A newborn is considered full-term at 38 weeks, so this period the prenatal period begins. It continues until labor develops. If a woman is expecting her first child, then childbirth is considered normal at a period of 38 to 42 weeks.

The preliminary date of how many weeks labor can begin is determined by the doctor. Most often, during the first pregnancy this period is 40 obstetric weeks. If the child is born later, they speak of post-term birth.

The range of when you can give birth to your first child is wide – 4 weeks. During this entire period, expectant mothers are very interested in the question of what week they give birth to a healthy baby and when he will be born. The answer is sought not in books, but in a woman’s health, the state of her body.

Depending on how many weeks they give birth, each woman’s body warns her 2 days before the onset of labor.

What week do they give birth - normal timing

When first-time mothers give birth, the normal period is 37 seven days. If the timing of the birth of the first child is earlier, it depends on the day of the last menstruation. Statistics show that childbirth usually occurs at 39-40 weeks. About 70% of children are born at this stage of labor.

It is impossible to say the exact date and how many weeks the birth will be. According to statistics, for first-time mothers this period comes later than others. This is explained by late recognition of signs of pregnancy and precursors of labor, as well as the development of labor.

Waiting for a long time

The first pregnancy lasts a long time, the cervix opens slowly. The body is just getting acquainted with this process, so don’t worry about how many weeks labor starts. Firstborns give birth later.

We look at the baby's weight

Noting how many weeks the first child is born, doctors talk about 37 weeks. During this period, the baby is ready for birth. All vital systems and organs are formed and ready for the birth of the baby.

If labor begins at this time, the baby is considered full-term. The average height is about 48 cm, and body weight is 3 kg. The baby's weight increases every day due to the subcutaneous fat that the baby accumulated in the womb.

Depends on the length of the menstrual cycle

Gynecologists, when calculating the period at which week of pregnancy a woman can give birth, use the Naegele formula. When calculating the baby’s date of birth using it, you need to start from the beginning of the last menstrual cycle subtract 3 months and add 7 days.

However, this method of determining at what week a woman goes into labor is not accurate. It is used to indicate the approximate date when you can give birth to a healthy baby if the expectant mother’s menstrual cycle is 28 days. If it is longer, then the date at which week you can give birth will come later.

With an irregular cycle, it is difficult to find out the date of ovulation, so this method of determining in what week the birth will occur is considered not suitable.

Heredity influences

If close female relatives had their first birth earlier or later than the due date, this situation may also happen to you. Ask the question at how many weeks the mother and grandmother went into labor. The hereditary factor plays an important role; you can repeat their story.

The course of pregnancy is another factor

The period in which the baby is given birth depends on the characteristics of the given period. During wars and devastation, children were in no hurry to be born. They felt that a warm bed and good nutrition were not waiting for them, so they stayed in their mother’s belly longer.

When a child feels uncomfortable inside the womb: the placenta does not fulfill its function, the mother has suffered stress, a protracted illness - the likelihood of premature birth increases. The same consequences are observed with overstretching of the uterus, high fetal weight, polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancies.

Regardless of the period at which primiparous women give birth, babies can appear healthy and full-term. Therefore, the timing of how many weeks normal labor begins is not limited to an exact number.

How many weeks do you usually give birth to your first baby?

If you are becoming a mother for the first time, then there is approximately a 70% chance that birth will come on time - about 40 weeks of pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that the woman’s body has not yet gone through the processes that occur inside and it takes time to expel the fetus.

Share their impressions

A pregnant woman does not know how labor begins and what week the first child is born, so she may miss the beginning of this moment. Labor in first-years lasts a long time, it is weak and protracted, contractions can last up to 7 hours.

But there are exceptions here too. If we do not consider the causes of premature birth (before 36 weeks), when there are disturbances in the body of the expectant mother, then post-term pregnancies also occur. In this case, the baby is released into the world with a short interval - after 42 weeks.

Second birth statistics

When noting what week a second child is usually given birth, a period of 36 weeks is mentioned. The second birth begins suddenly, but passes faster and easier.

The cervix, as well as the birth canal, opens quickly, so women who have already given birth often do not have time to get to the maternity hospital. Repeated births come around 38 weeks, but there are exceptions.

Third pregnancy

Preparing to become a mother for the third time, a woman is interested in the question of which week is the third child most often given birth. Labor usually starts earlier. If during the first pregnancy delivery occurs starting from the 38th week, then the third pregnancy is associated with a period of 36 weeks.

Time limits for boys and girls are different.

