Dates and numbers:
There are 18 days until your due date on October 30, 2008.
You are 262 days pregnant.
You are 8.6 months pregnant.
You are in your 9th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: January 24, 2008 to April 23, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: April 24, 2008 to August 06, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: August 07, 2008 to October 30, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)
You are considered full-term now and your baby's final touches are being made. The crown-to-rump length of your baby is now 14 inches and the total length is around 21 inches. Your baby weighs approximately 6.5 pounds. Your uterus may be measuring about the same as it has been and is probably about 6.5 inches from the top of your bellybutton.
This week your baby should engage into your pelvis. If this is not your first pregnancy, it may happen later. When your baby engages, his head drops down into your pelvis and you might feel a slight sensation called `lightening` as the pressure on your ribs eases. As your baby drops into the final position for delivery, you may experience a buzzing feeling and shooting pains in your groin and leg. Normally, you will be able to breathe and eat easier. However, your uterus pushes down harder on your bladder and you will have an increased urge to urinate more frequently. Even if your baby engages now, you still possibly feel his feet in your breastbone around week 40.
Your baby is now fully mature and ready to be born. However, your baby is still growing and developing every day. Fat is still being laid down at a rate of a half ounce a day. If this is your first pregnancy, you can expect to deliver closer to 40 weeks or shortly thereafter. If this is not your first baby, you might go earlier than 40 weeks! Make sure that your bags are packed for the hospital and remember to preregister for admission.
Your doctor may begin doing weekly pelvic exams to evaluate your cervical changes and progression. Your healthcare provider will make sure that you are not leaking amniotic fluid and will also examine your cervix to check for effacement and dilation. Before labor, your cervix is thick and 0% effaced. During labor your cervix thins out and right before delivery it will become very soft and 100% effaced.
Research shows your baby can be affected by stress hormones. Make time to relax, to have fun, and to rest.
Your baby has learned to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing so it can do all three when
breastfeeding after birth. Babies practice shallow breathing before birth, using amniotic fluid.
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`:
Month by month
Comments on week 37Comments 1-49 of about 13955 from week 37
97 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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Show latest comments from all weeksbabysteps -
2.5 hours ago
First day in week 37 yay I cannot sleep. I do not think I can last 3-4 more weeks:( This is the longest 9 months ever.jkrich -
2.7 hours ago
Morning all - Please read my most recent blog and comment if you have any advise! Thanks ladies xhermymunster -
3 hours ago
family history has nothing to do with when you will have your baby. I was born at 34 weeks and my brother was born at 28 weeks. My aunt also had a baby at 6 months. I have made it past that point which I am glad. The baby will come when they are ready. I am getting braxton hicks just about everytine after I pee, not sure why, they do feel like period cramps but no back pain. I do not even think that I have even started to lose my plug yet, little more discharge now though.vanessag7 -
4.2 hours ago
Finally, I'm having some really good contractions or BH.
