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1
33 wks gestation
35 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: about 31 cm crown to rump (42.5 cm or 16
1/2 inches head to toe). Weight: 2300 gms or
about 5 lbs. |
2
Don't forget to get a car seat for
baby. If labor started, it probably wouldn't be
medically stopped as baby has an excellent chance
now. |
3
Some cultures have baby showers;
others have parties for mom but wait until baby
is born to buy her/him gifts. |
4
Baby is putting on fat and things
are getting cramped inside. Almost time to come
out! Here's some advice about discomfort. |
5
Your hemoglobin (iron) is coming
back up. Baby is done taking most of the iron she
needs from mother. |
6
Dreams about the baby are common;
Fears about baby's health and your mothering are
normal. Read: Pregnancy is a journey. |
7
Start planning for the postpartum
experience. Get some support teams in place for
housekeeping, meals, and laundry. |
8
Lunar Month X
34 wks gestation
36 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 32 cm crown to rump (44 cm or 17 1/4
inches head to toe). Weight: 2500 gms or about 5
lbs. 9 oz. |
9
The last month of gestation begins!
Becoming a mother is a life transition. Here are
some mental exercises to prepare. |
10
Baby gains weight most rapidly
during this month: about 1/2 - 3/4 lb. per week.
Report symptoms of
pre-eclampsia, excessive water retention,
headaches, visual disturbance, or abdominal pain.
|
11
Baby settles into mom's pelvis, a
process called lightening or engagement which makes mom's breathing easier;
baby's new position doesn't stop him/her from
kicking and punching. |
12
Make sure that you discuss labor and delivery options/routines with your provider.
Issues could include IVs, fetal monitoring,
positions, episiotomy, drugs, shaves, and enemas.
Consider a birth plan. |
13
Dad: Accentuate the positive.
Remind her she is beautiful and that you will
both make good partners and parents. |
14
Cervical checks may become
frequent, although labor is hard to predict. Cervical thinning (effacement), softening and some early dilatation
may be occurring. |
15
35 wks gestation
37 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 33 cm crown to rump (about 45 cm or 17 1/2
inches head to toe). Weight: 2700 gms or 6 lbs.
Earliest date of full-term birth: get ready! |
16
If planning a hospital birth,
discuss analgesia/anesthesia options with your
provider. Also ask about induction and natural ways
to encourage labor. |
17
Suggested reading: Your Baby
and Child: From Birth to Age 5, Penelope Leach. Suggested viewing: Buns & Abs of Steel 9 - Post
Pregnancy Workout |
18
Research baby-related products
carefully: If you're planning to breastfeed, begin looking into which pump
might best suit your needs. |
19
Go home! It's time to rest at home
and prepare for birth: take it easy -- you have a
lot of work ahead. |
20
Pack your suitcase! Even if
planning a home birth, pack a few essentials in
case of transport. |
21
Bloody show (mucous
plug - which is thick mucous) may occur any time
now. Labor may not be imminent, but it is normal
and due to changes in the cervix. |
22
36 wks gestation
38 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 34 cm crown to rump (47.5 cm or 18 1/2
inches head to toe). Weight: 2900 gms or about 6
1/2 lbs. |
23
Baby is fairly plump now. Talk
about your expectations of family. |
24
Lanugo hair mostly gone except
tops of shoulders and back. |
25
Rest, rest, rest! You'll appreciate why in a couple of
weeks. If you're using a diaper service, call
them to arrange for service. |
26
Toenails reach tips of toes; limbs
are held flexed. Think about labor as a process
of letting go of control. |
27
Plan events/tasks for siblings so
they share the joy of a new baby. Siblings board.
|
28
Prepare a list of phone numbers -
emergency numbers as well as family/friends to
call with your news. |
29
37 wks gestation
39 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: about 35 cm crown to rump (48.5 cm or 19
inches head to toe). Weight: about 3150 gms or 7
lbs. (but could be 1-3 pounds larger). |
30
Vernix mostly gone now. Heel
creases present - a sign of fetal maturity. |