Usually girls want to see the world before the boys who are in no hurry to leave their mother’s tummy. If doctors note statistics on which week boys are most often born, then they talk about 40-41 weeks. Sometimes there are record holders who last up to 42 weeks. Girls are ready to make their first cry at an earlier stage - 38 weeks.

The princess is sleeping

It is important not to forget about the cycle of the expectant mother. If the cycle is standard or short, when ovulation occurs on the 14th day after the start of menstruation, the baby is born at the required 40 weeks.

There are several reasons why girls are born first:

1. It takes time for a boy to be born ready to exist. Girls mature faster, which is due to their biological role in life: procreation.
2. In what week girls are usually born depends on the health of the mother, but initially girls were born stronger than boys. They are in a hurry to grow and be born, and during life they develop more rapidly.

From what week can you give birth to twins?

For humans, multiple pregnancies are not the norm, so the consequence of complications is early birth. The uterus increases in volume twice as fast as children, and overstretching causes contractions.
Considering how many obstetric weeks a second baby is born, we talked about the period of 37 weeks. When talking about multiple pregnancies, 34-35 weeks are mentioned. Regardless of the fact that twins may be born earlier, they have a very high chance of survival.

The best time to give birth to a healthy baby

If we consider at what week the expectant mother can give birth to 1 girl or boy without chronic diseases, then doctors insist on 38-42 weeks. With this period of time, good, healthy, full-fledged children appear.

Sound asleep

Doctors are guided by 40 weeks - this period is recorded in the medical record and sick leave as the date of birth. But even at 38 or 42 weeks, healthy, mature children are born.

Another issue is multiple pregnancy. In this case, it is better to give birth 4 weeks earlier, which is due to the load on the body that the woman experiences. If not planned C-section, you need to prepare for childbirth at 35 weeks.

Symptoms and causes of premature birth

Unexpectedly starting labor causes anxiety and stress in a woman. Let's look at why this situation occurs:

1. Infectious diseases.

This reason is one of the most common among pregnant women, which leads to early birth. The expectant mother feels unwell, and the baby’s suffering inside the womb acts as a trigger for the onset of labor. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo examination to ensure that the pregnancy is safe.

2. Aging of the placenta.

Doctors assess the condition of the placenta based on the results of ultrasound and CTG. The most important thing is to regularly visit a gynecologist and undergo all examinations. If the doctor detects aging of the placenta or its abruption, treatment is prescribed that improves blood flow and nutrition of the fetus.

In advanced cases, it is prescribed medications, which accelerate the maturation of the baby’s respiratory system. Then even premature one-month-old babies survive and are nursed.

3. Viral diseases.

During the season of infectious diseases, not only the respiratory tract suffers; amniotic fluid and disrupt the integrity of their shell. With early rupture or leakage of water, premature birth occurs.

Among the complications, it is noted that if the integrity of the bladder is broken, and the cervix is ​​not smoothed, the birth canal is not yet ready and the mucous plug has not moved away, an emergency cesarean section is required.

4. Placenta previa.

In this case, the pressure on the internal os increases, the cervix quickly smoothes out. By adhering to the recommendations of the gynecologist and observing bed rest, you can prevent premature birth.

5. Pathology of the cervix.

A shortened cervix and obturator dysfunction can be congenital or result from trauma from previous births or abortions. This leads to premature birth.

Sometimes early labor does not occur spontaneously, but the doctor prescribes an emergency caesarean section in order to preserve the health of mother and child. The causes are vascular, heart or endocrinological diseases.

New Generation

Early birth occurs at 28-36 weeks. If a woman experiences alarming symptoms, she should urgently visit a doctor:

• pulling in the lower abdomen that feels like menstruation;
• a feeling that something is pressing on the bladder;
• slight bleeding from the vagina;
• cramping pain lasting more than 30 seconds. Just don’t confuse it with training contractions;
• leakage of amniotic fluid;
• no fetal movements.

The gynecologist will assess the condition and suggest hospitalization if necessary. Don't panic, it's not scary. You can always slow down labor with special medications and procedures.

Why can there be late labor?

A post-term pregnancy is no less dangerous than a premature pregnancy, so ask your doctor at what time the third birth occurs. They come earlier than others, and the risk of carrying a child is higher.
Let's look at the reasons for late birth:

1. Hormonal disorders in the mother.

Changes in the hormonal system signal the body about the onset of labor. If the expectant mother's hormone levels and metabolism are disrupted, the signal will not be received and contractions will not begin.

2. Extended cycle.

At that time, if a woman had her period regularly, but her cycle was 30-35 days, the baby would be born later than the due date. Here we are talking about a natural physiological process, not a pathology. This type of pregnancy is called prolonged.