I'm sure this isnt the real thing but it's at least a sign its going to becoming. Yippeee dustyrose001 -
6.3 hours ago
luvnyou- walking always makes my baby drop but after like an hour of sitting or resting he goes right back up and allison- my mucus plug has been gone for quite some time now so no that doesnt mean anything. If your water breaks or you are getting contractions right on top of eachother that are lasting for at least two minutes- then its time. I freaking had my bloody show and thought it was time and they still sent me homeluvnyou247 -
7.2 hours ago
Well had my doc appt today, and compared to 2 weeks ago I am a fingertip dialated(argh), so now what, Im walking and on the excercise ball, he is head down but doc say he needs to be LOWER, so what can I do?? Also guesstimate of his weight, 7.12 as of now..jus an estimate, good size lil man, Im ready, I am open for any suggestions!! How is everyone else???allisonjacobson -
8.1 hours ago
ok, i was checked wednesday, dialted 1cm hard cervix.... i swear i think she punched me in my cervix because i could barely walk after we got home.... so i think i just lost some of my plug... now after all of it comes out, the labor should begin right? i have an 11 year old, but that labor and delievery was so odd... no contractions, just had a feeling to go to the hospital... 2 shots of demerol and then pushed for 20 minutes.... this is nothing like that.... i am so confusedanas1st -
8.2 hours ago
I HAVE BEEN LOSING MY MUCOUS PLUG FOR THE PAST 2 DAYS!!! Even though my Dr. checked me yesterday, and said I wasn't dilated AT ALL!! But my Lamaze class teacher said that although it doesn't mean I am in Labor, it does mean that I'm prgressing... That the cervix is getting soft. Who knows when the time will come? I am getting excited, though. Oh!!! And I never thought getting checked would hurt SO MUCH!!!! :)danya -
8.3 hours ago
Definitely having some mild contractions. Not getting excited because I am sure they will stop. I haven't felt them before today. I just hope it doesn't do this off and on for the next 3 weeks :(shellyc -
9.2 hours ago
Today has been a good day. My mom and dad brought my new crib over and got it all set up and this weekend I am doing all my washing of all the bedding, clothes, and everything. So excited 38 weeks tomorrow.lori1399 -
11.4 hours ago
Only 18 days left!! Yay!! I think I've had a few BH but I'm not sure--this is my first. I've had the most easy pregnancy up until today. Today, I finally feel pregnant. I have a desk job. Everytime I go to get up out of my chair or sit down I get a really bad sharp feeling in my groin and butt like she's going to just fall right out of me. I'm fine when I sit or stand--it's just when I get up or down. Is this normal??? I probably look like a 90 year old woman when I try to get out of my chair!!t1stbaby -
12.3 hours ago
when i was at the hospital yesterday, i was hooked up to the monitor that was showing my contractions. I was there for a total of 18hrs and watched the screen a lot. Well, i could see when my contractions would slow so I tried nipple stimulation when the contractions drifted off. It DID make a change and brought contractions back almost immediately! However, i still ended up going home b/c nothing changed in my cervix. autumnandbabygirl -
12.4 hours ago
2 days before I had my daughter I experienced some lower back pain that was uncomfortable, but barable. Well tonight I am feeling the same type of back pain along with some contractions. I hate doing this to myself, BUT I wonder if tonight could be the night??? I am just so sick of this that I want him out of me NOW!!!!!danya -
12.7 hours ago
excitedmom2be they say to have a bright color case so you don't confuse it with hospital pillows.JustinandBre -
12.7 hours ago
YAY! Started my leave today! I'm so excited! I hated working being like this! I don't think that he's going to be waiting much longer than this weekend to come! I'm hoping not anyways!my2sons -
12.7 hours ago
danya- same thing been happening to me with the nipples being sore. every time i get up my lower back cracks and it hurt. im tired of my belly sitting on my lapdanya -
12.8 hours ago
tuesday - I've been having braxton hicks all day too... so annoying. Will the real contractions just start already!!! Feet and ankles are beyond swollen, nipples kill, can hardly walk... yeah I think I'm done... 37 weeks today!Gem -
13 hours ago
Hey everyone I am 37 weeks today yeah and 21 days to go. I cant wait to meet my lil boy. my2sons -
