It’s hard to believe, but you’re now in the ninth month of your pregnancy! In these final weeks of your pregnancy, your baby will continue to grow and develop, getting ready for life outside the womb.
All of their organs are functioning, and they are growing rapidly. You may notice that your baby is moving around more. This is an exciting time for both you and your baby!
What happens to your baby week by week
Week 36
Your baby’s brain is continuing to develop and grow at a rapid pace. All of those nerve connections are being made, and your baby’s brain is getting ready to process all the information they will take in after birth. Your baby’s lungs are also finishing their development during the ninth month of pregnancy. They are now able to produce surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. This is a critical development, as it will help your baby’s lungs function properly after birth.
Week 37
If your baby were born today, he or she would be considered full term. This doesn’t mean your baby is finished growing. He or she is still gaining weight. The average baby this week weighs about 2,9 grams. Your baby this week is all practice: inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid to make the lungs ready for that first breath, sucking on her or his thumb to prepare for that first suckle.
Week 38
Your baby size this week is about 3 Kilos and about 51cm. In fact, your baby is ready for the big day! In the meantime your baby is shedding that skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. And producing more surfactant, which will prevent the air sacs in the lungs from sticking to each other when your baby begins to breathe. Baby will be here before you know it!
Week 39
Progress is being made in the brain area. Your baby’s head might have dropped into your pelvis. You may also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are getting stronger. These are normal and help your body prepare for labour. Your baby is also continuing to add fat to their body during this week. This extra layer of fat will help them regulate their body temperature and protect their skin from the environment after they are born
Week 40
Making it to week 40 is a huge accomplishment! You have made it through nine months of pregnancy and are now so close to meeting your little one and becoming a mother. This final week is important for your baby as their lungs continue to mature and they put on more weight. Congratulations! You’ve reached the official end of your pregnancy. When you meet your baby, say hello. He or she will recognize your voice!
What YOU may be feeling
As you enter the final weeks of pregnancy, you may start to feel more uncomfortable as your belly continues to grow. You may have trouble sleeping, and you may feel short of breath as your baby takes up more space in your womb. These are all normal symptoms of pregnancy, and they should subside after you give birth.
If you experience any bleeding or fluid leakage during the ninth month of pregnancy, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away. These could be signs of preterm labour, and you will need to be monitored closely.
Physically
- Changes in fetal activity
- Vaginal discharge becoming heavier
- Constipation
- Backache
- Heartburn, flatulence, bloating
- Leg cramps
- Nasal congestion and occasional nosebleeds, ear stuffiness
- Mild swelling of the ankles and feet, and occasionally of the hands and face.
- Sensitive gums that may bleed when you brush
Emotionally
- More excitement, more anxiety, more apprehension, more absentmindedness.
- Relief that you are almost there.
- Irritability and oversensitivity.
- Impatience and restlessness.
- Dreaming about the baby.
What to expect during your ninth month’s check up
You will spend more time than ever in your practitioner’s room this month with appointments scheduled weekly. In general you can expect:
- Weight and blood pressure check up.
- Urine, for sugar and protein
- Fetal heartbeat
- Size and shape of the uterus, by external palpation
- Height of the fundus
- Hands and feet for swelling and legs for varicose veins
- Questions or problems you want to discuss
You will also probably receive a labour and delivery protocol.
Tips for your ninth month of pregnancy
Few things in life can compare to the moment you finally get to meet your baby face-to-face. Even though giving birth is an amazing and natural process that your body is made for, it’s still helpful to be as prepared as you can be. Here are a few tips for your ninth month of pregnancy to help ensure a smooth delivery:
- Take a birthing class. Learning about the process of labour and delivery can help ease any anxiety you may be feeling.
- Stay active. Staying active during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of complications and can make labour easier.
- Eat healthy. Eating a nutritious diet not only benefits you but also your baby.
- Trust your instincts. At the end of the day, you know your body best. Listen to it and trust your intuition.
As your due date approaches, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Remember that your body was made to do this and trust that you will instinctively know what to do when the time comes.
The ninth month of pregnancy can be tough, but you’re almost there! Hang in there, and enjoy the snuggles with your little one.
Come on mama! You can do this! Congratulations and best of luck!
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