The 38th week of gestation falls in the concluding stage of pregnancy. It is a period filled with mixed feelings. By the 38th week, most mothers to be tend to become impatient and eagerly await the arrival of their little baby. Many are also known to become anxious over what to expect next especially in terms of the final leg of pregnancy which is labor and child birth. In most cases, the signs of labor set in before the 38th week of pregnancy. After ovulation, week 38 back pain is a clear indicator of labor in progress. Lower back pain during pregnancy and contractions in the pelvic region are common signs of the onset of labor.
This is mainly due to the changes that the uterus is undergoing as it prepares for the process of child birth. One of the first signs of labor is a process called lightening which refers to a lowering of the abdomen. This happens as the baby turns upside down in order to prepare for its movement through the birth canal.
At this time, the baby’s head rests on the mouth of the uterus in anticipation of its entry into the world outside the confines of its mother’s womb. See also 38 weeks pregnant what to expect
As this happens, a certain amount of pressure is exerted on the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. This in turn leads to pregnancy week 38 backache. As the uterus prepares for the expulsion of the baby, contractions become more and more prominent. These contractions linked with the birthing process differ from Braxton’s hicks and do not subside on moving around or changing posture. Instead, they are rhythmic and the period between each contraction reduces and they increase in severity as the time for delivery nears. Pregnancy week 38 back pain, cramps may also be accompanied by stinging pain that is experienced in the vaginal area and the thighs. This is a result of the nerves pressed by the baby as it settles into a comfortable position. The loss of the mucus plug and the breaking of the amniotic sac are signs that indicate the onset of active labor and inevitable delivery. The loss of the mucus plug is observed in the form of a sticky, clear discharge or a sudden expulsion of a mucus blob which may or may not be streaked with blood. A constant flow of clear liquid or a sudden spurt of fluid from the vagina signals the breaking of the amniotic sac. Since the sac keeps the baby safe, a ruptured sac at the end of the pregnancy term indicates that it is time for the baby to exit its mother’s womb.
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