You are definitely considered full-term now and you are probably anticipating the arrival of your newborn. The crown-to-rump length of your baby is around 15 inches and your baby is now about 21.5 inches long total. Your baby weighs about 7.5 pounds and your uterus is about 8 inches above the top of your bellybutton.
Your official due date will be sometime this week and you probably have a prenatal check up this week to check for labor progress. Try to stay calm while you are waiting for labor to begin. You should have all of your bags packed and ready to go and your birth plan should be in place. Your labor coach should know what your wishes are and you should be able to get in touch with your labor coach at all times. Use false labor contractions to practice breathing and relaxation techniques that you will use during the actual labor itself.
Your baby continues to move further down the birth canal and this is measured in stations. Station describes the degree to which the presenting part of the baby has descended into the birth canal. The 0 point is a bone landmark in the pelvis, the starting point of the birth canal. If your baby's head is at a -2 station, it means the head is higher inside of you than if your baby were at a +2 station.
After your baby is born, she will be weighed and measured. Your baby may cry loudly or she may be dazed from medications. The doctor will suction your baby's mouth and throat with an aspirator. The nurses will dry her off and place a hat on her head to help keep her warm. Security tags will be placed around her arms and ankles and your baby will be swaddled in a blanket. You will be given the chance to hold your baby right after you have delivered. Shortly after, the nurses generally take the baby to the nursery for a bath and other routine procedures. Your baby will be given Apgar scores according to her condition at 1 and 5 minutes of birth. A total of 10 points can be scored. A score of 10 is unusual and most babies receive scores of 7, 8 or 9. A baby with a low 1-minute score might need to be resuscitated and usually the 5 minute score is much higher after he has time to adjust to life outside of the uterus.
APGAR SCORE:
*Heart rate of baby-If your baby does not have a heart rate a score of 0 is given. If the baby's heart rate is less than 100 bpm, a score of 1 is given. If the heart rate is over 100 bpm, a score of 2 is given.
*Respiratory effort of the baby- If your baby is not breathing, a score of 0 is given. If breathing is slow and irregular, a score of 1 is recorded. If your baby is crying and breathing well, a score of 2 is recorded.
*Baby's muscle tone-If your baby's arms and legs are limp and flabby, the score is 0. If some movement is observed and the arms and legs bend a little, a score of 1 is recorded. A score of 2 is given to babies that are active and moving.
*Reflex irritability of the baby-If your baby does not respond to stimulus, a score of 0 is given. If there is a small reflex when the baby is stimulated, a score of 1 is recorded. If your baby responds vigorously when stimulated, 2 points are given.
*Baby's color- If your baby is blue or pale, a score of 0 is given. A score of 1 is given if your baby's body is pink and the arms and legs are blue. If your baby's entire body is pink, a score of 2 is recorded.
At the time of birth, the baby has a total of 300 bones. Some bones will fuse together later, which is why an adult has only 206 bones.
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
Would you like to announce the birth of your new baby? Do so by clicking this link: I gave birth!
stephanie511 - 2 minutes ago
I am ten days over due today and I go in for my induction tomorrow. I still can't believe that my doc made me wait this long and that he hasn't wanted out too. I really hope it goes ok and he isn't like ten lbs!
tinfoilhatwearinho - 2.2 hours ago
Well... week+2 overdue today.. Yesterday was my last day of work and I lost my mucus plug last night.. I'm hoping she decides to grace us with her presence today although at this point am not holding out much hope..All of the ladies in my week are off taking care of their turkeys and I feel abandoned.. sigh.
AngeH - 2.2 hours ago
yeah thats why i nva rang n told the emergency line thing coz i was only in the other day when i thought my waters may have been leaking so i was convinced they wld think i was overeacting. But ive checked on my doppler and babys heartrate is nice and steady and didnt feel like i hurt or shook myself much so im sure ill be fine x
kittydisney - 4.5 hours ago
AngeH- I fell down some stairs when I was 38 weeks pregnant, I called the doc, they made me come in and get a NST, the baby showed stress and I was sent ASAP to be delivered. I only fell on my back wear my left kidney is.
