how do you know when you're almost ready to give birth?
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Your back aches. Your feet look like water balloons and/or sausages. You can't sleep, you have to pee ALL the time, and your baby's foot in your ribs is making breathing a challenge.
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dilemmas at 17 weeks. While some first-time mums will feel their baby wriggling around by about this stage for most this happens a little later around 18-20 weeks. If you've had a baby before you may feel them earlier. You will no doubt find your baby moving really exciting, and feel even more connection with them.
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The part of labor that comes right before delivery might be the toughest yet -- but it may only take about 15 minutes to an hour. Tell your doctor if you feel like you want to start pushing. She might tell you to wait 'til your cervix opens up more -- about 10 centimeters wide.
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Your cervix is assessed regularly to check its progress. Induction is not a quick process. Once it has started, it may take more than 24 hours until your baby is born. If your cervix needs to be primed, it may take two days or more.
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To reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and other health problems, research suggests waiting 18 to 24 months but less than five years after a live birth before attempting your next pregnancy. Balancing concerns about infertility, women older than 35 might consider waiting 12 months before becoming pregnant again.
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Between 32 and 38 weeks, your baby will also probably settle into the head-down, bottoms-up presentation in your pelvis in preparation for birth. That's because the fetus' head fits better at the bottom of your inverted, pear-shaped uterus, plus it's easier during childbirth if your baby comes out head first.
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By 36 weeks, your baby's lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath after the birth. The digestive system is fully developed and your baby will be able to feed if they're born now.
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Disrupted sleep Disturbed nights and a restless feeling can sometimes be signs that your labour is getting closer. Try to get as much rest as you can and lie down for a nap during the day.
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By the time you reach 37 weeks, labor induction might seem like a beautiful gift from the universe, but researchers recommend waiting until your baby is full term, unless there are major health concerns for you or your baby.
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Try and schedule your maternity photo session in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Your belly will have a nice round shape during this time frame, perfect for taking photographs. If you're counting by weeks, schedule your session when you're around 30 weeks pregnant.
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“Most women start to feel their baby kick between 18 to 20 weeks. If it's your second or third baby, this may be earlier – around 15 weeks,” says midwife Nikki Khan. “Other women are past the 20-week mark before they feel anything, and that's normal, too.”
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Being physically ready Whether you had a vaginal birth or c-section, your body will be adjusting for at least 6 weeks. Parents who have not lost a baby are advised to wait for at least 6 months to a year before trying again.
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At any point in pregnancy, you may feel your uterus contracting. These contractions are real labor happening before your baby is ready to be born. You'll have symptoms consistent with active labor. These are “practice” contractions that usually aren't painful and shouldn't be felt in your back.
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Most women start to feel their uterus contract and periodically tighten some time during the second trimester, the point in their pregnancy between 14 to 28 weeks.
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When engagement typically happens In first pregnancies, however, it usually happens several weeks before birth — anywhere between 34 weeks and 38 weeks gestation. In subsequent pregnancies, your baby's head may not engage until your labor starts.
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Once it has started, it may take more than 24 hours until your baby is born. If your cervix needs to be primed, it may take two days or more. Can you change your mind after induction has started?
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By the 20th week of pregnancy, your uterus can be felt at the level of your belly button (umbilicus).