Pregnancy and childbirth are like a "reassurance pill," allowing expectant mothers to wait for childbirth with peace of mind.
Generally, during the first prenatal checkup after pregnancy, the doctor will calculate the expected due date for the expectant mother. Therefore, every day afterward, the expectant mother begins to count down the days until she will meet her baby. However, many expectant mothers find that their baby hasn't "shown any signs" by the due date. So, what is the significance of calculating the due date? What should you do if the baby hasn't started labor after the due date? Let's take a closer look!
What is the significance of calculating the gestational age?
The term "gestational age" is self-explanatory; it refers to the time of the baby's birth calculated by doctors. It is usually derived from the length of pregnancy and the results of ultrasound observations of fetal development.
By calculating the gestational age, doctors can effectively assess whether the fetus is developing normally and healthily. At the same time, expectant mothers can also use the gestational age as a reference to calculate their own gestational week and then make reasonable adjustments to their pregnancy diet.
However, it's important to note that the gestational age cannot be calculated with absolute accuracy to determine the baby's birth time. What if the baby hasn't arrived by the due date?
(1) Taking a walk after meals
In fact, taking a walk after meals is a very suitable form of exercise in late pregnancy. During the walk, you can not only breathe fresh air, but also accelerate the descent of the fetus into the pelvis, which is very helpful for childbirth.
(2) Prenatal exercises
Gentle prenatal exercises can not only increase the strength and elasticity of the expectant mother's pelvic floor muscles, but also promote fetal head engagement, which is very helpful in accelerating the onset of labor.
The above is an introduction to the significance of calculating the gestational age. Calculating the gestational age is crucial for every expectant mother. Only by understanding the gestational age can one be better prepared for childbirth. However, the gestational age does not mean that it is the same as the delivery date. It is important to distinguish between the two. Don't get nervous and worried if the baby doesn't start labor in the early stages of pregnancy, as this is not conducive to emotional regulation.
