In the late stages of pregnancy, we often hear doctors mention fetal implantation. Due to the different development of each baby, the timing of fetal implantation also varies. So what is fetal implantation? When does fetal implantation usually occur? What does it feel like for a fetus to enter the womb?
What is fetal implantation
At around 36 weeks of pregnancy, the head of the fetus will enter the mother's pelvis, that is, the biparietal diameter of the fetal head will enter the lower end of the maternal pelvic entrance and be symmetrical with the pelvis. This phenomenon is called "fetal pelvic entry", which is the signal that the fetus is ready to descend and the first step in the process of vaginal delivery.
Time of fetal implantation
According to statistics, 80-90% of primiparous women will show signs of pelvic entry at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy, where the baby's head smoothly enters the pelvic cavity of the expectant mother.
The time of entering the womb varies, with a small number of people waiting until before delivery to enter the womb. Some people show signs of entering the womb as early as 33 or 34 weeks of pregnancy, while others do not enter the womb until before delivery. For expectant mothers who are pregnant with their second child, most of them will not show signs of entering the womb until just before giving birth.
Whether the baby's head can smoothly enter the pelvis is an important indicator for doctors to judge whether they can give birth naturally. However, according to statistics, the vast majority of mothers who have not shown signs of entering the pelvic cavity at 38 weeks of pregnancy can give birth smoothly, and only a small number of people need to have a cesarean section. Therefore, expectant mothers do not need to worry too much about the timing of entering the pelvic cavity.
What does it feel like for a fetus to enter the womb
1. Urinary frequency
After entering the uterus, the large uterus further compresses the bladder, making it difficult for the bladder to store urine normally, which can make expectant mothers feel the urge to urinate and constantly want to go to the bathroom. Expectant mothers should be aware that if they experience hematuria or painful urination at this time, they should be alert to urinary tract infections.
2. Falling pain sensation
Expectant mothers may occasionally feel a sense of heaviness in their lower body, tightness in their belly, and slight pain in their intimate areas, as if the fetus is gradually descending.
3. Lower your belly
Expectant mothers may feel as if something suddenly falls from their abdomen, with their belly leaning down.
4. Palace height decreases
Around September of pregnancy, the uterine floor is at its highest point during pregnancy. After entering the uterus, the uterine floor will return to the height of August of pregnancy, resulting in a decrease in uterine height.
5. The feeling of dysmenorrhea
Expectant mothers may also feel waves of pain similar to menstrual cramps, which are actually obvious uterine contractions. As the fetus continues to descend, the pain of the expectant mother becomes increasingly apparent. It is important to remind mothers that if their baby experiences regular pain after entering the womb, they should immediately go to the hospital and prepare for childbirth.
6. Changes in abdominal shape
Expectant mothers may also experience some changes in their abdomen, such as looking more like pomelos, feeling harder to the touch, and their breasts no longer touching their stomachs. It's interesting that although the belly is getting bigger, expectant mothers don't feel very tired, and even relax a bit.
7. Easy breathing and improved appetite
After the fetus enters the womb, the fetal position shifts downwards, and the pressure of the uterus on organs will be significantly reduced, especially organs such as the heart, lungs, and stomach that are located higher up will gradually return to normal function. Expectant mothers will feel more relaxed, breathe more smoothly, have a better appetite, and eat more.
