Your baby probably weighs just over 7 pounds (3250g) by now and measures about 14.4 inches (36cm) from crown to rump and has a total length of about 21.5 inches (48cm).
Your baby's lungs are the last part to develop before birth. Once the lungs are developed, your baby is ready for life outside the womb.
By now your baby has almost run out of space to move in your uterus.
Your baby has shed most of her lanugo, though she may still have some on her shoulders and in the creases of her body.
Her toenails reach the end of her toes.
The umbilical cord, which still is supplying your baby with nutrition as she gains more weight, may be knotted or wrapped around her.
Some of your antibodies have crossed the placental barrier and give your baby's immune system a boost to get her started until hers is fully functioning.
Your baby could be born any day now.
Hooray! You're in your fortieth week of pregnancy and your baby is now due. Don't worry if you're still waiting as you due date passes. It's not unusual to still be waiting for your baby to be born since a normal pregnancy may last for up to another two weeks.
An average size baby now weighs about 7.5 lbs (3400g) and measures about 21.5 inches (50cm) long. Crown to rump measurement is about 14.8 to 15.2 inches (37 to 38cm). As you will see when your baby is born, these are averages only and vary from baby to baby. Your baby may weigh and measure more or less that this.
The presenting part is down in the lower portion of your uterus and pressing through your softened and partially opened cervix.
You may be surprised by the initial appearance of your baby when it is first born. Her head may be slightly misshapen from passing through the birth canal, though this usually does not last more than a day or two. Her coloring may initially appear bluish, purplish or pale yellow and she may be covered with vernix, blood, lanugo and some meconium if she passes her waste in utero. Her genitals may also be swollen due to high hormone levels that were passed from you during your pregnancy, and she may have some skin discolorations or spots which will probably fade quite quickly.
Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com
View weeks 36 + 37
Back