3. Hereditary factor.

This reason is physiological. Heredity influences early and late labor. Knowing at what stage your mother and grandmother were born, you can prepare for your labor in advance.

4. Taking medications.

When taking medications to reduce the tone of the uterus, changes also affect childbirth. Medicines for chronic diseases also affect labor. Therefore, inform your gynecologist about your situation so that he can adjust the prescriptions.

Sincere look

When should you be concerned?

1. Stomach ache.

Any discomfort in the abdominal area is a reason to consult a doctor. The reasons may be different, but if the danger is not recognized in time, the child will die. With nagging pain in the lower abdomen, termination of pregnancy is possible. To prevent this from happening, timely treatment is required.

If pain occurs that resembles inflammation of the bladder or appendicitis, there is a threat of premature birth. Do not rely only on your feelings, especially multiparous ones, but always find out the exact cause from a gynecologist.

2. Bloody issues.

In no case is bleeding during pregnancy normal. Suspicions are caused by color changes: brown, scarlet, dark yellow or burgundy. If this happens, immediately call an ambulance or rush in your car to the maternity hospital. Inform your gynecologist about this symptom.

3. The stomach has changed shape.

This case does not apply to moments of active movement of the baby. If in a calm state the stomach is asymmetrical, hard and tense for more than 30 minutes, sank down or changed shape after a fall - go to the maternity hospital immediately.

4. Leakage or overflow of water.

It is impossible to miss such a moment. If the water breaks at night, the bed will be wet; if during the day, it will flow down your legs. Leakage is more difficult to detect: underwear becomes wet, which is dangerous if premature pregnancy. If rupture occurs, the amniotic sac is damaged, labor must begin.

5. The child's movements are not felt.

A woman feels the first movements of the baby from the 20th week, in the second pregnancy - from the 16th. If they disappear, you need to be wary. Lack of movement for more than 12 hours is an alarming sign that should be reported to your doctor.

If this happens once, after which the baby is active again, this is the norm. An alarming sign is a regular lack of movement or low activity.

Keep a diary with notes and control of the child’s activity time, and then present it to the doctor.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

The approaching date of birth is a rather alarming period of time, filled with anticipation and a very attentive attitude to one’s condition. It’s very scary to find yourself outside the walls of the maternity hospital when contractions begin, so expectant mothers look for signs of an approaching birth, sleep poorly and count the days.

There are numerous beliefs among the people. For example, it is believed that boys are born earlier than girls, and in the first pregnancy, childbirth occurs later. What determines the due date, and what are the statistics?

What week do they usually give birth?

The normal period is 37 seven days, but when more often depends on the menstrual cycle. Statistics show that childbirth most often occurs at 39-41. Approximately 70% of children are born during this period of time.

However, do not take these deadlines as true and binding for you. It doesn’t matter when everyone else gives birth, your readiness for childbirth and the maturity of your baby are necessary. For some, 39 is too early; the baby is born immature and has difficulties. And other children adapt perfectly, being born after just 35 seven days. Your child will choose when it is best to give birth.

It is important to remember: the optimal period for childbirth is from 37 to 42. Before 37 seven days, the child is premature, and after 42 - post-term.

The obstetric pregnancy period is 40 times 7 days. However, only 4-5% of babies are born on time, why does this happen?

Main factors:

Menstrual cycle length

How long is your cycle? The time when you become a mother depends on its duration.

Two women had their last menstruation since March 1st. Today is May 1st. What will be the obstetric gestational age, and what is the real age of the fetus? For both, the doctor will count the obstetric gestational age from March 1, and it will be 9 weeks and 4 days.

The first woman has a 24-day cycle. We count 14 days ago - ovulation was on March 10th. The actual age of the fetus is 7 weeks and 3 days. The second woman has a 35-day cycle. We count 14 days ago - ovulation was on March 21. The actual age of the fetus is only 5 seven days and 6 days.

It turns out that with the same calculated gestational age, the life of the baby in two women differs by almost 14 days, and of course, for them, a difference in the due date of approximately the same amount will be completely normal. But according to classical calculations, they will be given the same due date.

By the way, our service, which allows, takes into account the length of the cycle - use it (you will find out when you need to go to the maternity hospital, much more accurately than from an obstetrician-gynecologist in the office).

Heredity

Hereditary predisposition is another factor. Ask which of your female relatives became a mother when they became a mother. You will most likely repeat the fate of your mother or grandmother.

