Ninth Month of Pregnancy
This is the last stage of pregnancy. The most awaited day of child birth arrives in this month.
- The baby is now ready to be born. The lungs are fully developed this month. A substance known as surfactant is released, when they develop. This helps the baby in breathing at the time of its birth. It is also assumed that it may give a signal to the mother’s body to start the labor process.
- The baby is settles down into the correct position, with head down and feet up. Breathing may ease, as the baby moves lower in the pelvis. This is known as lightening. The rolling and moving of the baby continues but the kicks become a little week. You may notice a regular pattern in time of sleeping and waking up of the baby.
- Be aware that your due date is just an estimate. Babies are born between thirty seven and forty two weeks of pregnancy. Prepare yourself to go to the hospital. Make plans for child care for your older children, if this is not your first baby to be born.
- The baby is full grown this month. He is gaining about a half a pound each week. The baby will be born weighing between six and ten pounds. About seven and a half pounds is considered average. The average length is between eighteen and twenty two inches in length.
- After the thirty sixth week of pregnancy, visits at the doctor weekly. Internal tests and exams should be taken more often to look for any changes in the cervix. Be patient, even if the cervix is not dilating.
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You may notice more frequent and stronger contractions. You might get concerned about labor as they get stronger. Drink some water and lie down, if you are not sure, that the time has come. This change of positions usually stops the contractions. Real labor would continue even after lying down.
- Clear all your doubts by discussing them with your doctor and follow his/her advises. The last month of pregnancy is considered as the most difficult. Backache is very common during the ninth month and you might feel tired and exhausted. The sleep might be interrupted and the discomfort will increase. Try to rest during the day to make up for interrupted sleep at night. Don’t get discouraged, since the pregnancy is quickly coming to an end. Your baby will very soon be in your hands.
Good planning can help in avoiding a lot of confusion at the eleventh hour. You just need to take good care of yourself and take some necessary precautions to have a successful delivery.
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Filed Under: Pregnancy Stages