AngeH - 6.1 hours ago
well ive just managed to fall down the stairs today (big stupid fluffy socks) but luckily landed on my arm n leg (phew) im trying to keep calm today as well till my hubby is back as he has took my daughter to a running event so baby is not allowed to come till they get back haha. Im in no rush for baby as im getting quite scared about the pain now, was gna try without pain relief but people keep scaring me saying take all the pain relief u can, suppose best just play it by ear really hope everyones okx
alutty - 10.3 hours ago
An interesting tidbit... by OB has swine flu! yay! :S
alutty - 10.4 hours ago
chloesmum, they gave you a choice? They just told me I'd be induced on the 12th... Part of me would rather wait until I go into labour on my own, but part of me would like to just have this baby!! LOL! Also, my hubby has vacation booked starting on the 14th. Good for you for wanting to stick it out for even longer! :D
Labour dust everyone!!
chloesmum - 11.5 hours ago
alutty - I have the same problem with the same dates, thought it was the 5th but doc seems to think it is the 8th. Booked for an induction on Weds but have completely changed my mind and am going to try and give it another week from today... Feeling so tired and huge. Lots and lots of luck to you all XXX
jilliancomcast - 12.8 hours ago
Well ladies just took a warm bath, nothings happen so I am going to bed early, labor dust to us all whose left and hope i wake up in labor tonight.
AngeH - 15.2 hours ago
yes strawberry fields im thinking like that as well sick of hearing people ask no baby yet then, dont they realise id have told them if there was lol. Ive got left sided pelvic pain tonight when i walk about and keep getting false contractions with mild labour type pains which is most annoying x
alutty - 15.2 hours ago
strawberry fields22, I'm totally getting the same thing! I also get the same thing, with the due date calculators giving my a due date of today or tomorrow, but my OB said the 5th... Makes me wonder if I should really be induced on the 12th or if I would go on my own later...
withlove - 15.4 hours ago
Congratulations mummies!!!
mommyof2sosoon - 16.2 hours ago
Had my LO! On my due date...November 6th. Grant Herbert is here, 8lbs. 9oz. and 20 in. long. He is precious. Labor and delivery were a breeze compared to my first born!! I'll post birth story soon.
laketahoe - 16.7 hours ago
HI everyone! My little boy, Zephyr Avery arrived at 5:54 AM this morning....weigh 9 lbs 5 oz and 21 1/2 long. Boy I am sore! LOL! I will try to write a birth story later..:)
habibi7689 - 22 hours ago
strawberry fields22 I know what you mean I am 3 days overdue and everyone asks me still pregnant and it's always the same word YES.. I tell everyone to look forward to my induction date on the 12th
strawberry fields22 - 22.1 hours ago
Of course im excited to have my baby out so i can see him, hold him and lets face it, not be pregnant any more... but im i the only one that has people blowing up their phone and facebook with 'No baby yet?!?!?!' messages? Im only 2 days overdue, and actually, when i put in the date of my LMP into a lot of due date calculators, i got today ( Nov. 7th) as a due date! I know everyone is excited and eager, but all the harassing calls, texts, messages and advice is just that: Harassing... and just an obvious reminder of yes, i haven't had this baby yet! Sorry to vent, but i was just curious if anyone else was in this situation, and frustrated because i am! lol.
mags80 - 23.2 hours ago
oh good lord. im 3 days over today and getting real tired of waiting for baby to make an appearance, ive even taken castor oil and not a thing is happening. have to go back to the hospital on tue for a date to be induced, i wish they would just do it now and have it over with. hope you ladies are well and happy.
heathert - 1 days ago
scared- thanks. SAme due date. I did not sleep at all too excited and nervous. I cant wait to just be back home with my knew baby. Good luck to you and maybe you will go in. I leave in less than 2 hours.
scaredashell-1st - 1 days ago
Heatert I'm stiil here. Congrats to you and your fam. I know its hard but try to get a few hours. I hear your gonna need all the energy you can get. I'm due 2morrow.
heathert - 1 days ago
too excited I cant sleep! I leave in like 6 hours for my induction!
excitedmisty - 1 days ago
alutty, i think i have the opposite...i'm 50% effaced and slightly dilated, but i think i'm missing the contractions :0( i've been getting cramps now for 2 hours...i'm uncomfortable, but it's manageable
excitedmisty - 1 days ago
i got checked this morning...about 15 minutes ago i think my mucous plug fell out (gooey looking and tinged with a little bit of blood)...and now i'm getting cramping every 5-10 minutes that lasts 20 seconds or so...but i don't think they are contractions! it is so confusing...people keep saying you'll know if you are having contractions! can a cramp be a contraction...i just feel like i'm having a horrible period cramp every 5-10 minutes!
