By 40^th week of pregnancy, your baby is around 19 to 21 inches long and weighs about 7 to 9 pounds. By this time, your baby has grown up and has developed her organs inside your uterus. All her bones except the skull have hardened. The skull of your baby is still soft as it helps your baby navigate her way through vaginal canal during delivery.

Some of you may not show symptoms of starting of labor during 40th week of pregnancy too. In such case, your health care provider will suggest inducing labor. He/she may start some medicines to induce labor. It is done keeping in mind your and your baby’s safety. As you proceed in pregnancy, level of amniotic fluid decreases gradually, if that level is too low, then there is a chance that your baby will not get sufficient nutrients through amniotic fluid. In such cases, the health care provider may induce you labor to avoid further risks to your and your baby’s health.

If you go into labor but it does not progress, your and your baby’s health is at risk because of this then your health care provider may induce labor. If your baby is in breech position or there are risk factors involved if you are to give birth vaginally then your health care provider may suggest delivery by C-section depending upon your individual situation. As each pregnancy is different and unique, your health care provider will make a decision depending upon your health.

If you are planning to breast feed your baby, then let your hospital staff know your wish so that you will be able to feed your baby as soon as possible after delivery. The early milk or colostrums contains protein and antibodies that help your baby improve his/her immunity and fight diseases to certain extent.

There are many advantages of breast feeding your baby. Apart from your baby getting antibodies and proper nourishments, it benefits you too:

It helps you loose weight quickly as more calories are burned during breast feeding.

While breast feeding, uterus contracts and bleeding reduces. Thus it speeds up your recovery process.

Apart from being economical it reduces the chances of breast cancer.

Above mentioned are a few advantages of breast feeding. If you are planning for formula feeding, then consult your doctor or a pediatrician for their recommendations.

Some of you may experience hemorrhoids, vaginal bleeding and swollen breasts after delivery. Many women suffer from postpartum depression, most commonly referred to as ‘baby blues’ due to additional hormones in the body. Consult your health care provider before taking any medicine for these symptoms.

Take proper rest during this week as you may not be able to get enough rest and sleep once you arrive home with your baby. Spend time reading baby care books or doing things you like to do. Once your baby arrives, your life will be changed totally therefore plan everything in advance so that you can take care of your baby properly.

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By 39^th week of pregnancy your baby is around 18 to 20 ½ inches long and weighs about 6 ½ to 8 pounds. Though you might not notice change in your weight or size, your baby is continuously growing and preparing for her birth. Monitoring your baby’s movements is essential. If you find any change in your baby’s movements and feel that your baby has become less active, then contact your health care provider without wasting any time.

Now that you have a few more days before your baby arrives, use this time to make sure you have adequate supply of nursery supplies. If you have bought clothes for your baby, make sure they can be exchanged if the size does not fit. Keep all the tags so that you can exchange the clothes. Ask about the shop’s exchange policy before buying baby clothes. If you have not already taken a practice run to your hospital, do it now. This way you will know the time you take to reach the hospital in case you need to rush there in emergency.

If your partner wants to accompany you in during delivery, let your health care provider and hospital know it in advance. Many hospitals allow filling of forms in advance so that the expectant mother and her partner can be admitted quickly without wasting time on documentation on the D-day. If you have elder kid/s, then spend it with them as you will get little time once your baby arrives home.

Your health care provider will ask you to monitor your baby’s movements as your baby gets lesser space in your uterus now. Some of you may experience breaking of water sac. There is no need to panic, however contact your health care provider immediately. Your baby might take some more time to arrive however you should act as per your health care provider’s advice.

You will be surprised to know that only 5% to 6% women deliver on their due date. Therefore its some days past your due date, there is no reason to worry. However if you are more than a week past your due date, then your health care provider may induce labor after some tests to determine whether to wait for some more time or induce labor so that you can deliver your baby safely.

After delivery, many women expect to loose weight immediately. However, you will reduce gradually even though some websites want to tell you a different truth, but usually those websites just have a product aimed at rapid weight loss and done a good amount of SEO work to land in the top results so beware let nature take care of your gradual weight loss . You will loose 10 to 12 pounds right away after delivery but you will take some more time to get back to your pre pregnancy weight. If you are planning to breast feed your baby, then you have the chance of loosing weight faster and getting back to your pre pregnancy shape. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise after delivery. If you undergo C-section, then your body will take more time to heal and strengthen.

