The Ninth Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 36-40. It’s time for the final preparations before the big day. Your baby is considered full term at 37 weeks and is ready for the world however about half of all pregnancies will go beyond 40 weeks.
36 Weeks Pregnant
The countdown has begun.
Still gaining weight, it can measure about 51 centimetres. Slowly, it sheds its downy hair and waxy coating. Nails are fully developed and cranial bones are ossified with fontanels present. At this stage most babies assume a head down inverted position.
37 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is now ready for the world.
Your baby is now considered full term and is ready for the world – anytime now. Its hair has grown – it could be anything from one to four centimetres long now.
38 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby can now function independently.
Your baby looks plumper and its organs are now fully mature, ready to function independently. It has a firm grasp and reflexes to help it adapt in the world outside. Are you wondering what colour your baby’s eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If your baby is born with brown eyes, they will most likely stay brown. However, if your baby is born with lighter eyes, they may gain more pigment over the next few months and keep changing their colour.
40 Weeks Pregnant
Be prepared!
You’re finally at the finish line of your pregnancy, and the starting line of one amazing journey with your little bundle of joy. Don’t worry if your baby has still not arrived yet, about half of all pregnancies will go beyond this 40 week mark. The journey from inside to the outside has been as difficult for your baby as it was for you. Of course, it’s all worth it.
Related articles
Common nutrition-related problems
The influence of hormonal changes, and the effect of the changes in the size of the growing uterus, can lead to eating complications during pregnancy.
5 mins to read
Food Cravings During Pregnancy
Pregnant women will tell you they experience almost irrepressible cravings for certain foods – salty, sweet, spicy or fatty foods. Some think it’s the body signaling what the growing baby needs.
2 mins to read
The Seventh Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 28-31. The changes in your body continue to take place as you enter your third trimester! As baby prepares for its future exit: its eyelids are uncovered and eyelash
2 mins to read
Nutrition checklist
NUTRITION CHECKLIST
Are you eating enough nutritious food with sufficient nutrients, kilojoules, vitamins?
1 min to read
The Fourth Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 14-17.
2 mins to read
The Sixth Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 23-27. Your baby develops movements that will later help it take its first whiff of air in the world, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
2 mins to read
Checklist - maternity ward suitcase
*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.
Items for hospital stay
5 mins to read
Medication for pain relief
In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.
5 mins to read
Labour
As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.
5 mins to read
Criteria for prenatal classes
Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.
Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.
5 mins to read
Conception
The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.
1 min to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
-
5 mins to read
The Eighth Month of Pregnancy
Read more about weeks 32 to 35 of your pregnancy below.
2 mins to read
The Fifth Month of Pregnancy
Read more about weeks 18-22 of your pregnancy below.
2 mins to read
Checklist - preparing to bring baby home
Clothing
5 mins to read
Signs of labour
The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions
5 mins to read
