Hulk, Save Up Your Power!!

Another week behind, and now it’s the last, 9th month of pregnancy! Your pea has become such a pretty one — she is already a real baby with pink skin and plump legs. Her growth has slowed down so that she does not become too big inside, otherwise, it will not be easy to get out. The baby's weight is still increasing a bit, but that's still not a reason to eat a lot of cakes. ☺ Now the baby is already fully developed and begins to accumulate power for the upcoming important breakthrough — being born into the world. This process will require a lot of effort from her, so it's time for her to have a good rest and save energy. And for you also, by the way.

This week almost all the systems of your baby's little body are ready for life in our world. Blood circulation has improved, and your baby’s immune system is sufficiently developed to protect her from infections outside the uterus. Others, however, still need a few finishing touches. For example, digestion will remain immature for some time after birth. Why? The fact is that all 9 months the baby was feeding through the umbilical cord, which means that the digestive system, although developed, has not yet started. It will take about a year for the intestine to be colonized by beneficial bacteria, and for the process of digesting any food to be fully adjusted.

Other minor changes: the baby’s ears are nearly finished forming. Although the cartilage is still quite soft and mobile, it's gradually becoming denser, and the ears are taking on the right shape. And they hear so well! Do not forget to talk to the baby and sing songs — she will adore all these sounds after birth.

And the main news is that by the end of this week your baby is no longer premature, so you can stop being afraid of preterm birth. Careful with the words “full-term”, though — 37 and 38 weeks are called early term, and full term doesn’t start until 39. Those last two weeks aren’t padding: the brain and the lungs are still doing real work in there. By the way, if the little bully is still not turned head down, the doctor may offer you a special technique to help turn her (called an external cephalic version). ACOG recommends it be offered to every breech baby at term, so at least say yes to the conversation — most women find it uncomfortable rather than painful, and it can spare you a cesarean. Exercises and yoga postures are lovely, but they can’t be relied on to turn a baby.

Measuring a baby:
Height:
Crown to rump: 13.4 in (34 cm)
Crown to heels: 18.7 in (47.4 cm)
Weight 6-6.6 lbs (2.7-3 kg)