Enjoy the remaining days of your pregnancy as your life will be way different once you arrive home with your baby.

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Now you are carrying a full term baby. Your due date may be another week or two ahead but you can expect your baby’s arrival anytime now. Your baby is around 17 to 20 inches long and he/she weighs somewhere between 6 ¼ to 7 ½ pounds now. Most of the organs in your baby’s body are fully developed and functional except for lungs and brain. Your baby’s lungs will start functioning right after his/her birth. Both brain and lungs will continue to develop throughout his/her childhood.

By this time, you should be ready with your hospital bag as your baby may arrive anytime now. If you have elder kid/s then do not forget to pack a surprise gift for them as it will prove useful in bonding the siblings as the elder kid/s may get jealous of the new born baby. Keep your health care provider’s phone number at hand so that you can reach him/her in emergency too.

Unlike what they show in movies, labor is a long process. The first stage of labor may start a few days or hours before the active labor. During this stage, your cervix, the neck of the womb, consisting of a narrow passage leading to the vagina, may dilate

If your water sac breaks, then rush to the hospital without wasting any time. Once the water sac breaks, the process of labor speeds up. There is a possibility of you and your baby contacting any infection as the sac containing amniotic fluid protects your baby from getting any outside infections. Therefore it is necessary for you to reach your health care provider or doctor immediately.

Many pregnant women complain of swelling on their feet, ankle, face and hands during last few weeks of pregnancy. It is quite normal, however if you notice sudden rise in swelling, then contact your health care provider immediately as this may cause some serious problem to your and your baby’s health.

If you have decided to breast feed your baby then make sure your doctor and other staff in your hospital knows this so that you can breast feed your baby as soon as possible. Apart from protecting your baby from various infections, breast feeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.

If you have not got the infant car seat installed till now, make sure you get it now. As the hospitals do not allow parents to take their baby home without a car seat. Some local stores offer help in installing car seat, so if you have any doubts you can get help from such local stores. Make sure you install the car seat properly keeping in mind your baby’s safety.

Take this time to relax and do things you like to do. Once your baby arrives, you will be so busy looking after your baby that you will get very little time for yourself. Spend some quality time with your partner as you will not be able to give him sufficient time once your baby comes home.

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Around 3th week of pregnancy, your baby is around 18 inches long and her weight is about 6 to 7 pounds. You should have gained somewhere between 25 to 35 pounds. Generally 37th week and onwards during pregnancy, some of the moms-to-be do not gain much weight. However you must remember one thing that each pregnancy is unique and each baby’s growth will differ from other babies. Therefore if you find other women’s growth measures are different from your, it should not be the cause of concern for you. Even so if you have any doubts regarding your weight and your baby’s growth, seek your health care provider’s advice.

Around this time of pregnancy, the mucus cup that was preventing outside bacteria from entering uterus is pushed out so that the cervix can dilate or widen and your body starts preparing for child birth. There is no hard and fast rule as to when a woman will deliver after the mucus cup is expelled. Actual labor can be hours, days or another couple of weeks away.

If the vaginal discharge is colorless, then there is no need to rush to the hospital immediately. However if the discharge is more and is bright red in color, then you must contact your health care provider without delay.

If you have not packed your hospital bag, now is the time to do that. This way you will be prepared when the big day arrives. If your hospital allows, make sure you complete all the documentation beforehand so that you do not have to wait if you have to reach the hospital in emergency.

Now that your delivery day is not far away, you will have to consider some other things as well. You will not be able to cook for a few days once you reach home with your baby. You can cook such dishes now that can be frozen and used afterwards for dinner. This way you can have home made food too. You can have take-out menus so that you can order meals once you come back home with your baby. If some of your friends or family members offer their help in doing cooking for you, do not feel shy as you need as much rest as you can get after delivery.

You must know one thing that very few babies are born on the due date. A few days plus or minus is absolutely normal. However if you are more than a week overdue then your health care provider may induce you labor. It is done for the safety of both mother and baby. If the baby stays in the uterus past due date then there is a possibility that the baby may not get enough nutrients through swallowing amniotic fluid. Fluid also will decrease. If the baby is big then there could be some problem for natural birth and your doctor may have to perform a c-section for delivery.

Consult your health care provider for details about the preferred method for your delivery.

