Last months of pregnancy

The period from the 5th to the 8th month of pregnancy, i.e. From the baby's first noticeable movements to around 12 weeks later, this is the time of greatest well-being for a pregnant woman. The body has overcome the changes which occasionally lead to disturbances in the first months of pregnancy, and the constriction of the abdominal viscera is not so great during these months that the woman would have to suffer significantly.

Complications During Pregnancy

With a healthy lifestyle with sufficient hours of rest, especially enough sleep, she feels fresh and productive, and she can enjoy the joy of the coming child undisturbed. With the beginning of the last trimester of pregnancy, however, the woman requires special medical supervision, since in these last few weeks major stresses on the maternal organism can lead to disturbances in the vital organ systems.

With a timely examination, which takes place free of charge in the pregnancy counseling at the gynecologist, and then initiated medical treatment, all more serious consequences, which can lead to symptoms of poisoning (toxicosis), can be avoided. The most common pregnancy poisoning results from disorders of kidney function and thus of the water balance.

The water ingested with food is no longer processed sufficiently by the kidneys and eventually accumulates in body tissue. At first you can notice this accumulation of water on the swollen legs, later also on the hands and face and finally on the entire surface of the body, which appears glassy. But of course a responsible mother doesn't let it get that far, but asks the doctor for advice at the first signs.

At the latest in the second half of pregnancy, if it has not happened earlier despite all the urgent advice, the mother-to-be must visit the pregnancy advice center at the gynecologist and have her examined. If one of the disorders described is present, the doctor will initiate appropriate treatment.

Diet & relaxation during pregnancy

Physical rest and diet are important. Low-protein food, low-salt, in some cases salt-free food to reduce thirst and water retention in the body and to protect the kidneys are important measures. It is not uncommon for hospital treatment to be necessary in such a case.

During the entire period of pregnancy, the young mother should limit the amount of table salt a little to make it easier to use lately. Even heavily bloating foods, such as cabbage and legumes, take up unnecessary space in the increasingly narrowing abdominal cavity and lead to feelings of oppression from the pressure on the diaphragm.

The doctor often does not understand women when he advises against an abdominal bandage during pregnancy. Strong, intact abdominal muscles will regress much faster and more sustainably with some gymnastic exercises in the puerperium if a pregnancy belt is not worn. At the same time, appropriate gymnastics for pregnant women combats the tendency to unconsciousness, varicose veins, calf cramps and back pain and is the most important measure to maintain a good figure.

Sex & intercourse at the end of pregnancy

Is sexual intercourse allowed into the final period of pregnancy? The doctor often has to give an answer to this. In most cases, parents expect the coming baby with joyful impatience. All plans, dreams and hopes of both partners have the same content, the same direction. Certainly one of them wishes to find the other's most livable traits in his child's abilities. With so many close similarities in thinking, the need for external loving union is understandably particularly strong.

And yet the doctor must demand that, because of the risk of infection with all kinds of pathogens in the woman's birth canals and because of possible harm to the child in the event of vigorous physical intercourse, the sexual act should be avoided 6 to 8 weeks before the calculated date of birth, and earlier if there are complaints.

Diabetes & Heart Defects During Pregnancy

What about the worsening of existing ailments through pregnancy, e.g. in diabetes? Most of the time, the illnesses are known before the pregnancy or have been discovered in the advice center for pregnant women during an early visit, and the patients remain under constant surveillance. If there are any changes in the findings, you will immediately be referred to specialist treatment.

We know that heart defects, especially in the second half of pregnancy, can cause dangerous disorders that require hospitalization or bed rest. Pregnant women with heart disease need specialist medical care in the first few months. With careful care, a woman with heart disease can become a mother today. Pregnant women with metabolic diseases such as diabetes can find admissions in specially equipped special clinics, where appropriate treatment can be carried out.