Already pregnant but not contracted: what does it mean?

Entering the final trimester of pregnancy, especially the period before childbirth, feelings of pleasure and impatience will mix over you. The reason is, soon your little one who has been in your stomach for about nine months, can be met in person. However, what if you have entered a late pregnancy but haven't had contractions yet? Is this normal? Find the answer here.

Entering a late pregnancy but not having contractions, is this normal?

Every pregnant woman must feel a different "sensation" during her pregnancy, including before the due date of birth (HPL). One of the signs that are often encountered before childbirth is the presence of contractions. Even though most mothers have started to feel contractions in their late pregnancy, don't worry that you don't feel those contractions.

First of all, you should know that the normal gestational age is 37 to 41 weeks. So don't worry when the womb has entered the 38 week period but there are no signs of contractions yet, because this is still considered normal.

Reporting from the New Kids Center, most babies are born at 3 to 4 weeks later than their expected day of birth. As long as they are within this range, the doctor will usually only wait until there are signs of natural contractions. However, if the signs of labor do not appear even after the age of 41 weeks, then an induction is needed to stimulate labor.

Usually labor induction at more than 38 weeks is also medically necessary if you have complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or uterine infection.

So, what should I do if I am already pregnant but haven't had contractions?

Older pregnancy but not contractions may make you anxious. However, you should avoid thinking about this too much, especially to cause stress during late pregnancy. As a solution, it's better to do the following light things to keep your mind fresh so it doesn't affect your health condition and that of your baby.

Relaxing by spending a lot of time with relatives and family can be an option, for example by watching movies or sports together. The goal is to distract yourself from thinking about things that can interfere with the health of the pregnancy.
Shop for various things to prepare the baby's presence later, so you don't have to bother buying what you need later.
Resting with enough sleep will make your body more comfortable and relaxed.
Meditate. Meditation outdoors can refresh your mind. The fresh air will energize you to help you think positively.

If I have felt contractions, how do I know if they are a sign of labor?

After waiting for so long, finally signs of contraction appeared. But don't be in a rush to think that labor will arrive soon, as these may just be fake contractions or what are commonly called Braxton Hicks contractions.

It's actually easy for you to tell whether these contractions are fake or not. False contractions are usually not too painful or even at all painful and they do not last long, are infrequent, or even cause no blood spots. Meanwhile, the contractions that indicate labor will take place regularly and get stronger with time.

If you feel the "correct" contractions, then immediately go to the nearest health facility for medical care and assistance.