The big day is just about here! For the last few weeks, your uterus may remain the same size and your weight gain should level off—around 25 to 35 pounds. You may not be getting bigger, but you feel more uncomfortable. Backache, constipation, heartburn and swelling of the ankles and feet may continue, as well as swelling of the hands and feet. You may find yourself having to urinate frequently since your uterus is pushing on your bladder. You may experience difficulty sleeping at night, as it’s hard to find a comfortable position. Vaginal discharge may be heavier now and will have more cervical mucous in it as your body prepares for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and can be very painful.

The baby is making final preparations for life outside the womb. Reflexes are coordinated so the baby can blink, close its eyes, turn its head, grasp firmly and respond to sound. By the 38th week, most of the baby’s lanugo (downy hair) and the vernix (whitish coating) are disappearing. The baby’s intestines are accumulating a lot of meconium (baby’s first bowel movement). The baby’s head will drop into the mother’s pelvis if he/she is head-down. At 38 to 40 weeks, the baby is full-term. By the end of the month, the baby weighs about 7-1/2 pounds and is over 21 inches long.

You will be seeing the doctor weekly. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Late in the pregnancy, your doctor will check to see how far the baby’s head has dropped into your pelvis. You will be checked to see whether your cervix has begun to stretch and open (cervical effacement and dilation). A fetal non-stress test may be performed to ensure the baby is still doing well.

Continue learning all you can about labor, birth, postpartum and newborns! If you are having a son, now’s the time make the decision regarding circumcision. Enjoy these last few moments as a couple or as a family. Make sure you have made arrangements for childcare for any older children, if they aren’t attending the birth.

 
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