Week 35
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- Your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing in between 5 and 5.5 pounds (2300-2550g).
- The crown-rump length this week is between 12.4 and 13.2 inches (310-330mm) and the standing height is 16.5 to 20.25 inches (413-450mm).
- While your baby is gaining weight at a quick rate, your weight gain is likely slowing down during these last (only 5 weeks to go!!) weeks of pregnancy.
- If you have a pelvic exam during these last weeks, you may be told that you are 20% effaced or 1cm dilated, this means your cervix is getting ready, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you will go into labor anytime soon.
- The percentage of effacement refers to the thinning of your cervix that occurs in preparation for the birth of your baby.
- If you think of the cervix as a tight turtleneck collar, effacement is the collar getting shorter, like when you squish down the collar to get your head through.
- Dilation is the opening of the turtleneck getting bigger.
- Both of these processes must occur before the baby can come out.
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Week 36
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- Baby weighs between 5.4 and 6 pounds (2500-2750g), if he was born during this week, he would probably be just fine.
- Crown-rump length this week is 12.8 to 13.5 inches (320-340mm) and standing height is 17 to 20.7 inches (425-460mm).
- Are you experiencing any contractions? Some contractions are painless, these are generally referred to as Braxton-Hicks and can occur at any time during pregnancy.
- In these later weeks of pregnancy you may experience more painful contractions which are sometimes called false labor or pre-labor contractions. The main thing about both Braxton-Hicks and pre-labor contractions is that they are irregular and of a short duration.
- If the contractions become regular and longer in duration, contact your doctor.
- A baby born at this gestational age will most likely survive and do great, especially if the weight is normal, but attempts may still be made to stop the labor and allow your baby to continue developing in your womb for a few more weeks.
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Week 37
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- Your little one is still gaining about 14 grams or half an ounce each day, and weighs between 5.9 and 6.5 pounds this week (2700-2950g).
- Crown-rump length is 13.2 to 14 inches (330-350mm) and standing height is 17.5 to 21 inches (438-470mm).
- Doctor visits are probably weekly now and you may be asking about the position of your baby, head down or bottom down.
- Most babies, around 97%, are in a head down position before birth.
- If your baby is found to be bottom down or feet first, it is considered breech.
- Some breech babies can still be delivered vaginally, these are mostly in the "frank" breech position, bottom down, legs crossed up in front.
- An ultrasound will likely be done to determine if a vaginal delivery can be attempted or if a caesarean section should be performed.
- Do you have everything packed to go to the hospital or birth center? Have you discussed your birth plan with your doctor?
- Only 3 weeks to go!! If labor were to start, there probably wouldn't be any reason to try and stop it. Only 5% of babies come on the predicted due date, 90% deliver in the week before or the week after that date.
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Week 38
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Getting close now! Baby is approaching birthweight and now weighs between 6.3 and 6.8 pounds or 2900 to 3100 grams (this is just an average, some babies may weigh closer to 8 pounds right now).
The crown rump length is not increasing by much now, and is between 13.6 and 14 inches (340-350mm), standing height is between 18 and 21 inches (450-470mm).
You probably don't feel any bigger than you did a couple weeks ago, but you may be less comfortable. Sleeping may be more difficult and you may find yourself visiting the restroom more often. Take heart, only a couple more weeks to go, and then you'll have your baby in your arms, and be able to sleep however you want, when your baby lets you sleep!
In a nesting mood? Why not cook some meals to put in the freezer, they will be very welcome in the first weeks of getting accustomed to your baby's schedule.
If you are planning on breastfeeding, now might be a good time to do a little refresher reading from
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding or So That's What They're For!
Find the name of the La Leche League leader or contact person for another breastfeeding support group in your area. If you encounter problems, or if you just want to talk to other nursing moms, give them a call.
If you are planning on bottle feeding, check out the MommyLinks Bottle Feeding page for links to Formula manufacturer sites, sign up for their mailing lists and they'll send you free formula and coupons.
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