Course of pregnancy

The due date depends on the characteristics of the pregnancy itself. During the Great Patriotic War, during the period of famine and devastation, children were in no hurry to be born. It was as if they knew that a warm nursery and proper nutrition were not waiting for them, and they remained in utero for as long as possible. Several pregnancies have been described that lasted 11 months instead of the normal 9.

If the child feels unwell in utero, for example, the placenta does not cope with its function, the likelihood of childbirth ahead of schedule increases. This is also facilitated by overstretching of the uterus due to gestational diabetes in the mother, or multiple pregnancy. Despite the fact that babies can be born with quite a serious difference in gestational age, they are born full-term and healthy. Therefore, the timing of normal childbirth in obstetrics is not limited to a precisely calculated number.

What week can you give birth?

This is one of the main concerns of any expectant mother. Throughout pregnancy, there is first the fear of a possible miscarriage, and then of the baby being born too early. However, even if your baby is in a hurry and was born before the 37th, do not despair! Once upon a time, this period was only 28. Now children weighing 1 kg or more are successfully nursed, but many survive and grow healthy after being born even before 27-28. There are known cases of successful nursing at 24-25, with the baby’s weight slightly exceeding 500 grams.

However, for this, the baby must be born in a maternity hospital that can give him everything he needs to survive. In many cities this is not yet possible. Therefore, remember the following “adapted to Russia” facts:

• Births from 28 to 27 are premature, your baby will be premature, but he will have a good chance.
• From 24 to 27 - children are born with extremely low body weight. The prognosis for them depends on the presence of other complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and on the conditions of nursing. Chances of health and survival are 50/50.
• Before 24, the baby has no chance of survival, at least in our country.

Fortunately, if the baby is pregnant normally, the chance of premature birth is only 2%.

What week do primiparas give birth?

First pregnancy and birth for maternal body become a kind of “break-in”, a test of reproductive function. Everything is for the first time for you, just as the genetic program for bearing a fetus is being used for the first time. Right now, certain stereotypes and interactions are taking shape in the body that make it possible to safely bear and give birth to a child. If successful, all your subsequent pregnancies will be based on this tracing paper.

Unfortunately, the exact date of birth is impossible to predict, but statistically, primiparous women give birth a little later than others. Approximately 6-9% of them carry the pregnancy beyond 42 weeks. Primiparas are characterized by late recognition of signs of labor that has begun due to inexperience, and a slow development of labor. The first birth lasts a long time, the cervix dilates slowly. This is just an acquaintance with such processes; there is no point in worrying about the fact that you are at 39 and labor is not starting, just be patient.

What week do multiparous women give birth?

There is already a certain pattern according to which the body must act in order for the baby to be born. Events develop along well-worn tracks, and this leads to an earlier onset of labor. In 95% of cases, the second birth begins before the 39th week and proceeds much faster and easier.

If you are multi-pregnant, after 37 weeks, be prepared for contractions to start at any moment. As a rule, the second or third time a pregnant woman easily recognizes the first signs of labor. The cervix dilates faster, pushing is more effective, and the overall duration of labor is shorter than the first time. You may not even be having training contractions, just going into labor.

What week are boys born?

More boys are born than girls; for every 100 girls, approximately 107 boys are born. However, if we talk about conception, then the statistics are even more interesting: the ratio of “girl” zygotes to “boy” zygotes is approximately 1 to 1.5, for every 100 girls there are 150 boys. But even at the very beginning, a significant number of pregnancies with a boy are spontaneously aborted. This happens before mothers find out that they were pregnant.

On average, a newborn girl weighs less than a boy, but by the age of one month the indicators change places. Boys are more likely to have developmental defects, have weaker immune systems, and get sick more often. This is due to the biological role of girls, they will continue the race and give birth, so they are given great stamina and health. And the purpose of boys is the progress of humanity and its development. Excessive depreciation resources of the body are not necessary in this matter, only physical strength and intelligence in the future are important. A boy needs more time to be born mature and ready for independent life, so gestation periods are often longer.

What week do girls give birth?

You can argue for a long time who is the stronger sex here, but the facts are facts... Girls are really born earlier. And if premature contractions occur, the survival rate among girls is much higher than among boys.

The earlier maturation and rapid development of girls continues throughout childhood. In the middle grades of school, the difference is especially striking; girls are already beginning to “bloom,” while boys remain children. A girl's growth and maturation ends at 16 years old, boys grow up to 21 years old.

Of course, the date of birth depends on the health of the mother, but in general, girls are given more vitality and abilities than boys, they are in a hurry to grow and get stronger, they are in a hurry to be born and physiologically develop faster.

What week do twins give birth?