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36^th Week of Pregnancy

By 36^th week of pregnancy most of the expectant moms will get Braxton Hicks contractions more often. Many times true labor pains start after Braxton Hicks contractions but there are great chances that you will be told by your health care provider that it is a false labor or false alarm once you reach hospital. Do not be frustrated if you get to hear this and sent back to your home.

Your baby is now around 17 ½ to 19 inches long and her weight is around 5 ¾ to 6 ¾ pounds. Each pregnancy is unique and so is every baby’s growth. Therefore it is good not to compare your baby’s growth with other’s babies. Your baby is now putting on weight during these last few weeks of pregnancy. Your baby’s meconium i.e. dark greenish feces that have collected in the intestines of an unborn baby and are released shortly after birth, is being collected. Your baby may pass motion during delivery or right after birth.

Your baby would have descended down in your pelvis. If the process of lightening has not begun, your health care provider might propose version i.e. manipulation of a fetus to change its position in the womb, e.g. so that your baby can be delivered safely. Between 35^th to 38^th weeks, your health care provider may suggest GBS (Group B Strep) to rule out bacterial infection. If you test positive you will be given IV antibiotics during delivery.

Keep your hospital bag ready. Remember to keep following things in the bag:

Nursing pillow

Your and your baby’s clothes

Slippers or slip-ons

Toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap etc

Sanitary pads

Books or magazines

Health insurance card

Infant car seat

Diapers and wipes etc

You need to pack a few things for your partner too. His clothes, shaving kit and other toiletries, some snacks, camera with charged batteries and charger, cell phone or quarters for pay phones are some of the required things for your partner. If you have older kid/s, then packing a special gift or two for them will be very helpful for better bonding between the siblings.

As you enter the ninth month of pregnancy, you will notice increase in heartburn and indigestion. Drink plenty of water to decrease heartburn and stay well hydrated. Sometimes dehydration causes contractions which may end up as false alarm for you. If there is reddish or greenish vaginal discharge, contact your doctor right away. If your water sac ruptures, rush to the hospital immediately.

If you start getting contractions, try changing your position. If it is false labor, then you might get some relief from contractions. However if it is true labor then the contractions will not subside by changing positions. Do not hesitate to call even if it is late night as your doctor is prepared for such calls from women in their last weeks of pregnancy. Prepare yourself mentally for birth of your child and assure yourself that everything will be alright.

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35^th Week of Pregnancy

By 35^th week of pregnancy your weight gain should be around 24 to 29 pounds. Each pregnancy is different therefore do not compare your weight and your baby’s growth with others. If you have some apprehensions and worries regarding this, discuss your concerns with your health care provider.

As you proceed further in pregnancy, your baby starts descending down in pelvis. This process or time during late pregnancy when the fetal head begins to descend into the mother’s pelvis, resulting in a lessening of pressure on the diaphragm is called lightening. Diaphragm is a curved muscular membrane that separates abdomen from area around lungs. This will give you relief from shortness of breath you were experiencing because of pressure on diaphragm due to increasing uterus. However your baby is now putting more pressure on your bladder and your restroom trips will increase as a result.

Your baby is around 17 to 18 inches long and her weight is between 5 ½ to 6 pounds. Your baby’s kidneys are properly developed and other major organs like liver have also matured and it can process waste too. His bones are getting stronger. Now your health care provider will tell you to visit him/her once a week till the time of your delivery.

Your health care provider may check you for GBS (Group B Streptococci). This is a vaginal and rectal culture to find out bacterial infection. If you are carrying these bacteria then you will be given IV antibiotics during delivery. It can reduce the chances of your baby contacting blood infection, pneumonia or meningitis during birth.

Some of the old friends heartburn, cramps, swelling on legs, feet, hands and face will give you company for couple of more weeks. As there is lesser space in your uterus for your baby to move around, you will probably not experience your baby’s aerobics. You will have to monitor your baby’s movements by counting her kicks and punches. You should be able to count 10 kicks or swishes of your baby in two hours.

Sit down in the comfortable chair with good support or lie down on your side with hands on your stomach at the time of the day when your baby is generally very active. If you find your baby is less active, then contact your health care provider or wait for some time and count again. If you feel that your baby’s activity level has gone down in past two days, then contact your health care provider immediately so that he/she can decide further course of action to be taken.

If your partner wants to accompany you at the time of your delivery, ask your health care provider regarding use of camera. Many hospitals allow video recording and taking photographs during delivery. If your hospital allows more than one person to accompany you during delivery, ask one of your friends or family members to be there to give you support.

