Pregnancy Week 39
It is now 38 weeks from your last menstrual period. Your baby is now at 36 weeks gestation and is almost 13 1/2 inches long from crown to rump (18 1/2 inches from head to toe) and weighs about 6 1/2 pounds. Your baby's lungs are mature and the baby continues to practice breathing in preparation for his or her first breath of air. The umbilical cord is about 20 inches long and will support your baby through birth until the lungs take over.
Advice for Mom
Rest, rest, rest! You'll appreciate why in a couple of weeks. Worried about your membranes ('water') breaking in public? Try to relax -- the rupture of membranes before labor begins occurs in less than 15% of pregnancies. When they do break, the flow of amniotic fluid is not likely to be heavy since the baby's head acts a bit like a cork in a bottle, blocking the opening to the uterus. Having trouble sleeping now? It's quite common at this stage of pregnancy. Prepare a list of phone numbers - family and friends you will want to call with your news. Be sure to pack it in your labor bag.
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