Pregnancy Week 40

~ Pregnancy Week 40 ~

It is now 39 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 37 weeks gestation and is almost 14 inches long from crown to rump (19 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 7 pounds.

The vernix that covered your baby's body is mostly gone now.

WOW! Your baby has grown from one tiny little cell to over 200 million! Your baby will be born when he or he is ready -- maybe as much as two weeks from now. Only a very small percentage (about 5%) of babies are born on their due date.

Advice for Mom
If you are planning to breastfeed, remember it is not instinctual. Remember that it might take a little time for you and your baby to adjust to each other. Seek support and guidance.

Note any passing of fluid and notify your doctor immediately.

Congratulations! You will be holding your abby in your arms in no time!

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Pregnancy Week 38

~ Pregnancy Week 38 ~

It is now 37 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 35 weeks gestation and is almost 13 inches long from crown to rump (17 1/2 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 6 pounds.

Although your due date is still a couple of weeks away, your baby would be considered 'full term' if he or she was born now. The fluid in the amniotic sac has increased from one drop to about one liter! The placenta has grown to about seven inches in diameter and weighs about two pounds.

Advice for Mom
Research baby-related products carefully. Talk to other moms about what products they could or couldn't do without, and have a look at our checklist.

Pack your bags! Even if you are planning a home birth, pack a few essentials in case you need to go to the hospital. Check out our checklist to help you decide what to pack.

Bloody show (mucous plug - which is thick mucous) may occur any time now, but it does not mean that labor is imminent. It is normal and due to changes in the cervix.

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Pregnancy Week 39

~ Pregnancy Week 39 ~

It is now 38 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 36 weeks gestation and is almost 13 1/2 inches long from crown to rump (18 1/2 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 6 1/2 pounds.

Your baby's lungs are mature and the baby continues to practice breathing in preparation for his or her first breath of air. The umbilical cord is about 20 inches long and will support your baby through birth until the lungs take over.

Advice for Mom
Rest, rest, rest! You'll appreciate why in a couple of weeks.

Worried about your membranes ('water') breaking in public? Try to relax -- the rupture of membranes before labor begins occurs in less than 15% of pregnancies. When they do break, the flow of amniotic fluid is not likely to be heavy since the baby's head acts a bit like a cork in a bottle, blocking the opening to the uterus.

Having trouble sleeping now? It's quite common at this stage of pregnancy.

Prepare a list of phone numbers - family and friends you will want to call with your news. Be sure to pack it in your labor bag.

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Pregnancy Week 37

~ Pregnancy Week 37 ~

You are staring Lunar Month 10! It is now 36 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 34 weeks gestation and is almost 12 1/2 inches long from crown to rump (17 1/2 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 5 pounds, 9 ounces. This month marks the most rapid weight gain for your baby -- about 1/2 - 3/4 lb. per week.

Advice for Mom
You will probably be scheduled for weekly visits to your doctor as your baby's arrival is not too far off now!

Be sure to report any symptoms of pre-eclampsia to your doctor -- excessive water retention, headaches, visual disturbance, or abdominal pain. Be sure to discuss labor and delivery options/routines with your doctor. Issues could include IVs, fetal monitoring, positions, episiotomy, drugs, shaves, and enemas.

Your uterus has grown from about 3 inches to about 12 inches in diameter to hold your baby. Your doctor may perform more frequent cervical checks, although labor is hard to predict. Cervical thinning (effacement), softening and some early dilatation may be occurring .

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Pregnancy Week 36

~ Pregnancy Week 36 ~

It is now 35 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 33 weeks gestation and is almost 12 1/4 inches long from crown to rump (16 1/2 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 5 pounds.

Since your baby is done taking most of the iron he or she needs, your hemoglobin (iron) is coming back up. If labor started, it probably wouldn't be medically stopped as your baby has an excellent chance now.

Advice for Mom
Lightening may occur at any time now as your baby drops into your pelvis.

Start planning for postpartum now. Get some support teams in place for housekeeping, meals, and laundry. The best advice is don't be proud and accept any help that is offered!

Don't forget that expectant fathers also have needs! They sometimes doubt their parenting skills and wonder what life will be like once the baby arrives. Support and communication are very important.

Some cultures have baby showers before the baby is born. Others wait until after the baby is born. You can register your wants and needs at our store to make it easy for everyone.

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Pregnancy Week 35

~ Pregnancy Week 35 ~

It is now 34 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 32 weeks gestation and is almost 12 inches long from crown to rump (16 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 4 pounds 11 ounces.

Your baby is likely beginning to develop sleeping patterns. Although it's still early, if your baby was born now, he or she would have an excellent chance for survival with the provision of warmth, respiratory support and good care

Advice for Mom
You may be feeling anxious and excited about the labor and delivery. Be very careful when taking a bath or a shower late in pregnancy. Your expanding belly can make you somewhat ungainly and this could lead to slips or falls.

Did you know that breastfed babies are less subject to illness in the first year of life?

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Pregnancy Week 34

~ Pregnancy Week 34 ~

It is now 33 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 31 weeks gestation and is almost 11 1/2 inches long from crown to rump (16 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 4 pounds 5 ounces.

Your baby's eyes are developed and the pupil will now constrict if light is shined in their eye. When your baby is most active (many are most active right when you want to sleep!), you should be able to feel about 10 movements in one hour. If not, drink a glass of juice or milk and count for one more hour. Call your doctor if your baby hasn't moved 10 times in 2 hours.

The vernix on the baby's skin is thick and the lanugo is almost completely gone. Your baby's rate of growth will slow down some but still be steady as he or she continues to put on weight and fill out.