Twins... Many people dream of having two children at once, but nature provides for the birth of only one child. Multiple pregnancies are not normal for humans, and one of the most common complications is the birth of twins too early. They increase the internal volume of the uterus 2 times faster, which reacts to overstretching with contractions. Births of twins often begin at the 34th-35th stage. Despite the fact that many people give birth to twins earlier, the chances of survival for twins are very high. They seem to be preparing to be born prematurely, and are often already quite mature even at that age.

Week of pregnancy and childbirth, main facts

You only have a 4-5% chance of giving birth on your estimated due date. If this is your second birth, it will come earlier. If you're carrying a girl, your chances of giving birth earlier increase. If you are healthy and have a normal pregnancy, you only have a 2% chance of giving birth prematurely (before 37).

When can you give birth?

At how many weeks is childbirth considered normal, and from what period can you not worry about the baby being born premature and (or) with health problems? These questions are very relevant for expectant mothers, since the vast majority of them already from 35-36 weeks begin to wait for the first signs of an imminent birth. It’s no wonder, because the longer the pregnancy, the harder it is physically to bear it, and various chronic diseases appear. And I really want to see the baby as soon as possible. Doctors, when asked at how many weeks they give birth to their second or first child, answer that full-term at 38-42.

Of course, it is not uncommon for a full-term baby to be born at 36-38 weeks. He can immediately breathe on his own because his lungs have matured. When normal weight, at least 2.5 kg, it has normal heat transfer. Nevertheless, these children are at risk for developing neurological diseases; they may have problems with the eyes, joints, etc. Such children often require special care. And in the case of natural childbirth, they are more likely to experience birth injuries. This is largely due to the fact that there is a dependence on how many weeks labor begins in primiparous and multiparous women. And if labor begins at 37 weeks or earlier, it is often rapid. It lasts about 8 hours for primiparous women, and 6 hours for multiparous women. This leads to the fact that the child comes out of the uterus very quickly, often in the wrong position, so he himself is injured, and the woman develops ruptures in the vagina and cervix.

Premature birth, or rather its management, requires the woman to be in a maternity hospital, where there is a pediatric intensive care unit and the possibility of providing such medical benefits as epidural anesthesia. The doctors' task is to make childbirth as smooth as possible. But if possible, the pregnancy is prolonged until full term. Even if the water has completely or partially broken, the woman can be given antibacterial drugs for prophylactic purposes and, in the meantime, given injections of dexamethasone, a hormone that accelerates the maturation of the child’s lungs. This helps to avoid such serious complications as pneumonia after the birth of a child. Valid until approximately 35 weeks.

Normally, pregnancy lasts 38-42 weeks, but in some cases it ends earlier, and this is considered a normal variant. For example, when a woman is carrying more than one child. So, it is known about what week twins are born, that it is approximately 36-37.

It remains to figure out how to correctly calculate your gestational age and how to predict the day when the baby will be born. Of course, this should most likely be done by a doctor, but nevertheless, doctors are not always right. Especially in cases where the woman knows the day when conception occurred. However, the so-called obstetric gestational age is usually taken into account. It is counted from the first day of the last menstruation. And there is a formula. To do this, you need to add 280 to the first day of your last period. Or subtract 3 months and add 7 days. This is the so-called Naegele formula. True, it is relevant for women with a regular menstrual cycle of average duration - 28-30 days. For some women, pregnancy does not go to term even at 42 weeks, this is if their menstrual cycle was long and ovulation occurred much later than its classic dates.

In addition, there is a difference in the date of birth of the child for those for whom this is the first experience of childbirth and no longer. Often, women give birth to firstborns at 40 weeks or even later. This happens especially often in women who do not have health problems, including the cervix. But ladies who already have experience of pregnancy and childbirth can give birth earlier. Typically, multiparous women give birth at 38 weeks, because their cervix is ​​often softer and slightly shorter than that of those who become mothers for the first time.

In women's communities you can often read the opinion that the date of birth of a child also depends on his gender. They say that there is a difference after how many weeks women give birth to boys or girls. Allegedly, boys are born a little earlier. Of course, this is a myth. If in doubt, you can interview your friends, try to conduct a statistical study yourself and be sure to make sure of it.

Normally, a child is born when his body is completely ready for life outside the mother’s womb, and the mother’s body is ready to start labor.

Of considerable importance for expectant mothers and fathers is the issue of determining the optimal time to increase the family; Unfortunately, a large number of absurd, but extremely persistent myths are associated with this point in pregnancy planning.

