You are almost there, and next week marks the beginning of term. It's difficult to relax with so much happening around you, but the best thing you can do from now until you enter labor is to get some rest.
Most first time pregnancies go the full forty weeks to term. Twins come a little sooner. If you have been carrying a multiple pregnancy you can expect to enter labor this week. But this is only a statistical average, and your pregnancy may last a little longer.
Your baby is now mature. Over these last few weeks your baby will deposit fat so that it will be able to regulate its body temperature outside the protection of your uterus.
Your baby has been exercising its muscles through the kicks and jabs, which you have probably been feeling! EngagementThe term used to describe the final portion of pregnancy during which the baby's head (or other presenting part) has settled into the pelvic cavity.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. will move your baby's feet away from your ribs, but put pressure on your bladder instead.
Your baby is practiscing breathing with its lungs. Since there is no air in the uterus your baby has been swallowing amniotic fluidThe liquid, which is produced by both the fetal membranes and the fetus that surrounds the baby during pregnancy. The liter of fluid at term serves to protect the fetus during pregnancy and also provide active chemical exchange.
The amniotic fluid consists of maternal and fetal plasma in varying concentrations. The pH of the fluid is almost neutral and clear, although lipids and desquamated fetal cells can make it cloudy.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. causing hiccups.
Many of the complications that have been bothering you for the last couple of months will disappear when the baby engagesThe term used to describe the final portion of pregnancy during which the baby's head (or other presenting part) has settled into the pelvic cavity.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. The pressure will be taken off your lungs making it easier to breathe. And the kicks and jabs you have been feeling will no longer be directed at your heart! Hormonal complaints such as edema, heartburn and varicose veins will still affect you, but they too will subside after the delivery of the baby.
This week your baby is no longer premature, but simply preterm. There are no complications usually expected from preterm babies, so even if it's a little early, you can look forward to see your new baby a little sooner, and put the discomfort of pregnancy behind you earlier!
Fill out your health insurance paperwork so that it is all prepared for when you go into labor. Fill your car up with gas! Since you can go into labor any time in the next three weeks, be sure that you are ready and complete any last minute chores.
If you haven't yet bought a car seat, you should consider buying it this week. Next week your baby will be at term, so labor may begin at any time.
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