13.1 hours ago
i would like to do a belly cast. how much do they cost? where do u find one atmy2sons -
13.1 hours ago
well i just added some photos and check them out. i only been a member for about 4 days so bare with me lol. do i look small or big my stomach that is loldustyrose001 -
13.4 hours ago
my2sons- yeah I think thats a bunch of crap, I tried it with a manuel AND electric breast pump... nothing. At least I know theres milk in there though loldustyrose001 -
13.5 hours ago
http://www.costumesupercenter.com/csc/index.web - I found this website for infant halloween costumes, some of them are kinda cuteHalloween*Bean -
14 hours ago
I just bought my belly cast kit - thinking about doing it at week 39. Has anyone done a belly cast before? Love to hear suggestions. jamisonpa -
14.3 hours ago
Kaycie1-Your nipples could be dry. When showering try not to use soap on your nipples, just water. Their is also cream you can buy.excitedmom2be -
14.6 hours ago
does anyone know why the hospital lists 'pillow with bright pillow case' ? why does it have to be bright!?Shannona -
14.8 hours ago
Okay I have days where I have contractions for hours, they are painful but really more annoying than anything. But today, about an hour ago, I had an honest to goodness painful contraction. It was only one, and I have been having milder ones since. Of course I am at home alone with my two young boys and my husband is an hour away, hope nothing significant happens lol.my2sons -
14.9 hours ago
I took a breast feeding class and the nurse said not to do nipple stimulation unless ur midwife tells u. it will put u in labor really fast. soooooo me being a dare devil I tried it . I just did a nipple roll for about 45 min. then I got a few contractions but they stop. its tideous I think I spelled that right lol. u have to do it until u start having contractions then stop and start again. hell my damn hand and wrist hurt. did all that and still sitting at home watchin tv.:(mommyforthe2ndtime -
15.3 hours ago
excitedmom2be--- yeah i been reading there stories too..and i get jealous! i want this baby OUT!!!mommyforthe2ndtime -
15.3 hours ago
kaycie1--- i agree with you...nothing like my mother...she had all her kids (4) a month or two early...and my son was induced at 2 weeks overdue...i ended up with 3 days of labor and a c-section...and my moms longest labor was with me, the oldest, with 7 hours...she is one lucky one!excitedmom2be -
15.3 hours ago
i keep looking at all the baby stories from the women who were in week 38-40 and I wonder when all of us will get to post!!! Labor feels so close, but I know if I say that I will end up going into week 41!!!hq -
15.5 hours ago
iv had short sharp stingy sensations in my vag think maybe baby dropped! my fiance did my tan,painted my nails and filed my feet tonight thats gotta be true love! Joy-S -
16.5 hours ago
I'm in the same boat as the rest of you. I've tried everything from sex, to pineapple, to tea, walking, bouncing on my ball, etc. I'm just going to sit back and rest now as nothing seemed to work. hq -
17.6 hours ago
thanks kaycie thats good to know, fingers crossed then! im so ready!kaycie1 -
17.8 hours ago
hg- dont let the mother thing make u think u will be the same. my mom was late with all her kids, with me i was 3 weeks late, my borthers were all a week or so late. with my kids, my first was 2 weeks early , my second and third were 1 week early. so labors arent all likeo ut mothers. plus my mom had really hard long labors and had really hard time pushing us all out. i had a 3 hour labor first, thne ( this one was induced with pitocin) 9 hours with my 2nd, then 1.5 hours with my third. and i never pushed more than 3 times with all of my kids. i think i must have taken after my dads side of the family. my grandma on my dad s side had 10 kids with no problem. i pray that my labor this time is quick and easy too. so just wnated to let u know that.kaycie1 -
17.9 hours ago
is anyone elses boobs really itchy?? its not the skin around them , its the actual nipple and dark part. they all of a sudden for the last 2 days is just really itchy. i have never had this happen beofre. someone said that they might be growing, but i wasnt aware that the areola could grow on its own without the rest of it?? kelly-roo -
18.2 hours ago
my Dad said he will do acupuncture on me if I go past 39 weeks! I'm doing it all and not really getting anywhere....guess God is teaching me patience!
