Dates and numbers:
There are 8 days until your due date on August 16, 2008.
You are 272 days pregnant.
You are 8.9 months pregnant.
You are in your 9th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: November 10, 2007 to February 08, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: February 09, 2008 to May 23, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: May 24, 2008 to August 16, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)
Your baby continues to grow this week and weighs about 6.8 pounds. His crown-to-rump length is still about 14 inches and total length is around 21 inches. Most women do not grow any larger during the last few weeks of their pregnancy. From the top of your uterus to your bellybutton is about 6.5 to 7 inches. You may be very uncomfortable now-you are almost there!
Just before real labor contractions start, you might notice false labor contractions. These should not be confused with Braxton-Hicks contractions. False labor contractions can be as strong as real labor contractions, but do not get closer and may go away if you get up to walk around. Contractions help dilate the cervix and encourage your water to break. Your baby could be born any day now, but only 5% of mothers deliver on their actual due date!

Over the last few weeks of pregnancy, your baby has been building up waste materials in the intestines. This waste material is known as meconium and is greenish-black in color. Meconium is made up of cells that your baby has shed, lanugo and other substances. Meconium is the first waste that your baby will pass after birth. However, sometimes babies pass meconium before delivery and are delivered with greenish-black waste covering their body. Special care must be taken when a baby passes meconium in the womb.
If your baby is a boy, his testes should have descended into his scrotum by this time. When your baby boy is born, both of his testes should be in place. Approximately 1% of babies are born with undescended testes. Because an undescended testis can cause infertility issues and increase the risks of testicular cancer, your baby`s doctor will examine both testes after birth.
The baby`s skull is not fully solid as the five bony plates, known as fontanels (little fountains), are still separate and can be pushed together. Birth may mold and elongate the fetal head, a safety precaution to reduce the skull`s diameter for an easier birth, without damaging the fetal brain. After delivery, the baby`s head returns to a rounded shape.
Would you like to announce the birth of your new baby? Do so by clicking this link:
I gave birth!
Almost there! Did you know that we also have a month by month calendar for babies? You can find it in the menu under `Babies`:
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Comments on week 38Comments 1-49 of about 10135 from week 38
70 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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Show latest comments from all weeks3rdboymom -
1 minutes ago
Amey go to my photos & look at my side profile of my belly, I look like a freakin elephantmommy20 -
6 minutes ago
Ok I feel dumb for even asking this question, but where are the birthing stories posted? I keep seeing all these ladies had their babies and posted their story, but I don't know where!
hope everyone is feeling well today. I am keeping my fingers crossed that something, even slight has happened when I go to the Dr in the am. I was soooo diappointed last week!ameylocket23 -
9 minutes ago
sometimes i wiah people would stop me in the street and ask when im due or wahtever - i think people think im just fat.. not fair...armywifeash -
13 minutes ago
3rdboymom- I wouldve lost it too! I dont know where some people get off thinking they can just GRAB someone and then make a rude comment asking if you're having twins like they know you or something. Im guessing the people at the gym didnt have a kid of their own. luna-sol -
13 minutes ago
Teean -- their was a time when you were cramped up like that too! It's just a part of life :) Your baby doesn't mind at all, and you'll find once he is here he'll love to be bundled up tight like he was in your womb. =DTeeanBaby1 -
20 minutes ago
I want my baby outta there. He doesn't have any room. Look at that cramped up little baby. I would be miserable if I had to be balled up like that for a few more weeks. You'll have more room if you come on outta there Trent, lol. I promise its funner out here.3rdboymom -
26 minutes ago
So todays one of those days I probably shouldn't have got up. As if my appt wasn't bad enough. Here's the icing on the cake Me & my 4 yr old were leaving the grocery store & a woman grabs my arm and says ' Oh my God r u having twins' what makes anyone think this is ok to say to a pregnant woman that already looks miserable enough, then I had to stop by the beauty supply store you'd think people would let a 4 year old use there bathroom I even walked to the gym & they wouldn't let him use theres either I freakin lost it & told them he was gonna piss on their floor, then I had a melt down in the parking lot.lachikis1984 -
42 minutes ago
