According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), “the average length of pregnancy is 280 days, or 40 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period.” But it can often be very difficult to predict the exact date of conception. So very often babies are born after (sometimes well after!) their due dates. Did you know that only five percent of American babies are born on their due dates?
Read MoreYour baby is now full-grown and ready to meet you. As he nears delivery, his body systems are all mature and prepared to survive outside the womb. His fat cells continue to form and will provide him with the insulation he needs once he leaves his cozy home. The fat will also give him irresistibly chubby cheeks!
Read MoreYour baby is most likely positioned with his head facing down and his bottom toward your ribs. If this is your first baby, your baby may “drop” a few days to a couple of weeks before delivery. “Dropping” simply means your baby moves further down into your pelvis, readying for birth. Some babies prefer being head up. This position called breech, carries risks to your baby’s health during delivery. While you may still be able to deliver vaginally, healthcare providers often recommend you have a Cesarean section.
Read MoreAt 37 weeks, your baby’s body is developed enough to survive outside of the womb. Her lungs, now filled with amniotic fluid, are ready to take her first breaths of air. Her eyelids flutter open and shut preparing for her first view of you.
Read MoreYour once wiggly baby now favors certain body positions. Typically, your baby will enjoy resting with his head down and his rump toward your ribs — the ideal placement for delivery. Your baby’s movements will become less frequent as he has less wiggle room. From now on Baby’s growth will be slow and steady as he continues to put on weight and fill out.
Read MoreAt 35 weeks, your baby is considered full-term and she looks developed, however, The March of Dimes considers babies born up to 36 weeks as “late preterm.” Babies born before 38 weeks are at a higher risk for feeding difficulty and other issues. It is important for you and your baby to be monitored closely by your pediatrician and/or lactation consultant. The soft, fuzzy hairs that once covered her body begin to disappear. She continues to add fat layers, which will help her stay warm once she’s out of the womb. During these last weeks, your baby has developed sleeping patterns (and they often have little to do with night and day!)
Read MoreYour unborn baby’s senses continue to develop. If you talk to your baby, she can hear you. In fact, her world is full of sounds. In addition to your voice, she can hear your stomach growling and your lungs taking in air, along with the reassuring vibrations of your heart beating. Also, your baby’s skin has turned from red to pink and she has started preparing for life outside the womb by storing iron in her liver.
Read MoreJust like you, your unborn baby will establish a daily routine. You’ll notice at times your baby is active and wiggly, while at other times you can’t feel her movements. Once your baby’s born, she’ll most likely continue with her in-utero pattern. Along with a routine, your baby has favorite positions too. A favorite of many unborn babies is to have their heads down, rumps up towards the ribs (conveniently, the perfect position for labor).
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