I'm not in any pain just wanna meet my girl!hq -
18.2 hours ago
let the sex fest begin!!! i dont want to as i feel so yuk but this baby is hurting me! my bump is low and high like watermellon shaped so cant even tell if iv dropped! get it out!!!! of course it will be late my mum was 15 days over with me!!! JustinandBre -
18.3 hours ago
Tuesday-Call in to L&D. I had to call them last night, thankfully I didn't have to go in, but even if you do it's nice to have the reassurance that everything is going okay!mamatess -
18.4 hours ago
Tuesday - can you call them at L&D and just ask? I did that the other day and got to talk to an actual doctor. She didn't have me come in, just gave me some reassurance and what she though might be going on. It's ALWAYS okay to call!!!mamatess -
18.5 hours ago
Acupuncture! That is what I will do at 39.5 weeks. Like most things, though, Mother Nature will win. If the babe isn't ready, the more natural approaches won't do much. But acupuncture is a very safe and available method. A Licensed Acupuncturist will be able to help without us playing a guessing game and hurting the baby or ourselves, too.tuesday -
18.5 hours ago
i have been having regular braxton hicks between every 5 or 10 minutes for 24 hours, no bloody show and my waters haven't broke?..... is this normal its really getting annoying, there starting to have sharp menstrual pains with them too? when should i go get checked, i was checked a week and a halve ago and my cervix was just soft.. i don't think i could have dilated in a week... please help ladies i don't want to go to l&d for no reason, but im curious its been over 24 hours!!!mommyforthe2ndtime -
18.6 hours ago
lol... yeah i read about basil and oregano too...you are right about the blue cohosh pills(stay away from)...it's so hard to find the tincture...but i had it ordered..and they called yesterday and said it was there...so i'll see...melissawells -
18.8 hours ago
No, I have not tried the blue or the black cohosh. I have read so many things that say NOT to do the pills. Must be liquid and I have not found any other than the pills. So I am thinking it is a lot more radical that the other options....I am saving that one until the last. If there is nothing more that i can do and I am at my 40 weeks, I am staying away from it for now. Oh, also I found some things on eating something with oregano and basil. I tried that as well and it didn't do anything for me, but you never know!mamatess -
18.8 hours ago
On staying home, I *WANT* to labor at home, where I'm comfortable and with my man and music. The hospital beds aren't very inviting! Also, statistics say that the earlier you go in, the more intervention you end up having, and I don't want to end up on pertussin unless I absolutely HAVE to have it.mamatess -
18.8 hours ago
Well, last night my partner said, 'Your belly got lower.' And this morning, a co-worker said, 'Tess, you've dropped!' So, I guess this pressure I feel is Morgandy engaged! Woo hoo! I've FINALLY been having baby dreams, too. One of nursing her, and last night of 'bloody show' -except it was an enormous gush of blood that wouldn't stop. I was fascinated in my dream, not grossed out or alarmed. I just had to keep changing my pads... I guess we are now well on our way!mommyforthe2ndtime -
18.9 hours ago
melissawells...have you tried blue cohosh? im on my way to the nutrition store to shop for everything you mentioned plus whatever else i can find! next week...i'm determined to stimulate some labor! im measuring at 38 weeks now...and i wont be 36 til tomorrow!mommyforthe2ndtime -
18.9 hours ago
rubberduck...yes, unless your amniotic fluid is any color other clear...or you are earlier than 37 weeks....no need to rush to the hospital...my doctor is insisting that i stay home for up to 12 hours, if my water breaks...but knowing my baby...she is just gonna stay in here until we evict her by c-section! Good luck on going back to work...and rest if you need to...your body will let you know..By the way Lyric was my first choice of name, but my friend stole it, so my lil girl name will be Goddessmelissawells -
19.2 hours ago
JustinAndBre- We have tried it ALL! We have done the nipple stimulation for 15 mins at a time, lots of sex at least once a day, primrose oil, raspberry leaf tea, eating fresh pineapples, walking for at least an hour every evening, and even took a laxitive....Done it All and we are still doing nothing. I was contracting for about 4 hours and they stayed 5 mins apart, went to the dr and I actually regressed. Went from 2 cem dialated back to a 1. I am so tired of trying that I am giving up and just going to let her come when she wants to. I just have tried so hard due to my first being 12 days overdue and she was 9 pounds and just didn't want that to happen again, but I guess it isn't up to me....Good luck ladies!rubberduck36 -
19.4 hours ago
Well ladies, it's time to go back to work, so i won't be on here for a while, i tired to hold out and read all the birthing stories of everyone i was pregrant with, i'll float on here from time to time, but when you have your baby hit me up, lyric and i would love to congratlate u!! thank you ladies for all the postive people who where here!! take care of yourselfs, and i'll keep updating the picture of lyric as she looks so much different each day and more and more like her dad :(rubberduck36 -
19.5 hours ago
mommie2ndtime,
as a nurse you telling me after the water breaks you don't go to the hosptial until labor is 5 mins apart?? wow someone should have told my daughter that lol....thanks for the info i'll past that on