Give birth before age 25

This myth almost sounds like a slogan. Despite the complete lack of scientific basis, it is the most common misconception on the topic optimal age parents. The history of the appearance of this myth goes back to the middle of the last century, when in Soviet obstetrics women giving birth to their first child after 30 years (and not after 25, as the authors of the myth claim!) were called “old-born.” The term sounds, frankly, unflattering: what woman, and what’s more, an expectant mother, would want to be called old! In the time of our grandmothers, they got married and gave birth first child much earlier than now - on average between the ages of 20 and 25 years. Against this background, women giving birth to their first child after 30 years of age involuntarily stood out from the general row of patients and attracted closer attention from doctors.

In Soviet obstetrics, it was indeed believed that the optimal period from the point of view of a woman’s health for planning first pregnancy– from 18 to 25 years old. The logic of this opinion boiled down to the fact that at this age in most cases there is less chronic diseases, and the hormonal background, on which, of course, the course of pregnancy and childbirth largely depends, is in the most favorable state. However, it is obvious that there is no magic in the number 25: no disturbances or cardinal changes in a woman’s sexual sphere occur at this age.

It’s normal to endure and safely give a birth to a baby It’s perfectly possible at 25 and 30 years old, and even much later - for this it is important to take care of your health, lead a healthy lifestyle and not neglect medical examinations and doctors’ recommendations. Today, doctors are forced to explain to their patients who are worried about the fact that they “didn’t have time” to give birth before the age of 25: after this age, no fundamental changes have occurred in their body, they are still young, healthy and capable of giving birth to healthy children. So don’t try to get ahead of this date at any cost - there are much more important criteria that should be taken into account when planning a pregnancy!

Early pregnancy

This misconception, in general, is similar to the previous one, but is more radical - the authors of the myth are convinced that one should give birth in one’s youth, since a very young and healthy mother certainly cannot have problems with pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, this is not true at all: too early pregnancy(under 18 years of age) is fraught with no less, and sometimes even more, dangers than the “age” one. There are many reasons for this: this is the unsettled hormonal background of a young girl, and the nervous system is not mature enough to regulate such complex processes as bearing and giving birth to a child, and too active metabolism, and the unfinished formation of the body as a whole.

The first menstruation appears on average from 12 to 15 years, but this transformation of a girl into a girl does not mean that she is ready for motherhood. In fact, at this age a girl is a teenager whose body is gradually undergoing changes associated with growing up. As you know, change is the least successful time for testing, and pregnancy in puberty, unfortunately, is no exception to this rule. According to statistics, during pregnancy occurring at the age of 16–17 years, greatest number complications. The main percentage is due to the threat of termination of pregnancy; this is due to insufficient production of progesterone at a young age, the main hormone necessary for pregnancy. At a young age, pregnancy much more often ends in premature (before 37 weeks) birth. This is due to the pathologically high tone of the uterus due to the immaturity of the nervous system and the hormonal background of the “juvenile woman”.

It is more difficult to bear the load associated with pregnancy, and other organs and systems of a mother who is too young: early pregnancies are often complicated by gestosis and hepatosis - toxicosis with impaired renal and liver function. At early pregnancy the highest number of fetal malnutrition was recorded. This term refers to the insufficient weight of a newborn (less than 2500 g) due to a disorder placental blood flow during pregnancy. The reason for the insufficient blood supply to the fetus is again associated with the excessive load on the cardiovascular system for a young age, and a significant role in this is played by the large metabolic costs for the continued growth of the mother’s own body. So you shouldn’t rush too much into planning your pregnancy – everything should be done in a timely manner!

Pregnancy after 30

It was believed that pregnancy after 30 always proceeds with complications. This common belief is actually also a misconception - between the age of the expectant mother and during pregnancy there is no direct relationship. It cannot be denied that with age, the risk of developing infertility, genetic disorders during conception, and the formation of chronic diseases in the mother increases. All these factors can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development. However, it is necessary to clearly understand that such pregnancy pathologies are associated not so much with age, but with the health status of the expectant mother.

Currently, in megacities there is a significant increase in the age of first-time mothers: the average age of a woman, giving birth to her first child, moved to 28–33 years. This is due to changes in the social way of life, which cannot but affect the biological age of a woman’s growing up. Modern young girls study longer, enter independent life, build a career and get married later than their mothers and grandmothers. Reducing physical activity against the backdrop of increasing living comfort has brought unexpected results in physiology modern woman: along with an increase in life expectancy to XXI century The woman’s age has also changed significantly, giving birth to her first child. At the same time, the percentage of complications during pregnancy has not increased compared to statistics 20–30 years ago, when first birth most often occurred at the age of 20–25 years. To date, the results of clinical and statistical studies in the field of demography have shown: the successful course and outcome of pregnancy depend on the health and lifestyle of future parents, the level of medical care and the environment. Passport age in this matter is in the very last place.

