forms the correct bite naturally;
- Mom's milk is always there, whether you and your Baby are visiting grandma, in a clinic, on a country trip, on a walk or in a shopping and entertainment center. Moreover, breast milk does not need to be heated or cooled. Also, you don’t have to worry that the stored quantity may not be enough for your Baby. Breastfeeding gives you and your baby independence from place and time.
The baby expects that his first food will be exclusively mother’s milk, and then he will be able to please you with a smile and a good mood, be healthy, sleep soundly and develop quickly.
What kind of discharge can there be?
Discharge at this stage should be milky white, with a uniform consistency. A slight sour odor may also be present. Pinkish or transparent mucus in the discharge is normal and should not be alarmed. In this way, part of the mucous plug comes off, which closes the entrance to the uterus.
Pathology is indicated by discharges such as:
- Purulent mucous discharge;
- Discharge with flakes;
- Curdled discharge;
- Green or yellow discharge.
If such discharge is detected, you must consult a doctor and treat the existing infection. If this is not done, then the risk of infection of the child during childbirth is high.
When amniotic fluid ruptures, even in small quantities, you must go to the maternity hospital. The discharge appears as a thin, watery discharge that may be clear or yellowish. Sometimes they go away immediately, and sometimes in small portions. The latter option indicates that the walls of the placenta have become thinner and have begun to leak fluid. In any case, medical consultation is necessary; the breaking of water cannot be ignored. Thus, when the placenta wall becomes thinner, the child becomes extremely vulnerable to various infections.
Discharge with blood requires the woman to promptly call a medical team. Most often, this indicates abruption of the placenta, which has a normal location. Sometimes blood in the discharge is a sign of placenta previa. However, by this time, presentation is excluded from the list of pathologies, since the woman has undergone many examinations.
Intimate life
Previously, all doctors unanimously opposed sex so late in pregnancy. This was justified by the fact that during orgasm the uterus contracts, which can lead to the onset of labor. At this point in time, this theory is not considered correct. Doctors point out that a woman should rely on her own desires and listen to her body. If discomfort and fatigue reduces attraction to a sexual partner, then you should not overstep yourself.
If a woman feels the need for intimacy, then she should not deny herself either. Sex is a gentle preparation of the cervix for an imminent birth, because male sperm contains a special hormone (prostaglandin), which makes it more elastic. Orgasm, in turn, trains the uterus and prepares it for high-quality labor.
Doctors in a number of countries even recommend practicing sex in the later stages of pregnancy as a method of natural stimulation of labor.
It is worth remembering that during sex you need to be as careful as possible, since the baby is very close to the birth canal. If pain occurs, then sexual intercourse should be interrupted. You should also avoid uncomfortable positions and eliminate any pressure on your stomach.
Harbingers of imminent birth:
- the stomach drops;
- pressure on the stomach and diaphragm is reduced;
- appetite appears;
- a thirst for activity appears and so on.
But there are also unpleasant companions to the prenatal process: swelling increases, anxiety increases, sleep deteriorates, and false contractions appear.
It is important to learn to distinguish real contractions from false ones. The pain from the latter spreads only to the abdomen and does not radiate to the back or pelvis. You can check them very simply: just move a little or change position, this will ease the condition and relieve discomfort if the contractions are false.
Carrying out an ultrasound
An ultrasound examination at 39 weeks of pregnancy can be performed only for special indications. During an ultrasound, the doctor assesses the size of the child and determines the degree of its development.
The condition of the uterus and cervix is also assessed, and the quantity and quality of the pregnant woman’s amniotic fluid is determined. By this time the placenta has the third degree of maturity. The higher this degree, the thinner the walls of the placenta. However, it is through her that the child receives from the mother the antibodies that he needs to form immunity.
An ultrasound examination eliminates the risk of the umbilical cord being entangled in the baby’s neck. However, it is not always necessary to perform a cesarean section when the umbilical cord is entangled. The umbilical cord itself can reach 65 cm in length, so a woman is able to give birth naturally, and doctors will simply remove the umbilical cord from the baby’s neck immediately after his birth. Even if the umbilical cord is short and begins to tighten as the baby passes through the birth canal, doctors are able to decide whether an emergency cesarean section is necessary.
How is childbirth at 39 weeks of pregnancy?
Childbirth at the 39th week of pregnancy is physiological and has a standard course. If labor has begun, you need to concentrate on your feelings. You need to monitor your breathing and take the correct body position. It is important to understand that not only the woman herself, but also the baby needs help, so you need to listen to all the doctor’s instructions and follow them.
There is no need to sit or lie down during contractions. It's better to stay on your feet as much as possible. If contractions intensify, it's time to remember breathing exercises that help relieve pain. You need to breathe deeply and calmly. This will save energy for upcoming attempts.
