Pregnancy Month Nine
Weeks 36, 37, 38, 39, 40:
You are finally in the home stretch of pregnancy. The ninth month (week 36 through 40) is the last month of the third trimester and the last month of pregnancy. This is the also last month your baby has to finish her pre-birth preparations, which are simply to gain weight and complete lung development. If you're not uncomfortable yet, chances are you will be by the time your baby comes, and you may just feel like you can't wait to be done. You may not gain weight this month because your body is reducing the amount of amniotic fluid in the womb. The amount of fluid in your body decreases as well so don't be alarmed if you lose weight. As your labor gets closer you're going to notice little things that are a sign of labor coming on, and when you do go into labor there are things you can do to make it easier. This is the month to make sure you know what you're looking for and what to do, so when the time comes, you'll be more than prepared.
At thirty eight weeks development your baby is considered full term and may come anytime. Her lungs have matured to the point where they can now support her without any medical help. However, while her body may be ready developmentally, most babies wait until anywhere from two weeks before the calculated due date, to two weeks after the calculated due date to come. Don't plan on a specific day unless your doctor has a date for you to be induced.
The vernix that has coated her body for the past few months is starting to wear off. Most of it will be gone by the time she comes, especially if she comes after her due date. The earlier a baby comes, the more vernix she'll have. Those babies that are overdue often have no vernix at all. Your baby's immune system is not yet mature, and won't be for quite a while after she is born so for now, she'll continue getting her antibodies from the placenta. After she is born, she'll pick up your antibodies from your breast milk. When your baby comes she will weigh anywhere from six to nine pounds and may be up to twenty two inches long.
The last month of pregnancy is the hardest month for most women. The weight of the baby makes you uncomfortable, moving is difficult, breathing can be difficult, your body may feel exhausted, and you're too uncomfortable to sleep at night. Some women feel like they have constant pain, similar to feeling stiff all of the time. All of this combined can make you feel frustrated, like you're going to be pregnant forever. Don't be hard on yourself. These feelings are perfectly normal. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel like you are your own person again.
At some point this month your baby is going to move down deeper into the pelvis, toward the birth canal. This is called lightening and is one of the signs that your body is getting ready for labor. This can be a huge relief because it makes more room for the lungs, relieving the feelings of breathlessness. On the other hand, it increases the pressure on the pelvis, which can make it difficult to walk. When the baby moves down you may start to feel movement very low in the pelvic area. Some women feel like the baby is trying to punch into the birth canal, or tickle the area on the side of the pelvis between the skin and the hip bone. These can be very strange experiences.
As your baby and your body get closer to birth, you will start to notice new developments that are a sign of upcoming labor. Lightening is often one of the first signs and can occur a couple of weeks before labor actually begins. Your Braxton hicks may increase in frequency and intensity, and many women notice a low backache. You will also want to watch for increased vaginal discharge, especially if it's a significant amount. Your body has put in a mucus plug to protect the baby. As the cervix opens this plus is released and becomes discharge. Some women experience diarrhea, a bloody show (you'll notice some blood on the toilet paper when you wipe after urinating), or the water breaking, although this is more of a rarity than a common occurrence. The biggest indicator that you are in labor will be your contractions. In real labor the contractions are regular, occurring at even intervals. They will get stronger, longer, and closer together as labor progresses. Sometimes walking will heighten the contractions. If you suspect that you are in labor, time the contractions, both how far apart they are and how long they last. If the contractions are five minutes apart and as long as a minute and a half, you are probably in labor. A key to making labor easier is to begin relaxing through the contractions as soon as you suspect labor. It's easier to relax while they are easy and to continue relaxing as they get harder, rather than starting to relax when they're hard. If you're already relaxed, it can lessen the intensity.
Relaxing can make your labor much, much easier, but it's not the only technique that will help. Labor requires a lot of work from a woman so you're going to need to be rested and have plenty of energy. Between contractions rest, relax, and breathe. Close your eyes and visualize the baby moving through the birth canal or visualize yourself somewhere that calms you. If you need to, eat food that will give you energy and help you keep that energy during the labor. Create a calm atmosphere for you to labor in by listening to soft music and dimming the lights to a relaxing level. Remember that while you are in labor, it is all about you. Don't be afraid to ask for anything you need, anything you think may make the labor better. Make yourself as comfortable as possible using whatever means necessary. Lots of pillows can be your best friend. If you need to adjust your position, do so. Some positions may actually help the baby move down the birth canal easier. Pay attention to your body. If you feel like you need to do something different, you just might be right so don't be afraid to do it.
For the last nine months of your life you have been carrying a little tiny person in your womb. This month that little person will finally come and greet you in your world. You'll get to look at her perfect features, play with her tiny fingers and toes, feel her soft skin, and smell her amazing scent. You and your baby will work together during labor to bring her into this world, just like you've been working together to allow her to grow. What you've done is created a masterpiece and given it life. You have accomplished something incredible. Don't forget to educate yourself about post partum depression (PPD) which the statistics are staggering as to the number of women affected by post partum.
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