Birth of a child: background

First a career, then a child. This statement is, so to speak, reverse side medals are a consequence of changes in the social way of life and the role of modern women in it. Today, many girls, passionate about building their own careers, are in no hurry to change the status of a successful businesswoman to the status of a future mother, believing that this issue can be pushed into the background. The most common justification for this position is a look at Western Europe and America, where the victory of careerism over motherhood took place back in the 70s of the last century. “Look, in the West everyone gives birth after 40 years, and nothing!” - claim the adherents of this idea... and are very mistaken. Speaking of possibility pregnancy and childbirth in principle, then, of course, with the current level of development of reproductive medicine, this is feasible at 40 years old, and at 45, and sometimes even at 50 years old. But if you look into the details, for example, assess the ability of an elderly body to withstand the stress associated with pregnancy and childbirth, a decrease in metabolic rate, hormonal levels, the picture will no longer seem so rosy. Especially if you think about the moral and physical costs that many years of painstakingly building a successful career sometimes costs - such stress, with which the life of a successful woman is inextricably linked, cannot but affect health, and this is precisely the factor that is so important for the possibility of successful motherhood. So you shouldn’t put off important questions about having children for too long - so that they don’t become the most difficult!

Material well-being

The main thing in family planning is material well-being. Many people believe that the most important thing in planning a pregnancy is material well-being: a separate apartment, a good salary, and so on. Of course, growing a family is inextricably linked with rising costs, so, at first glance, the position “first wealth, then child” may seem quite logical and justified. Future parents will have to invest in setting up a nursery, buying a dowry for the baby: clothes, furniture, strollers, etc.

Taking care of health of the unborn child, many men and women think about the additional costs of medical care - signing a contract for pregnancy management, childbirth and monitoring the newborn, and this also requires significant financial investments. There are also such far-sighted parents who, even before the birth of their child, plan the costs of his further education in groups early development, school and even university. You can go even further on this issue: for example, plan a pregnancy only after the money has been saved for additional education, a prestigious internship, a first car, an apartment, a child’s wedding...

The only problem is that most potential mothers and fathers will have to spend many years, strength, and most importantly, health on all these financial projects. But the health of future parents is the main and most important “dowry” for a child, a guarantee of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. And, as you know, health cannot be bought for any amount of money!

Season and conception

The course of pregnancy depends on the season of conception. A very common pseudo-scientific version pregnancy planning. The reasons for the “seasonal” approach to this important issue are explained in various ways: from the availability of fresh vegetables and fruits, air temperature and the number of sunny days to the influence of zodiac signs and lunar calendar. Some authors focus on the importance of the season (or month, or decade) of conception, others emphasize the importance of choosing the right time for birth of a child. It seems quite difficult to reasonably prove (or dispute) the influence of the horoscope and the lunar calendar on pregnancy planning, but as for the direct influence of seasonality on the course of pregnancy and fetal development from a health point of view... Of course, sun rays, warm air and fresh vitamins from natural vegetables and fruits. But pregnancy lasts 9 months, or 3 seasons - therefore, regardless of the season of conception, there will be enough sun and vitamins for everyone!

Pregnancy after 40

After 40 years it is too late to give birth. The most common explanation for this idea is that pregnancy and childbirth place a significant burden on a woman’s body, and after 40 years of age, the risk of developing serious diseases already increases. That is, giving birth after 40 years is dangerous for the expectant mother herself. Another reason for such a categorical statement is the increase in risk genetic disorders of the fetus(primarily Down syndrome – the presence of an additional 21st chromosome in the fetus) in “aged” pregnant women. This explanation is based on fear for child's health.

Finally, there is another, complex fear in the matter pregnancy planning after 40 years – increased risk of developing complications of pregnancy and childbirth. It is difficult to argue with all of the above arguments - they are all justified to one degree or another.

Indeed, with age, the risks of all kinds of complications associated with additional stress on a woman’s body increase. However, this does not mean at all that pregnancy after 40 years will certainly be complicated, the woman’s well-being will certainly worsen, and the child will not be able to be born healthy. By reminding a woman of her age and advising her not to postpone motherhood until later, doctors indicate the optimal time for planning a pregnancy, but this does not mean that after this period the issue of childbearing must be closed.