It is pushing that characterizes the second stage of labor. They can sometimes be confused with the desire to empty the intestines. However, you cannot push without medical supervision. This should only be done on the doctor’s command. When the woman takes a seat in the chair and the body is ready, then you need to start pushing. At this time, the entire volume of air that is in the respiratory tract must be directed down the abdomen. The diaphragm must work, which helps the baby to be born. When the doctor orders you to stop pushing, you need to stop. This time should be used to rest and relax all muscles.
During childbirth, all fears must be cast aside. It is important to help the baby be born, because he experiences stress no less than the woman herself. The birth process takes a lot of energy from a child. It is very important to pull yourself together and not panic. The calmer the woman is, the easier the birth is.
When the baby leaves the birth canal, the final stage of labor will begin - the release of the placenta. At this time, the child will be examined by doctors. The doctor will cut the umbilical cord, the uterus will contract, the placenta will separate and come out along with the membranes and the remaining umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is cut only after the pulsation stops. At the same time, the so-called placenta or placenta emerges. At this point, the birth process can be considered complete.
It is in the first 30 minutes of the baby's life that he will be placed on the mother's breast. This moment will be remembered for a lifetime. The first colostrum is very necessary for the baby for the normal completion of childbirth, for the normal functioning of the intestines, and for the development of immunity. Being close to the mother will make it easier for the baby to adapt to an unfamiliar world.
Methods of pain relief during childbirth
Perhaps what women fear most is the severe pain that accompanies the process of childbirth. Therefore, the question of pain relief often arises.
Occasionally, epidural or epidural anesthesia is used during vaginal birth. In this case, the lower part of the body becomes insensitive, the muscles relax, but the cervix continues to dilate. Anesthesia helps to lengthen pushing. Indications for pain relief are cardiovascular disease in a woman, slow dilatation of the uterus, or an extremely low threshold for pain sensitivity.
Anesthesia is also performed when it is necessary to begin an emergency operation. It is important to understand that anesthesia for a child is dangerous due to side effects, therefore anesthesia is not performed only to reduce labor pain.
If second birth
38th week of pregnancy, second birth: everything is easier and simpler here, both mentally and physically. She already has experience, the woman knows what to expect. But some women in labor report increased pain during contractions. As for the cervix, it opens faster.
Most second pregnancies end in childbirth at 38 weeks; few reach 40 weeks.
This period is the best time to start reading special literature about child care and upbringing.
Answers to questions about 39 weeks of pregnancy
- At 39 weeks of pregnancy the plug came off. A day has passed since then. How soon will labor begin?
As a rule, after the mucus plug comes out, labor begins in the next few days. Sometimes it can come out a week before labor begins. It is important to monitor your condition. If the pain in the lower back has become severe, and training contractions have become more frequent, then labor will begin very soon.
- Increasingly, at the 39th week of pregnancy, the stomach becomes hard, and recently this sensation has become painful. Does this mean that you need to go to the maternity hospital?
You need to go to the maternity hospital when a woman has 5 painful and prolonged contractions in 1 hour. However, if the woman feels calmer in the hospital, then she can go there earlier. The doctor will examine the woman, assess her condition and decide on hospitalization.
- At the 39th week of pregnancy, the stomach feels tight, the plug has already come out, pain has appeared in the lumbar region, but the water has not yet broken. How soon will I give birth?
These signs are harbingers of an imminent birth, so you should not panic, but get ready for the maternity hospital.
- Why do my legs hurt a lot at 39 weeks of pregnancy?
Pain in the legs appears due to the fact that the uterus puts double force on the venous vessels, which disrupts the venous outflow. This may cause discomfort in your legs, but there is no danger. You just need to lie down as much as possible with your feet on an elevated surface. Massage also helps a lot. Sometimes leg pain occurs due to muscle spasms. They begin against the background of a lack of calcium and magnesium in a woman’s body. In this case, you should consult your doctor.
- I'm 39 weeks pregnant. Water has been leaking for several hours. What do we have to do?
It is necessary to go to the maternity hospital, since the breaking of water is a harbinger of an imminent birth. Moreover, the child’s natural defenses against infections are reduced, so a professional examination is essential.
Author of the article:
Lapikova Valentina Vladimirovna | Gynecologist, reproductive specialist
Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received from the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Health and Social Development (2010). In 2013, she completed her postgraduate studies at NIMU named after. N.I. Pirogova.
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All texts for pages about mother and baby were kindly provided by RAMA Publishing - these are chapters from the book by Svetlana Klaas “Your Favorite Little Man from Conception to Birth”, reviewer Irina Nikolaevna Kononova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ural State Medical Academy (Ekaterinburg).