Be prepared to welcome your baby with her loved ones around.

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By 34^th week of pregnancy, you can make out the consistent growth of your abdomen. Now your tummy has to accommodate around 17 ½ inches long and 5 to 5 ½ pounds baby inside. The growing abdomen may make your belly button very sensitive and might push your belly button slightly outwards.

Your baby’s skin is getting fat stored under it. This will help your baby control and normalize his/her body temperature once your baby arrives in this world. Your baby’s lungs are completely developed. If born now, he/she has good chances of survival.

By 34^th week of pregnancy most of you might have got used to some of the discomforts of pregnancy like not finding comfortable sleeping position, backaches, swelling on feet and ankles etc. You can prevent your legs and feet from getting swelling by drinking lots of water, going for walk regularly and by keeping your legs elevated while sitting. Drinking water can also help in reducing heartburn. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables so that you get all the required nutrients essential for growth of your baby.

When you visit your health care provider discuss the pain management option you want to opt for your delivery. If you want to breast feed your baby then learn the proper feeding position so that you do not strain your back while breast feeding your baby. Ask your health care provider about different ways of birth control after delivery. Plan your next visit and post delivery schedule with your health care provider.

Keep watch on your baby’s movements. If you think your baby is less active or your labor pains have begun, contact your health care provider immediately. Keep your partner’s and health care provider’s number handy so that you can reach them in case of emergency. Find out the nearest way of reaching the hospital just in case you have to rush to the hospital in emergency.

Ask about the signs of pre term labor so that you will know when to contact your health care provider. Cramps in lower back and abdomen coupled with watery vaginal discharge are one of the signs of pre term labor. If the discharge is reddish in color or green with foul smell, then it may be either urinary tract infection or beginning of pre term labor.

Many hospitals require the information about your health insurance and other related information beforehand. Keep all the paper work ready if your hospital allows you do fill up the relevant forms couple of weeks in advance. If you have chosen a pediatrician for baby, include his/her name on the hospital forms.

If you have not selected name for your baby yet, discuss the baby names with your partner, friends and family members. It is required as you will have to add your baby’s name on his/her birth certificate, your insurance policy and other related paperwork. Completing all the formalities before you check in the hospital for your delivery will keep you free from worries of incomplete paperwork.

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Another few weeks and you will be proud mom of your little one. You might feel anxious; worried about your delivery and child care once your baby arrives. Discuss your worries with your partner. You partner also may be worried about some things regarding your pregnancy, delivery and child upbringing. You can be good support for each other and it will also help you bonding even better with each other and your baby.

Your baby is now around 16 ½ inches tall and weighs about 4 ½ to 5 pounds. Even if your baby’s measures are more or less than these, do not panic. It is perfectly normal as each pregnancy and child development is different and unique. Wrinkles on your baby’s skin are now vanishing and baby’s skin is getting fat stored underneath continuously. With the exception of your baby’s skull, other bones are getting stronger. Your baby’s skull tissues will get stronger as your baby grows up.

Some of you may experience rupturing of membranes during 33^rd week of pregnancy or after couple of weeks. Though most of the women leak urine during last few weeks of pregnancy, you need to be sure that it is amniotic fluid and not urine. If the liquid is clear and has no smell then it is a possibility that your water bag has broken. Contact your health care immediately.

If the liquid is greed or red in color, then there is a possibility that there is some infection that is causing colored discharge. Rush to your health care provider right away so that he/she can check you and your baby. If your water sac has broken, then your doctor may induce labor to avoid any infection to you and your baby.

Heartburn, headache, lower backache, cramps in legs, swelling of hands, feet and face are some of the symptoms you might experience during this week. Do not take any over the counter medicines for any of the symptom without consulting your health care provider.

Keep track of your baby’s movements. If you feel your baby’s movements are lesser than normal, then contact your health care provider immediately. You should be able to count at least ten movements in two hours. If you do not feel the minimum movements within two hours, call your doctor right away. Let the doctor check on your baby so that he/she can decide further course of action.

If you have not packed your bag that you want to take to the hospital, this is the right time for that. This way you will be ready even if you have to rush to the hospital in emergency. Make sure your nursery is full of nursery supplies like diapers, wipes, baby clothes etc. Washing all the clothes you have bought or got as a baby shower gift is a good idea. This way the fabric will become soft and dust free for your baby’s use.

Try to keep your anxieties away for stress free pregnancy.

