Full-term not until 39 weeks?

wellinaustin · May 2016

Edit* I'm planning on listening to my doctors and 100% resting until 37 weeks (at which point she believes if I go into labor it's not a big deal), but I'm anxious by doctor wasn't being cautious enough and wondering if maybe its overkill to worry about it too much after my doctors initial guidelines. I do not want this baby to come early (just on time haha), this is more about worrying if he does come early, but I don't know if what I'm experiencing (symptoms below) warrants me to stay off my feet until I hit full-term.

So I've read a few articles on this because I started dilating (1cm) and lost part of my mucus plug last week with back contractions on and off. My doctor didn't put me on bed rest, but she restricted my exercise and sex and asked that I stay off my feet as much as possible until at least 37 weeks. I'm 36 weeks this week and while I know this does not mean labor is coming soon necessarily...I'm at least trying to prepare myself for little guy coming potentially early even thought I'm resting.

That all being said, I had a friend recently talk about how her baby was one week early and how she had a friend who went to 42 weeks and her friends baby is a better sleeper/eater etc. It started to stress me out so I did some research on babies going to full term vs. babies born at 37/38 weeks. There aren't a lot of great articles out there with actual statistics, but there is research about higher IQs and lower risk for a few different health issues. I also can't help but think the articles I've read did not break out the data by natural vs. induced births with other complications etc. All articles I saw were from 2013 as well. Anyone else thinking about this or have good research they can share that isn't super vague?

I also would really like to start being active again next week and living my life a little more normally and was planning on it up until my friend told me this and I started researching. She had good intentions, but she made me feel guilty and that I should continue doing what I'm doing now (taking it ridiculously easy) until I hit 39 weeks at least. I'm happy to do that, but I wonder if that is overkill? I want to take my dog for walks again and take pre-natal yoga to help me with my achy hips.

missnc77 · May 2016

I'd listen to whatever your doctor recommended, and it sounds like they recommended you take it easy and not exercise or have sex. What your friend thinks shouldn't be relevant to your decision making. Although, I will say that if I'm reading between the lines, and you want to stay active so you can go ahead and have your baby early against what your doctor is recommending, I have to say WTF? I want to drink wine and eat sushi. I want to go ride a rollercoaster. I want to go to a zika infested tropical island and drink beach drinks and bake in the sun. But, I am in this for the long haul, and I'm committed to doing what's best for me medically based on whatever my doctor says.

wellinaustin · May 2016

@missnc77 -- I think you maybe didn't read my full post or that it was confusing, but I edited and added a note at the bottom just in case. My doctor said until 37 weeks, but my friend made me anxious and I started reading articles about 39 weeks plus. I'm doing what my doctor says, but now I'm anxious maybe I should be doing more and curious if anyone thought that was overkill or if I'm worrying too much.

I'm committed a much as anyone to this pregnancy/future child and I definitely did not mean to imply otherwise.

Jyoung327 · May 2016

My doctor told me today at my 36 week appt that my baby is in position and he can feel the head when he checked me, and that there is a possibility my baby could come any day now but it is not something I should want. He said even if I got to 37 weeks the baby is still considered pre-term and has an increased risk for infections and breathing problems among other things. My guy is also measuring only at the 35th percentile so we had talk of induction if his ultrasound today showed he wasn't growing (he is, so that's off the table) but my doctor also said he would not consider a membrane sweep until at least 39 weeks because that is considered term. Over the weekend I started getting shooting sciatic nerve pains and a lot more backpain down that he is moved into position and braxton hicks like crazy, in addition to my bladder being a pancake. So yes, I am uncomfortable, anxious, and ready to meet this baby and my due date feels forever away but I'm gonna wait. Every baby is different, your friend's friend or baby or whoever could have a million other factors that impact whether its a good eater or sleeper or whatnot but I really don't believe in general that less in-utero development would be more beneficial unless in some kind of extreme case, which you have not made apparent to be your case.

