What to Consider During the 7th Month of Pregnancy

How Does the Fetus Develop During the 7th Month?

Below is a comprehensive overview of the changes that occur in the baby’s body during the 7th month.

How does a pregnant woman’s body change in the 7th month?

A pregnant woman’s body undergoes several changes in the 7th month, preparing for the upcoming childbirth. This can be a challenging time, and it’s essential for pregnant women to maintain emotional stability.

Balance Issues

During the final trimester, pregnant women often face difficulties in movement and sleep due to the significant abdominal growth. Many experience a sense of imbalance, resulting in an unsteady gait, limited bending, and reaching high objects. To prevent accidents like slips and falls, it’s advisable to opt for comfortable shoes with flat soles, especially those with anti-slip features.

Backaches

As the fetus and uterus grow larger, they exert pressure on the liver, stomach, intestines, and diaphragm. This increased pressure, particularly on the ribs and pelvis, is the primary cause of back pain in the 7th month of pregnancy. Staying active through activities like walking and swimming can help alleviate the pain. Prolonged periods of lying or sitting still should be avoided.

Colostrum Secretion

Some women experience yellowish discharge from their breasts during the third trimester. This is a normal sign that the mammary glands are preparing for breastfeeding. However, it’s essential not to manually express colostrum, as it can stimulate premature labor.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Pregnant women in their 7th month often notice an increase in white vaginal discharge, leading to discomfort and a constant feeling of wetness in the private area. To maintain hygiene, daily use of tampons and regular underwear changes are recommended to prevent bacterial growth.

False Labor

Even though the due date is still more than two months away, many pregnant women experience false labor contractions. Typically, these contractions reappear after 20-30 minutes, causing discomfort. Pregnant women should monitor the frequency and intensity of false labor contractions. If they persist for 2-3 days or longer, it’s advisable to consult a doctor who can provide medication to prevent uterine contractions.

What Should a 7th-Month Pregnant Woman Be Mindful of?

As a pregnant woman enters the 7th month of her pregnancy, it becomes crucial to prepare for the well-being of both herself and the fetus, as this period can be quite challenging. Here are some important considerations:

Common Issues Faced by 7th-Month Pregnant Women

Pregnant women in their 7th month should promptly seek medical attention if they experience any abnormal symptoms to ensure the safety of both mother and child. These issues may include:

1. Amniotic Fluid Leakage: Leaking amniotic fluid can lead to various dangerous complications such as birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. While amniotic fluid may be mistaken for urine due to its small amounts, it is colorless and odorless, whereas urine is pale yellow and has an ammonia odor.
2. Vaginal Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding is a significant warning sign that pregnant women should take seriously. In such cases, immediate medical attention is essential, and travel should be limited to minimize the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
3. Headaches, Abdominal Pain, Visual Disturbances: These symptoms are indicative of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition for both the mother and the child. To reduce the risk of preeclampsia, pregnant women in their 7th month should regularly monitor their blood pressure and maintain a well-balanced diet.
4. Uterine Contractions: Uterine contractions can be a sign of preterm labor, although some women may mistake them for false labor. Distinguishing between the two can be done by tracking the frequency and intensity of contractions. True labor contractions typically occur regularly every 10 minutes, increasing in intensity. In contrast, false labor contractions appear every 20-30 minutes and often resolve after a few days.

When Should 7th-Month Pregnant Women Seek Medical Attention?

The ideal time for a routine antenatal checkup for pregnant women in their 7th month is typically between the 24th and 26th weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the baby’s body has developed distinct features, making them visible through ultrasound imaging. Additionally, prenatal examinations allow obstetricians to monitor the amniotic fluid level, determine the fetus’s position, and assess the baby’s overall health.

However, if a pregnant woman in her 7th month experiences any of the following unusual symptoms, it is advisable to schedule an ultrasound for timely evaluation and appropriate treatment:

1. Digestive Issues: Such as constipation, indigestion, or diarrhea.
2. Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, dizzy, or having a poor appetite.
3. Persistent Heartburn: Ongoing episodes of heartburn.
4. Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Particularly if it appears brown or dark red in color.
5. Abdominal and Back Cramps: Experiencing consistent cramping in the abdomen or lower back.
6. Gum Bleeding: Bleeding from the gums.

Diet for 7th-Month Pregnant Women

During the third trimester, a pregnant woman’s diet plays a critical role in determining the health and well-being of the fetus. Therefore, expectant mothers need to establish a balanced and nutritious daily meal plan.

Recommended Food Groups:

Pregnant women in the 7th month should include the following food groups in their diet:

1. Protein and Iron-Rich Foods: To prevent anemia during labor, it’s essential to consume around 27mg of iron daily. Sources of iron and protein include beef, poultry, legumes, almonds, rice, and more.
2. Mineral-Rich Foods: Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc are crucial in preventing osteoporosis, cramps, and premature birth. Include minerals in your diet through foods such as oats, black beans, barley, eggs, salmon, and artichokes.
3. High-Fiber Foods: Fiber helps prevent constipation, gestational diabetes, and aids in weight control. Incorporate plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruits into your diet.
4. Folic Acid-Rich Foods: Actively supplement with folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects. Aim for 600-800mg of folic acid daily, which can be obtained from oats, vegetables, beans, watermelon, and other sources.
5. DHA-Rich Foods: DHA is essential for the baby’s brain development. You should consume about 200mg of DHA per day, which can be found in milk, eggs, and fruit juices.

Foods to Avoid:

In addition to including healthy foods, pregnant women should limit their intake of the following items to prevent adverse effects on the fetus:

1. Salty Foods: Excessive salt consumption can lead to reduced sodium absorption and worsen swelling in the legs and hands.
2. Spicy and Greasy Foods: Fried and spicy foods can trigger heartburn and gestational diabetes.
3. Stimulant-Containing Foods: Avoid coffee, tobacco, and alcohol to reduce the risk of premature birth, miscarriage, or fetal alcohol syndrome.
4. Fast Food: While convenient, ready-to-eat fast foods may lack essential nutrients needed for pregnant women’s health.

A Healthy Lifestyle for 7th-Month Pregnant Women

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the overall health of both the mother and the baby. Consider making the following adjustments to lead a more scientifically sound daily life during your 7th month of pregnancy:

1. Engage in daily physical activity through simple exercises like walking, yoga, swimming, and cycling. These activities promote flexibility, build resistance, aid in postpartum recovery, and facilitate labor.
2. Opt for clothing made from 100% cotton or natural fibers to ensure breathability and gentle contact with the skin, providing comfort as your body temperature fluctuates.
3. Pursue personal hobbies such as listening to music, watching movies, painting, or gardening to reduce stress and alleviate unnecessary worries.
4. When sleeping, lie on your left side to improve blood circulation and achieve restful, deep sleep.
5. Maintain a balance between work and rest to prevent fatigue and excessive physical strain.

Precautions for 7th-Month Pregnant Women

To safeguard your health in the third trimester, it’s important to avoid the following:

1. Refrain from rubbing your belly or expressing milk, as these actions can stimulate contractions, potentially leading to premature birth or miscarriage.
2. Avoid wearing high-heeled sandals and lifting heavy objects.
3. Steer clear of loud music and noisy environments that could startle your baby.
4. Be cautious about reaching for items high up or bending down low to prevent any impact on the abdomen.

In conclusion, we have shared information about fetal development and changes during the 7th month of pregnancy, along with essential tips for maintaining good health during this final stage of pregnancy.