37 Weeks - FULL TERM!

How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! Hip hip hooray! We made it! The baby is done growing and can come at any time -- not that I'm under any delusions that it will come before 40 weeks, mind you. I won't be surprised if baby holds out to 42 weeks -- but the chunk of this pregnancy is over and we will soon be in baby land. This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds I'm insistent that baby can not come out until it's over 6lbs. I do not want a baby that is under 7 lbs. If that's the case -- they can stuff it back in and call me when it's done. I don't look this way for some teeny tiny baby! and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Funny, of all the things I've dreamed about the hair is not something I've thought about at all! Maybe ours will be bald? Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now Yes, but I ignore them and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. Yes, I have learned that laying in bed and reading helps me to pretend they're not happening. =) You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Not even I want to talk about this subject if you can believe that! If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. Hasn't happened but I'm waiting! (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. Negative!!! That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. Not for me! If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. That's the plan. We have office construction here so I'm able to work from home over the next week or so for a few days. That will keep me off my feet at least. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy. I already have crazy dreams. Nothing really bizarre to report.


Surprising Facts:

Signs of labor
There's no way to predict when labor is going to start. Your body actually starts "preparing" for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near.

Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

• Your baby drops. If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath. I feel like something has changed because I'm getting kicks VERY low. My tendons in my hip/groin area feel pulled or stretched. I'm not sure though if this is "lightening" or not.

• You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time. No menstrual craps but the rest is true.

• You pass your mucus plug. The mucus plug is the small amount of thickened mucus that blocks the cervical canal leading to your uterus. The plug may come out all at once in a lump, or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with blood (which may be brown, pink, or red), in which case it may be referred to as "bloody show." Nothing yet!

• Your water breaks. Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced.) Whether the amniotic fluid comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, call your doctor or midwife. Nope!