Medicine knows hundreds and thousands of cases of favorable course of pregnancy, safe delivery and the birth of healthy children from parents whose age significantly exceeded the fatal mark of “40”. Certainly, planning a pregnancy at Balzac's age, it is necessary to be thoroughly examined and soberly assess your health - as, in fact, at any other age. It is wrong to say that it is too late to give birth after 40 years - we are not talking about an imminent threat of the development of pathology in the expectant mother and the fetus, but only about an increase in risks.

According to statistics, the most common due date for a baby is the 40th week. The optimal period for the birth of a full-term fetus is considered to be from the 38th to 41st weeks. With repeated pregnancies, the body prepares for labor faster than with the first. There are differences in the timing of singleton and multiple pregnancy. No more than 9% of all births in the world occur before 37 weeks and are considered premature. The birth of children after 42 weeks is less than 0.5%, such a pregnancy will be post-term.

Show all

Factors influencing the period

During pregnancy to the expectant mother They set the expected date of birth (EDD), this is the day when exactly 40 weeks arrive. The most accurate is determined at the first ultrasound screening at 12–13 weeks. According to statistics, of all births that occur during full-term pregnancy, only 6% occur during pregnancy. The time of their onset depends on many reasons; some pregnancy ends earlier due to indications from the mother or fetus. Factors influencing the due date:

• Duration of the menstrual cycle and time of ovulation. With a long cycle and late ovulation, there is a greater chance of giving birth after the 41st week.
• Heredity. If all women in the family gave birth to children at approximately the same period, then there is a high probability that all subsequent generations will give birth in the same way in the absence of accompanying factors (threat of premature birth, severe conditions requiring early delivery).
• The course of pregnancy. Gestation can occur against the background of miscarriage or cervical incompetence. With proper therapy, the majority of births occur between 37 and 39 weeks, and premature births can also occur. The course of pregnancy can be complicated by polyhydramnios, disruption of fetoplacental blood flow, and severe gestosis. The attending physician will determine the period at which labor will be stimulated in order to avoid the consequences of postmaturity.
• Multiple births. Due to the high pressure on the cervix, such pregnancies most often end at 38 weeks with 2 fetuses, with 3 fetuses - at 35-36 weeks.
• Generic dominant. In addition to the above factors, a woman must have an attitude toward childbirth. The psychological factor plays an important role.



Full term pregnancy

The full-term period of pregnancy is considered to be the period from 37 completed weeks to the 40th week and 6 days. From 41st to 41st and 6 days - full-term prolonged gestation.

These periods are considered normal. Of the total number of births, they account for 91%. The body length of a full-term baby is from 46 cm to 58 cm, weight - from 2500 g to 5000 g. These indicators can vary in each specific case.

What week is it safe to give birth?

From 37 weeks, childbirth does not pose a danger to the baby. Even with his immaturity, the possibilities of modern medicine help him to be healthy. From 22 to 28 weeks, children are considered very premature and even in the absence of a threat to life, there is a possibility of diagnoses such as cerebral palsy and retinopathy. After 28 weeks of pregnancy, there is a high chance of having a healthy baby. Babies born after 34 weeks most often differ from full-term babies only in body weight and height.

The optimal birth date for both boys and girls will be 38–41 weeks. Multiple pregnancies are more often completed before the onset of the full-term period; such children mature a little faster than with a singleton. They try to extend any pregnancy until the safest period.



Premature birth

Births between 22 and 36 weeks and 6 days account for no more than 9% of all births in the world. The weight of a premature baby will be from 500 g to 2500 g. Premature birth often occur in multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios, ICI (isthmic-cervical insufficiency), and in women who give birth frequently. A large percentage occurs when waters pour out. Such pregnancies can also be prolonged under the supervision of specialists.

A warning sign of premature birth will be pain in the lower abdomen. Such symptoms cannot be ignored.

First and second births

For the first time, a woman’s body prepares for childbirth more slowly. When a first-time mother is at full term, you may encounter the fact that the cervix is ​​still dense, not shortened, that is, immature. It usually begins to ripen after the 40–41st week. If the body does not prepare for labor on its own, then it is helped with medication. The first baby is usually delivered at 41–42 weeks. This does not mean that labor cannot occur earlier. This depends on the clinical course of pregnancy, the number of fetuses and other related factors.



In multiparous women, the body prepares for childbirth a little faster. After 38 weeks, for most, the cervix will begin to ripen; by 39-40 it will be fully prepared. Second labor often begins at 39-40 weeks. The process itself for first-time mothers and those giving birth for the second time differs in duration and course. The first time takes longer, the interval between contractions is longer. During the second birth, the cervix contracts and dilates at the same time, the strength and intensity of contractions is higher, and attempts are more productive and faster.