ETA: Re-reading your post, you said you aren't even technically on bed-rest, your doctor just asked you to reduce your activity level and give pelvic rest, which is not overkill in my opinion. It seems a short dog-walk is different than going out jogging or walking miles at a time so that's something you could perhaps clarify with them.

jenashawn · May 2016

I think she was trying to ask if she should take it easy until the 39 week mark, rather than the 37 week mark... like perhaps her doctor wasn't being cautious enough, and she thinks she should perhaps be even more cautious than her doctor advised. Unless I read that wrong? I don't have an answer to that, but I assume the longer the better if you can manage. However, I think prenatal yoga is actually very good for you and will help with labor as well. So if the doctor is comfortable with the yoga, I would personally feel comfortable returning to it.

wellinaustin · May 2016

Thanks @Jyoung327 - are you on bed rest? Just curious what precautions you're taking at this point to prolong labor from coming.

wellinaustin · May 2016

@jenbkc - Yes, you're 100% right! I appreciate your note. I guess the most I can do is ask my doctor about the yoga and walking and see what she says. Just based off our last conversation, I feel like she'll say anything past 37 weeks is fine and not to worry about it. I love my doctor and trust her, but after reading around the internet got anxious.

hellogoodbye2 · May 2016

The way I take it, the recent change in "full term" is more for those (doctors and patients) who need/want to be induced or schedule a csection. It is more appropriate to do so at the 39 week mark rather than the 37 week mark.

If your baby comes anytime after the 37th week naturally he/she stands a high chance of not needing any NICU time.

With that being said, I would keep my activity light and not try to worry too much. You are close enough to 37 weeks.

missnc77 · May 2016

Sorry for misunderstanding. If you're wondering if you should continue to rest, why not just keep following your doctor until next visit, and then ask if you should continue, or if it's okay to start resuming normal activity? If you don't want to wait until your next appointment, I'm sure you can call. As for the articles on your baby being better off born in x week, just stop reading them. Your friend could have just lucked out with a baby that sleeps and eats well. As long as you're following what your doctor says, then there's not much more you can do, ya know?

Merciel · May 2016

I'm not saying you should disregard your doctor's advice, and I don't know the particulars of your situation, but purely as anecdotal non-evidence: I've been dilated to 3cm and approx. 50% effaced for at least the past week (might be more now, I didn't get a cervical check at today's appointment), dropped my mucus plug midway through Week 35, and have baby at a very low station. Nevertheless, I've been maintaining my usual routines without that much difficulty (walking 2 to 4 miles per day, exercising on the elliptical at the gym, doing prenatal yoga, etc.). My doctor's view is that as long as I feel physically capable and comfortable doing those things, then there's no need to cut back on exercise even with some dilation and effacement. I'm currently at 38 weeks and 2 days.

I'm not saying this to suggest that you should do the same -- again, I don't know your specific situation and there might be very good reasons that your doctor suggested that you should take it easy -- but hopefully it might alleviate some of your worries to know that moderate exercise doesn't always cause the baby to pop out even if you're partially dilated, effaced, and have the thing all set for launch. To the contrary, all the studies I've been able to find on the subject indicate that babies tend to benefit from having more active mothers, provided you're careful and sensible and don't over-exert yourself beyond what your body can comfortably sustain.

So, well, hopefully that makes things a little less anxious? If not, feel free to ignore this post, I am after all just some random stranger on the Internet.

wellinaustin · May 2016

@Merciel - I definitely appreciate this post. I'll talk to my doctor first (who I actually assume will tell me to get active again once I reach 37 weeks) and then maybe get back into routine of walking and yoga at that point. I previously was doing cardio kickboxing, barre, light strength training etc and I miss my body moving. I have spent my entire pregnancy being active due to reading the same info around exercise and pregnancy and I shouldn't let anyone make me feel guilty if my doctor is giving me the green light. It also helps to hear how active you are, that your in a similar situation as me and your baby is still in there and holding strong, although I'm sure you're ready!

Also, like I said the only articles I could find were from 2013 and were likely based off the risde of early c-section and early induction like @hellogoodbye2 mentioned!

So many opinions and thoughts coming from so many directions, its hard not to get caught up when you want a healthy happy baby!

Dasha420 · May 2016

Every baby is different. Each one is a mix of mom and dad and generations passed. Those research articles may have their limitations- such as the amount of children they followed, the location, demographics, type of genetic coding from the children, what kind of nourishment they received, etc.
In your case, I would listen to the doctor. She probably knows more about your pregnancy than those online. Baby will come when baby is ready. Did you know that labor begins when the mind of the fetus sends messages to the moms mind saying he/she is ready to evacuate?

I would spend time focusing all positive energy on the LO. My US tech said once I hit 37 weeks the baby is considered full term from then on.

Everything will work out.

wellinaustin · May 2016

@Dasha420 - thanks, you're totally right! After 37 weeks, I have to believe if he comes on his own that he is ready!

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