Week Thirty-Nine - Pregnancy Week by Week

Mother:

Now that you know how to tell if you are really in labor, let's talk about some of the ways your body prepares for labor. Your baby will descend into your pelvis, sometimes called engagement or lightening, usually before labor in first time moms and during labor in subsequent births. In the days before labor begins you may also experience the following, although they are not always accurate predictors of when labor will begin: bloody show
loss of mucous plug
nesting instinct
loose stools
loss of weight
increase in appetite

Hang in there! You are almost done!

Baby:

Did you know that the amniotic fluid is continually replaced, even in labor, at the rate of every three hours? Pretty amazing stuff! We really don't know where amniotic fluid comes from, although it is partially comprised of urine, sweat and other fluids from the baby. Your baby has been practicing breathing the amniotic fluid for many weeks in preparation for the big event!

The meconium in the baby's intestines will be shed as the first movement that the bowels make after birth. Meconium is a black, thick, tarry substance. About 30% of the time, the baby will actually pass this stool before birth.

Twin Tips:

Are you tired of answering questions about still being pregnant? Not much longer. Your weekly check ups probably include non-stress tests to help ensure babies are growing well and that the placentas are not aging. Remember to ask any questions you have during your visits. If you have poor memory, write them down before you go and record the answers on the same paper!