Since we have months of 28, 30, and 31 days, some doctors often suggest that calculations for a woman's length of pregnancy be done according to the lunar calendar. This basically means considering the following:
- 1 lunar week = 7 days
- 1 lunar month = 4 weeks of 7 days = 28 days
As the period between the beginning of pregnancy and the day of delivery is about 280 days, we can see that this value corresponds to 40 weeks.
Since a lunar month is 4 weeks, 40 weeks of pregnancy corresponds to 10 lunar months.
Now that you understand these accounts, let's move on to talking about the seventh month of pregnancy. During this period, between the 25th and 28th lunar week, the baby spends most of the time awake. In this phase, your body grows more than your head, making your body and limbs proportionate. The baby starts this phase with approximately 700 grams, ending with 1250 grams, and about 30 centimeters.
It appears pink, due to the formation of blood capillaries; with very thin skin, and begins to put on weight. The hands are already well formed, and can open and close. As the brain and nerve endings are relatively developed, as well as the immune system, it is also able to sense tactile sensations, hear and perceive light. By the way, your eyes are already fully developed and this month they can be opened and closed.
As the nostrils are already open, and the lungs develop significantly; the baby is able to breathe through his nose if he is born prematurely. In the case of boys, this is the period when the testicles usually descend.
As for the mother-to-be, she may have back pain, shortness of breath, tenderness and/or dry eyes, allergies, and gastrointestinal problems due to the compression of the uterus on the intestine and the loosening of the muscles of this structure. She may also have cramps, usually caused by lack of iron. In addition, at this stage she tends to be more swollen, and with significantly larger breasts (releasing colostrum); and stretch marks tend to appear – they can be prevented by moisturizing the body and skin well.
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Vaginal discharges are common, as is urinary incontinence. This increases the chances of infections, which have itching and increased urination as classic symptoms.
As pregnancy hormones can hinder the production and use of insulin, there is a risk that the pregnant woman will develop diabetes. Thus, during this period, it is prudent for the pregnant woman to take a blood glucose test in order to check blood glucose levels.
At the end of that month, in some pregnant women a black line appears, which goes from the navel to the pubic hair. It tends to disappear within a year of giving birth.
Feeding the pregnant woman:
Iron-rich foods will help with issues related to the maternal digestive system and the prevention of cramps.
Since, during pregnancy, the need for calcium consumption increases 50%, it is important that the pregnant woman eat foods that contain this element. Some of them are: broccoli, watercress, lettuce, oats, parsley, celery, beets, sweet potatoes, onions, kale, spinach, oranges and corn.
Not eating foods with caffeine or alcoholic beverages reduces the risk of premature birth. Cigarette use should not be done either.
Replacing salt with balsamic vinegar, in salads, can be a good measure, as it helps with digestion, is low in calories, and fights free radicals. Avoid frying and, when this cannot be done, replace the oil with extra virgin olive oil; it's also a good measure. Such food prevents arteriosclerosis, improves the functioning of the stomach and pancreas, accelerates metabolic functions, and promotes calcium absorption.
Important:
In the 28th week, if the pregnant woman is Rh negative, it is important that she receive an injection of immunoglobulin Rh, in order to prevent fetal erythroblastosis in this and future pregnancies, in the case of a Rh baby positive.
See more!
Sixth month of pregnancy
Eighth month of pregnancy
By Mariana Araguaia
Biologist, specialist in Environmental Education
Brazil School Team
Month-to-month follow-up - Pregnancy - Biology - Brazil School
