You’re getting closer! You will feel less kicking and more of a rolling or squirming feeling because there’s not much room for the baby to move around. You will have increased backache, constipation, heartburn and swelling of the ankles and feet. The hands and feet may also swell. Your pelvis has expanded and may ache. You may experience difficulty sleeping at night. As the baby drops, you will find your breathing is easier, but your urination will increase in frequency. You’ll feel even clumsier. Braxton Hicks contractions will be stronger, as your body gets ready. Your uterus has grown bigger and is probably up under your ribs, and is pushing everything else out of the way—between 6 1/2 to 8 inches above you navel! In preparation for birth, your cervix will dilate (open up) and thin out (efface). By the end of the 9th month, you’ll probably feel quite large and uncomfortable.

The baby’s arm and leg muscles are strong. Because the baby has much less room to move around, it curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest, and arms and legs crossed. Toenails and fingernails have grown to the tips of the fingers. Most babies are head down by now, although 4% of all babies will be breech. At this point, the amniotic fluid is at its highest level in the pregnancy. Rapid brain growth increases the baby’s head size. Fat continues to accumulate, turning the baby’s skin color from red to pink. The baby responds as a newborn, opening its eyes while awake and closing them when sleeping. By the end of the month, the baby weights around 6 pounds and is close to 21 inches long.

After 36th week, you’ll 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. Close to delivery, 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.

Stock the freezer with foods that can easily be popped in the oven or microwave after the baby is home. Pack your bags for the hospital. Make sure you have completed the pre-admission forms for the hospital and that you have a pediatrician chosen for your newborn.

 
Top