I'm feeling the cramps too, and I'm so afraid I'm imagining it. Went to the doc appt. today and have moved to a 3/90% and I dunno if she did anything but it looks like I lost the rest of my plug. That's freaking gross, by the way.Mizzy -
48 minutes ago
heavymetalmama- i am feeling the same way today with crampiness,makes me realize that periods are coming soon again....ugh.i have been passing alot of plug today and yesterday as well.heavymetalmama -
56 minutes ago
I have had a ton of menstrual-like crampiness today. It's pretty subtle though so I have to think about whether or not its really happening or just my imagination! Its kind of been on and off all day. Hopefully we are making some progress in there! I have an appointment tomorrow so I guess I'll find out. Definitely gonna try sex tonight and see if we can get things rolling, but just the thought of it makes me tired...and sore.laurap -
1 hours ago
I think I am the only one who wants to wait a week for her baby, hahhaha....my brother is getting married in 2 days and I don't want to miss the party....I feel so crampy today but I am just ignoring it....baby has to wait at least 3 days before she can come out, come on aleks....you can wait!!!Elle -
1.1 hours ago
its quiet in here today. Elle -
1.2 hours ago
I was going to go float out in the pool but its freaking cloudy outside and is about to rain. ugg. I really need something to do.amami -
1.9 hours ago
Thanks baby34me...I am hoping for my boy to be born tomorrow..It would be neat..I am so tired, I better take a nap!!shimmer178 -
2.1 hours ago
If i have a baby tonight its gonna be stress induced... I'm from western mass and have one phobia... Tornados and can you believe in western mass we have a tornado warning?!?! NOT a happy camper. I'm moving to antartica.baby34me -
2.2 hours ago
anyone eles hoping for tomarrow? 8/8/08
Kind of neat :)baby34me -
2.3 hours ago
going in the morning to get my membranes stripped....anyone had this done? What are the chances of this working?baby34me -
2.4 hours ago
amami...I tried my breast pump the other day...I was a little worried about it because I was loosing so much of the fluid that is ment for baby...but I tried it ( I am desperate to ;))....Anyway, it did nothing :(. Good luck! ameylocket23 -
2.5 hours ago
i just took a pair of scissors to my babys daddy's clothes and boy did it feel good!! Im now ALMOST stress free and im thinking of turning into a lesbian.. had enough of stupid men!!! Anyway - im off to bounce on my gym ball.. see if that makes me feel more better!!amami -
2.7 hours ago
ok..the sex last night must be doing something..I lost my mucus plug this morning and a lot of pressure down there and contractions..Have anyone tried breast pump? I wondering if its safe to try? At this point I am ready to try anything that might not be harmful to the baby!!! Any suggestions!!3rdboymom -
2.8 hours ago
one more thing he's most likely 8 1/2 - 9lbs already!!!!!3rdboymom -
3 hours ago
Ok I could really use some encouragement. I thought I was progressing alot more than I was I've been having tons of contractions & cramping since Saturday and was hoping this was a good sign. Well just got home from the dr's & babies head is floating right above my cervix so the outside of my cervix no problem but the inside is the issue since he's not pushing on it. My dr did as much of a sweep & stretching as he could but he said my cervix is still so high it was really hard to get into & holy crap it hurt, but at least he was able to do something I guess. Oh yeah I also gained 6 lbs of water retention in the last week :(ameylocket23 -
3.2 hours ago
i added some pix of my manky belly.. i aint that big atall and look like a ball of flubber - attractive!!sarabug06 -
3.3 hours ago
Elle- I am glad that you mentioned that. I too had a nonstress test yesterday and my doctor acted like I must be an idiot to not be feeling the contractions, I mean really, I would tell her if I was feeling them but apparently they are there!ameylocket23 -
4 hours ago
aww hunni - it is tiresome.. i know!! But we aint gonna be like this for long... every day seems to drag and a dissapointment that nothing happened during the night.. and then the next day begins.. take every day as it comes.. thats what i am doing.. kinda makes things a lil better.. but i just wish i had some company.. being single and all of my friend being out of the area aint helping and they aint gonna be back til next week... feel like crying. wish i could have an adult conversation face to face!! grr!!TeeanBaby1 -
4.1 hours ago
Back from the doctor's. Body still ain't doing nothing to prepare for birth. She says I'm thinning out but she still can't get a finger in there. I hope something happens by his due date. I do not wanna go past that date. Everytime I leave outta there I start cramping. Now my back is hurting. My upper back that is. She told me more walking and sex. Whatever. I'm tired of thissammysmom -
5.1 hours ago
Today is my last day of work and I'm not coming back, life as I know it is about to change forever, and I'm so excited, but I cannot believe it's here already. I'm due next Friday (8/15) and hope she waits at least a couple more days...I've got resting to do. Hahahadopeydina -
5.1 hours ago
WARNING! Next comment mite be TMI!