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As you near your due date, most of the moms-to-be gain one pound per week. Your baby is also gaining weight and she is around 4 to 4 ½ ponds now. Your baby’s height when measured from head to toe can be around 16 inches. Your baby’s lungs are becoming stronger week by week. Baby’s finger nails and toe nails are formed properly by 32^nd week of pregnancy. Though all the bones are formed, they are supple and soft. Your baby will continue to grow till the time of delivery.

As you reach 32^nd week of pregnancy, your health care provider will ask you to visit him/her once in two weeks. If you are having some complications, then gap between two visits will vary depending upon the complications. After some weeks, your visits to your health care provider will become weekly as your health care provider will require checking your health and your baby’s growth every week.

Most of you may experience heartburn and constipation during this week. You can avoid heartburn by taking smaller four to five meals instead of having three big meals. Drink plenty of water so that you stay well hydrated. Eat healthy food and try to stay away from junk food cravings. If you are planning to go out, keep fruits handy so that you do not eat junk food.

When you next visit your doctor, ask him/her whether more than one family member or friend can accompany you to the birthing bench. If the answer is ‘yes’ then ask your friend or family member who you think can be great support during labor. Make sure that the person who will accompany you to the labor room can stand all that blood and sweat during delivery.

Discuss with your partner the option of saving your baby’s umbilical cord. If you want to save it then let your doctor or midwife know it in advance so that the cord can be saved and preserved properly.

Do not stay in one position for longer duration. Take care while changing position as you may loose your balance because of increased weight and abdomen size. Avoid sudden change in movement as it might give you dizzy feeling. If you feel that the contractions are more than Braxton Hicks contractions, contact your health care provider immediately.

Ask your health care provider to teach you how to count your baby’s kicks. If you notice that your baby is less active than normal, contact your health care provider right away. Some of you may even notice little swelling on face and hands as well along with feet and legs. Mild swelling is quite normal however contact your health care provider so that he/she can decide its severity.

Take small meals during the entire day. Include all types of healthy food in your diet so that you and your baby get all the essential nutrients for proper growth. Do not compare your symptoms with other expectant moms as every pregnancy is unique and special.

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By 31^st week of pregnancy, your body gets almost ready for nursing your baby after birth. Some of you may notice milk like substance coming out of breasts. It is called pre milk or colostrums a yellowish fluid rich in antibodies and minerals that a mother’s breasts produce after giving birth and before the production of true milk. It provides newborns with immunity to infections. If you do not notice any colostrums leak, do not worry. Both the situations are normal during pregnancy.

This is the time to decide whether you are going to breast feed your baby or want your baby to take bottle feed. Discuss this issue with your health care provider. Search about advantages and disadvantages of breast feeding and bottle feeding. If you have decided to give bottle feed, then learn the methods to keep the bottles sterilized.

By 31^st week of pregnancy, your baby has gained a lot of weight and she weighs about 3 ½ to 4 pounds. Your baby is now around 15 ½ inches tall. The procedure of fat storing under the skin is still going on. Your baby is preparing for her entry in this world.

If you deliver your baby during this week, baby has good chances of survival. However your baby will have to be kept in the care of doctors as your baby’s lungs are not strong enough though the immune system has developed properly.

Apart from colostrums leakage, you might experience Braxton Hicks contractions, practice contractions that generally start in 6^th week but are generally felt during third trimester by many women. It means your body is preparing for the delivery day. It is your chance to practice breathing exercise you have learnt at the childbirth education classes.

Heartburn, headache, backache and cramps will give you uncomfortable feeling. Do not take any medicine for such conditions without taking your health care provider’s advice. Some of you may experience hemorrhoids that are painful varicose veins in the canal of the anus. This condition generally gets better after delivery. Consult your doctor who can decide the medication which is safe if taken during pregnancy.

Most of you may see noticeable increase in the appetite during this week as your baby needs nutritious food for the fat storage. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and drink fresh juices instead of canned ones. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated. Going for walk can help avoid stiffness and swelling of legs and feet. If your health care provider has advised you to take bed rest, then do not take that advice lightly. Make sure you get enough rest during daytime too.

Ask your health care provider about the signs of pre term labor. Keep your partner’s and health care provider’s phone numbers handy so that if there is any emergency, you will be able to reach them right away.

Though there are a few weeks for your delivery, keep the diaper bag ready with baby clothes, diapers and wipes so that you do not reach the hospital unprepared.

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