All About You According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), “the average length of pregnancy is 280 days, or 40 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period.” But it can often be very difficult to predict the exact date of conception. So very often babies are born after (sometimes well after!) their due dates. Did you know that only five percent of American babies are born on their due dates? So what do you do if your due date comes and goes, and still no Baby? This is a good time to read up on your life postpartum. Not just how your ..read more

All About Baby Your baby is now full-grown and ready to meet you. As he nears delivery, his body systems are all mature and prepared to survive outside the womb. His fat cells continue to form and will provide him with the insulation he needs once he leaves his cozy home. The fat will also give him irresistibly chubby cheeks! All About You As your body prepares for delivery, you may notice more frequent rounds of Braxton Hicks contractions during which your abdomen tightens and relaxes. You’ll also experience times of more intense contractions that may or may not become regular. During your of ..read more

All About Baby Your baby is most likely positioned with his head facing down and his bottom toward your ribs. If this is your first baby, your baby may “drop” a few days to a couple of weeks before delivery. “Dropping” simply means your baby moves further down into your pelvis, readying for birth. Some babies prefer being head up. This position called breech, carries risks to your baby’s health during delivery. While you may still be able to deliver vaginally, healthcare providers often recommend you have a Cesarean section. All About You Many women lose their mucus plug a week or two before d ..read more

All About Baby Your baby’s internal organs and systems are now fully developed. She’s ready to enter the world. Her once spacious home inside your uterus has become cramped, and she has little room to stretch out her arms and legs. All About You Pack your bags and put them by the door! No need to stress about what to bring; we’ve got a checklist of the absolute necessities and some luxuries that might make your experience a little more comfortable and enjoyable. Even if you plan a home birth, you should pack a small suitcase. These last few weeks of pregnancy can be so hard; you’re d ..read more

All About Baby At 37 weeks, your baby’s body is developed enough to survive outside of the womb. Her lungs, now filled with amniotic fluid, are ready to take her first breaths of air. Her eyelids flutter open and shut preparing for her first view of you. This baby is just about done growing inside you. That means it could be anytime now! All About You Have you discussed hospital procedures, including birthing facilities, IVs, shaves, monitors, pain relief, and enemas, with your caregiver? Do you know you have choices about many of these things? Look for answers to your questions (or ask one of ..read more

All About Baby Your once wiggly baby now favors certain body positions. Typically, your baby will enjoy resting with his head down and his rump toward your ribs — the ideal placement for delivery. Your baby’s movements will become less frequent as he has less wiggle room. From now on Baby’s growth will be slow and steady as he continues to put on weight and fill out. All About You Having odd dreams? That’s common! So is “nesting” behavior, though this tends to kick in strongest right before labor begins. Watch out! If you have a sudden, unbearable urge to scrub the grease from behind the stove ..read more

All About Baby At 35 weeks, your baby is considered full-term and she looks developed, however, The March of Dimes considers babies born up to 36 weeks as “late preterm.” Babies born before 38 weeks are at a higher risk for feeding difficulty and other issues. It is important for you and your baby to be monitored closely by your pediatrician and/or lactation consultant. The soft, fuzzy hairs that once covered her body begin to disappear. She continues to add fat layers, which will help her stay warm once she’s out of the womb. During these last weeks, your baby has developed sleeping patterns ..read more

All About Baby Your unborn baby’s muscles are maturing along with the rest of his body. He can hold his head up and turn it from side to side. He’ll practice his newfound muscle tone by stretching out his arms and kicking his legs. If you are indeed having a boy, the testes have descended into their proper place. Your baby’s eyes are now open when awake, and closed when sleeping. Most of the lanugo is gone and replaced with a thick coat of vernix. All About You Have you written your birth plan? How about setting up a phone tree to share the happy news? (That way, once baby has arrived, your bi ..read more

All About Baby Your unborn baby’s senses continue to develop. If you talk to your baby, she can hear you. In fact, her world is full of sounds. In addition to your voice, she can hear your stomach growling and your lungs taking in air, along with the reassuring vibrations of your heart beating. Also, your baby’s skin has turned from red to pink and she has started preparing for life outside the womb by storing iron in her liver. All About You Worried about going into labor with your partner nowhere in sight? Make sure you have your cell phone charged and ready. Also, make sure you and your par ..read more

All About Baby Just like you, your unborn baby will establish a daily routine. You’ll notice at times your baby is active and wiggly, while at other times you can’t feel her movements. Once your baby’s born, she’ll most likely continue with her in-utero pattern. Along with a routine, your baby has favorite positions too. A favorite of many unborn babies is to have their heads down, rumps up towards the ribs (conveniently, the perfect position for labor). All About You Only a few weeks to go and you’re probably counting down the days! No wonder, with all the aches and pains throughout your body ..read more