Advice for Mom
Although an increase in vaginal discharge is common now, be cautious that it is not leaking of amniotic fluid. Your Doctor can do a simple test to be sure.

Braxton-Hicks contractions will likely continue to occur but without regularity or pain. If you experience pain, contact your doctor.

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Pregnancy Week 33

~ Pregnancy Week 33 ~

Your baby may comfort himself by sucking thumb. His grasp is well developed and he may even grasp the umbilical cord at times. Your baby's brain and nerves are continuing to develop and direct bodily functions. Your baby is starting to prepare for life outside the womb by storing iron in his or her liver. These iron stores will last until your baby is about four months old.

Advice for Mom
Talk to your baby as he or she is able to hear sound and is getting accustomed to family and other familiar voices. Some moms even read to their babies now!

Some doctors will perform an internal exam to check for early cervical changes. While they can be quite uncomfortable for you, they will not harm the baby.

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Pregnancy Week 32

~ Pregnancy Week 32 ~

It is now 31 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 29 weeks gestation and is almost 11 inches long from crown to rump (14 1/2 inches from head to toe).

If your baby was born now, he or she could survive but may face respiratory distress, trouble stabilizing temperature and glucose, and feeding problems.

Many babies will be getting into position for birth, most likely with his or her head down. But if your baby is still head up (or breech), don't worry, there is still time for him or her to turn.

Advice for Mom
Even if you are planning a home birth, it's a good idea to make sure that you are pre-registered at the hospital or birthing center near your home. Begin working with your support person to prepare for labor. Relaxation, massage, and focus exercises can be practiced.

If you have gestational diabetes, make sure you are testing your blood sugars and stay with the diet your doctor prescribed.

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Pregnancy Week 31

~ Pregnancy Week 31 ~

It is now 30 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 28 weeks gestation and is almost 10 3/4 inches long from crown to rump (14 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 3 pounds.

Your baby's fingernails have now grown out to the tips of the fingers. Most babies need their nails trimmed soon after birth. While some moms use baby nail trimmers, other moms prefer to bite off their baby's nails.

By using their hands on your belly, your doctor will likely be able to pinpoint the location of your baby's head, back, and buttocks for you. Ask about this at your next visit.

Your baby's skin is slightly wrinkled and the eyes are wide open now.

Advice for Mom
Vaginal itching may be a sign of a yeast or other infection. Discuss any symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible. Do not administer any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Absentminded? You are definitely not alone! It's just one of those normal occurrences in pregnancy.

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Pregnancy Week 30

~ Pregnancy Week 30 ~

It is now 29 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 27 weeks gestation and is almost 10 1/2 inches long from crown to rump (13 1/2 inches from head to toe).

Although your baby's lungs are developed enough to breathe air fairly efficiently, he or she would tire rapidly. During the next few weeks, your immunities will be transferred to your baby enabling him or her to fight off infections after birth.

Advice for Mom
Some providers recommend perineum massage daily to avoid lacerations and episiotomys. Talk to your doctor to see what he or she recommends.

Notify your doctor of any contractions, backache, visual disturbances, swelling, or headaches.

Discuss the topics of pain relief and anesthesia with your doctor before labour begins. Many women go through childbirth without medication, but relief of pain through medication is an acceptable option, and in some cases, the preferred one. And remember, it's O.K. to change your mind when you're in labour -- if you've talked about the option ahead of time, your better able to make the best choice for you.

The medical community agrees -- there is no question but that given normal circumstances, breastfeeding is best. Some women, however, are unable to breastfeed for one reason or another. Be sure to talk to your doctor and find out about lactation consultants etc. in your area.

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Pregnancy Week 29

~ Pregnancy Week 29 ~

You are starting lunar month eight! It is now 28 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 26 weeks gestation and is almost 10 inches long from crown to rump (13 inches from head to toe). Your baby is beginning to shed the lanugo and the downy hair remains only of the back and shoulders.

Advice for Mom
Many women have trouble sleeping during the third trimester because it is hard to get comfortable. Try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees and under your stomach.

Hormonal changes may cause grouchiness -- just remember, you're coming down the home stretch!

Since blood volume has doubled by now, your requirements for iron are high -- make sure you are getting enough. If you are Rh negative, now is about the time to get your RhoGAM injection and Rh titer.

You'll be needing a car seat very soon. A car seat is a very important investment and careful thought should go into buying a safe one. It's also a good time to start researching other baby needs too, and here's a handy checklist to help you!

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Pregnancy Week 28

~ Pregnancy Week 28 ~

It is now 27 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 25 weeks gestation and is almost 9 1/2 inches long from crown to rump (12 1/2 inches from head to toe).

Have someone listen to your belly! Your baby's heart beat may be detectable against the side where your baby's back (a firm ridge) can be felt.

Advice for Mom
Remember, this is not the time to diet or cut down on fluid intake. Continue eating balanced meals and drinking 8 glasses of water each day.

Be aware of preterm labor symptoms: menstrual-like cramps if more than 5 per hour, "come and go" low backache, sudden change in vaginal discharge, or leaking of fluid. If in doubt, check with your doctor.

Birth plans are becoming more and more popular. A birth plan may deal with a wide variety of topics depending on the patients, the practitioner, and the hospital involved.

Some women experience leaking of urine during pregnancy. Do kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pubic floor.

Home or hospital birth? Doctor or midwife? There are so many choices -- and it seems everyone will give you their opinion on what they think is best! But you are the only one who can decide what is right for you and your baby.

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