Last night when we were having sexy time to get the wee man moving,my Fiance said he didnt get much sensation. Its the first time this has happened? Does this mean im gettin dialated ir effaced? I ddont really understand either of these terms, but he said it mite mean Im opening up for Harrison to cum out!!!! im not holding my breath tho, cos I think hes pretty stubborn! I was singing him a wee song this morning in the shower to try n get him out!!! He he! I felt rite silly!!!Elle -
5.2 hours ago
yesterday at the doctors I was given a non stress test and was shown to have contractions every 6 minutes. I hope that's a sign that it will be soon. but I didn't feel them. the doctor did say that some women don't feel them all that much in the early stages.Elle -
5.3 hours ago
I'm so bored and wondering what to do today. I could walk some more but I think my hips are a bit too sore to do that and its pretty hot outside. so I may just clean up the bedroom and watch movies. I'm getting even more impatient. I want to hold my son in my arms and it seems like he will never get here.Dani1979 -
5.4 hours ago
I am at work right now PISSED OFF---this 'B*tch' who wants me to work on a contract for her has not been cooperative at all or responsive. I am trying to finish her contract before I go on maternity leave tomorrow but she is not LISTENING...so she went behind my back to my Director and told her that I was not helping her in which I have email traffic showing I have been trying to do this but she keeps arguing with me thinking she knows my job. Then I have been trying to call the vendor to get the terms of the contract correct and the vendor was not returning any of my calls...come to find out I finally get in touch with the vendor and the stupid b*itch from that I was talking about above was going behind my back trying to do my job and doing it WRONG and only stalled the contract and messed things up. I told my Director what was going on and then this b*tch turns around and tries to act like she had already given me everything and like she hasn't done anything but be innocent...I am already so exhausted from this pregnancy and the heat...I did not want to come to work today because I only got 3-4 hours of sleep last night I was so uncomfortable...but I did because I am trying to clear out as many of the contracts on my desk as I can so I won't leave my co-workers stranded with a mess...but everything in me wishes I did not come in and wishes I would have started my leave sooner and said screw this job. I was so upset I just started crying--mainly because I am tired and called my husband who is upset and more than ever I am glad that I am starting to apply for other jobs...people at this University ( professors, deans, admin officers--what this chick happens to be) think they are God and walk on water but if they could do our job then we wouldn't be an entire department... they don't understand contracting, negotiations, etc...and when they mess things up it looks bad on us not them...I am so frustrated I closed the door to my office to cry and write this rant...so please pray that I keep my sanity for the rest of the day and don't curse anyone out...Elle -
5.5 hours ago
don't worry I'll be here most likely. I don't think this baby is wanting to come out any time soon either. I would be really happy if he decided to come early but I just don't see that happeningkaycie1 -
5.6 hours ago
well my kids are starting to wake up. i got things to do now. i will talk to u ladies later.lachikis1984 -
5.7 hours ago
So I've heard that the big deal is not so much being dilated, but being effaced. When you're 100% effaced, I guess you dilate faster? Yet if you're 5cm dilated you could still be 0%? A little confused here...I've been 75% for TWO WEEKS but only 2cm. To me that's a lot because most people I know are only at 0-50 at 2-3 cm. Any idea from you ladies? lol I guess I'll really find out if there's any change in just a few minutes. Crossing my fingers!lachikis1984 -
5.8 hours ago
wow so many people are getting induced tomorrow...I hope I either go into labor tonight, or she waits at least til Saturday. If it's anything like July 2nd/3rd, there won't be any rooms available in the hospital! lolameylocket23 -
6 hours ago
was just almost in a car crash!!! Im proper shook up!! Was going round a roundabout and some idiot went to go left but was in the wrong lane and almost went into the side of us really fast... luckily my mum swerved and avoided the collision.. couldve been nasty!! The stupid idiot!!! Anyway - i really want my baby tomoro for the 08.08.08 birthday.. if not, i dont mind going 3 days over due and having my baby on 20.08.2008.... still kinda cool... but not as cool as 08.08.08..... im praying and bouncing on my gym ball.. no sexy time for me as im single... im gagging for it though!! Aint had it for 3 weeks now and i know i wont be able to have sex again til Oct or Nov.. i just wanna make the most of it now, but cant!!! :(kaycie1 -
