As the fetus gradually develops and grows, the placenta will also gradually mature. The maturity of the placenta varies at different stages of pregnancy. As long as it meets the normal gestational age, the placenta level 2 indicates that it has matured and the pregnant woman can prepare for delivery. However, at 40 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta is still level 2. What's going on?
It is normal for the placenta to remain at grade 2 at 40 weeks of pregnancy, so pregnant women don't need to worry too much. At this point, the placenta is fully developed, and the specific timing of delivery depends on the symptoms during labor. The placenta has not yet aged, and if the amniotic fluid volume and fetal heart rate monitoring are normal, pregnant women can continue to wait.
At 40 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women should pay more attention to changes in their bodies and check for signs of delivery. If there are symptoms of lower back pain and abdominal pain, it may be a sign of uterine contractions. Moreover, as the fetus is about to give birth, the frequency of uterine contractions will become more frequent and regular. Within 24 hours before delivery, there may be bloody discharge in the vagina, also known as redness. The amount of bleeding is generally less than during normal menstruation, and if it exceeds the menstrual flow, it is abnormal.
As the uterine contractions intensify, the pressure inside the uterine cavity increases, so there may still be amniotic fluid flowing out, which is known as amniotic fluid rupture. After the rupture, delivery is usually imminent. At this time, pregnant women should not engage in intense activities and avoid sudden standing or sitting up to prevent umbilical cord prolapse. They should try to lie flat as much as possible and then be escorted by their families to the hospital for delivery.
