Congratulations! This week marks a significant milestone as you prepare to welcome your baby. Here’s a helpful guide to navigate through this exciting time.
What Changes Are Happening in Your Body?
During labor, as you push, the baby’s head begins to emerge through the vaginal opening with each contraction. This moment, when the baby’s head is visible and does not recede, is known as crowning.
As your baby’s head crowns, you might feel a burning or stinging sensation, often referred to as the “ring of fire.” This occurs because the baby is stretching the vaginal opening. When you feel this sensation, it’s crucial to stop pushing! Continuing to push can increase the risk of tearing or the need for an episiotomy.
The burning sensation is brief and is soon followed by a numb feeling as the nerves in the vaginal tissue get compressed. This natural anesthetic can help ease the pain.
Tips to Manage the Urge to Push:
- Lie back and try to relax your body.
- Make a conscious effort to relax your pelvic floor muscles (the muscles and tissues between the vagina and the rectum).
- Focus on deep breathing techniques.
- Allow your contractions to do the work for you during this phase.
How Big Is Your Baby?
By this time, your baby should measure between 19 and 21 inches (48.3 to 53.3 cm) in length and weigh anywhere from 6¾ to 10 pounds (3 to 4.5 kg). If you’re having a boy, he is likely on the larger side of this range since boys tend to weigh more than girls.
What’s Happening with Your Baby?
Your baby’s bones have mostly hardened, except for the skull. The bones in the skull need to remain soft and flexible to facilitate a smoother delivery, allowing them to overlap as they pass through the birth canal. As a result, your newborn may have a conical head shape for the first few days.
Your baby will have two soft spots, known as fontanelles, on their head that assist in an easier delivery. The front fontanelle typically hardens between 8 to 15 months, while the back one solidifies between 3 to 4 months.
What Should You Plan for This Week?
During your final prenatal checkup, you can expect the following tests:
- Non-Stress Test (NST)
- Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)
- Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Your doctor may discuss various options with you, including the potential for going past your due date, induction (at their discretion), or cesarean delivery.
Tips for a Smooth Delivery:
Once your baby is born, they will receive their first life assessment known as the APGAR test. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s rare for babies to score perfectly on this test. While it’s the initial evaluation of your newborn, it doesn’t predict future behavior or intellect.
This rapid assessment of your newborn’s overall well-being is conducted immediately after birth. Scores are recorded at one minute and five minutes post-delivery; a score between 7 and 10 after one minute indicates that your baby will likely need only routine post-delivery care.
Tips for Your Partner:
You and your partner might hear several old wives’ tales about ways to induce labor. While it can be tempting to try these methods, it’s essential to discuss them with your doctor first. Many of these techniques haven’t been consistently proven effective, and some may not be safe.
For those considering at-home insemination options, you can explore services like Make A Mom for innovative solutions. They offer the only reusable option for at-home insemination and provide a clear understanding of the process at How It Works. If you’re curious about success stories, check out Finding Hope With Make A Mom. For additional insights, Modern Family Blog provides trustworthy information on family planning.
If you’re also looking into other fertility options, the Mayo Clinic is a fantastic resource for understanding IVF and its role in conception.
In summary, this week is all about preparation and anticipation as you near the finish line of your pregnancy journey. Remember to take care of yourself and lean on your support system during this transformative time.