6.3 hours ago
mommythethird- my third pregnancy was the same way. i didnt start dilating till i was in labor. i stayed 1 cm and 50% for like 3 weeks then at my 39 week appt i was 3 cm 80% , later that day i went into labor. i heard that the more kids u have the less u dilate until u are actually ready to go. plus the time that i didnt feel pains ( like contractions tht made me think i was dilating or effacing or something) was the time that i had dilated. so u dont always have to feel anything to dilate.mommythethird -
6.4 hours ago
Well, I can definitely see every pregnancy is different. With my second son at week 38, I was 3 cm dialated and 70% effaced. With this one, I am still 1 cm dialated and 20% effaced. Looks like this baby will hang in there a little longer than my boys did! Wonder if that means it's a girl? Dr. did a membrane sweep yesterday. Nothing happening though. Looks like we're in it for the long haul.kaycie1 -
6.7 hours ago
sometimes dr's dont talk about doing sweeps, they just do it and u dont even know it. it feels like a rough exam, so if ur dr has been rough with u the last appt, or if after they did the exam u spotted a little, they might have started doing it already. usually if u are a little dilated ( at least 1cm) they will move things around in there to get things going a little bit more. u have to be a little bit dilated to even do a sweep because they have to get between the cervix and bag of water, so if u are not open at all, they cant get in there. jjohnston6 -
7 hours ago
you are definitely not the only one.. My doctor didn't even want to give me a 36 week ultrasound even though I didn't have one since week 18. I had to schedule one myself. I doubt they will be mentioning anything about a sweep to me unless I force the issue.TeeanBaby1 -
7.1 hours ago
My doctor hasn't mentioned anything about a membrane sweep either. And I'm sure I'll still be here for a while too. Go to the doc this morning but I'm sure they're gonna tell me I'm still closed up tight. Not gonna get my hopes up. Baby will come when I least expect him too. I'm so tired of waiting though. I had a dream last night that I was in labor. I woke up pissed off because it wasn't true.TrishW -
7.3 hours ago
I haven't had one done. I might ask if they do it closer to my due date but I doubt they will do it. So don't worry your not the only one. heavymetalmama -
7.3 hours ago
Okay, I'm I the only one who hasn't had a membrane sweep? My doctor has never even mentioned it. I do have an appointment tomorrow, but she has never once stated that was a possibility. I honestly had never even heard of it until just a few weeks ago when everyone else started having them done!TrishW -
7.4 hours ago
I'm still here. Lol. I don't think I'm having my lil one anytime soon either so I'll be here ellies-mommy -
7.8 hours ago
Ok so yesterday I went to appt I was 1cm dialated and they did a sweep, so I had the slight bleeding all day to where last night there was barely any there when I went to bathroom, even through most of the night when I had to pee like 5 times, then this morning I wake up and go to the bathroom and there is a lot of discharge and the brownish reddish blood like what I had been doing all yesterday but just a lot more of it at once, is this my mucus plug or the beginning of it or just coincidence because I had been sleeing?? Was going to go to the pool and exercise for a few hours today but dont want to if it was mucus plug...armywifeash -
8.1 hours ago
I would love to have my baby tomorrow just so her birthday would be 08-08-08. How neat is that?koraljolin -
8.7 hours ago
ok heavymetal...misery does love company. I'm trying everything I can to have her by tomorrow. If that doesn't work I promise to stay here until we both can deliver! heavymetalmama -
9 hours ago
Oh no koral, I'll be here too.koraljolin -
9 hours ago
It's so quiet in here anymore. *sigh* I'm beginning to think I'll be the last one here...brwneyedgrl9 -
17.1 hours ago
Hello week 38 - I *finally* posted my birth story! Only took me a week (from when I came home from the hospital) to get it done. Hope everyone is doing well and it won't be much longer for you ladies - hang in there! I know you are all getting tired of hearing that, but it is true! Wishing you all quick and easy labor and delivery (but I hope not as quick as mine - at least have time to get to the hospital!).