strawberry fields22 - 1 days ago
i have been contracting pretty steadily since i got checked on Thursday morning, but they only seem to be braxton hicks... i have noticed a lot more pressure in my lower back and my pelvis is achy... I think because im 90% effaced and 2 cm (as of thursday) i am considered being in 'latent labor' so im just playing the waiting game for active labor to start. My midwife said she would be 'very surprised' if i went a week overdue; im really hoping to at least be in labor by/on Sunday!
alutty - 1 days ago
Hey, is anyone else getting TONS of contractions (like 3-5 min for a week or more) but not dilated or effaced at all or is it only me? :P
excitedmisty - 1 days ago
ugh, i'm getting horrible pressure :0( it's going to be a long night!
alutty - 2 days ago
Hello ladies, yesterday was my due date but my computer died earlier this week so I've been MIA. Anyway, got it back today with a new hard drive. I'm having contractions all the time but I'm not dilated or effaced AT ALL!!! So annoying!! I think I'll end up being induced on the 12th. So only 6 more days for me at the latest! Then I get to meet my little girl!! :D
heathert - 2 days ago
excited thanks! I hope I sleep some tonight. After changing it on me Wed. I was shocked when they called and said we could dot tomorrow..
excitedmisty - 2 days ago
heather and tahoe! congrats! and i'm jealous!!!! good luck!!!
heathert - 2 days ago
So excited Drs office called to see if I wanted to move up my induction from Wednesday to tomorrow! YAY..
laketahoe - 2 days ago
Just few more hours till I go check in the birthing center to have our 2nd baby!!! I cannot wait! :)
Purplesugar - 2 days ago
Hi ladies, birth story added finally. Have a read if you want too. Take care all and your time will arrive soon I promise. xxxx
excitedmisty - 2 days ago
oh, and my midwife checked me today...NO PROGRESS...though my mom did make me feel a lot better when she pointed out that the only way to accurately measure a woman to see if they are dilated is if the same person checks you each time (ie the first time i was checked was this little tiny midwife and this time the midwife was as big as my husband)...oh well, i guess we'll wait for Wed to see what the NST has to say...i REALLY REALLY REALLY do not want to get induced...it scares me!
excitedmisty - 2 days ago
hi gals! i'm now rejoining you in week 40...they had pushed my due date back until Nov 11th, but now they have decided that Nov 3rd was right after all...I go for a Non-Stress test and AFI test on Wednesday...how is that??? i'm a little nervous about those...what do you have to do?
joshuahsmommy - 2 days ago
Conor Charles was born yesterday at 2:53 in the afternoon. He weighed in at only 6lb 13oz, 20.5 inches long. Labor lasted only 9 hours with 30 secs of pushing. He has a full head of blond hair and has taken to nursing like a champ. Congrats to the other mommas who have met their little ones and labor dust to the ones still waiting.
heathert - 2 days ago
congrats to all having there babies.
heathert - 2 days ago
coming up to visit 40weeks a day early. I really hope this baby comes soon.
firsttimemomtrina - 2 days ago
40 weeks and have been 2 cm dilated for the last 2 days and nothing. Getting the feeling he does not want to come out!
amyvit - 2 days ago
Please have mercy on us Lord!!!!!
amyvit - 2 days ago
I'll be 41 weeks tomorrow. Ugh. Baby was sleeping during the BPP yesterday, so she didn't score well. She then had a considerable de-cel during the NST. My midwife wants her out soon. I just took my second dose of castor oil and feel disgusting. I'm just discouraged. My last one was 8 days over, but it's hard to find the strength.
tinfoilhatwearinho - 2 days ago
im so fustrated right now.. after contractions ten minutes apart all night... i started getting them 6 minutes apart for about an hour.. then i laid back down and had a few strong ones wake me up..no idea how far apart they were as i was out of it .. called into work and told them i thought i was prolly in labor...... my boss is very annoying and doesnt want to let me come into work tomorrow if i dont start up with contractions again... ugh..... if i had known they would stop i could be at work right now... blarg
mags80 - 2 days ago
Aww best of luck tinfoil. hope all goes well 4 u.
tinfoilhatwearinho - 2 days ago
1 week overdue... contractions ten minutes apart all night.... very painful contractions but they aren't very long ... unless i'm laying down.. then they're longer
shawny86 - 2 days ago
I delivered my beautiful baby girl today by c section after 36 of labor. It was the scariest thing I ever had to go thru, cuz she pooed inside of me.haven't seen her in person yet bcuz I was totally out of it from the medication. Can't wait!!!!!, pls pray for my lo, as she's in the nicu. Muah.....
plusbabymakesfour - 2 days ago
Just to share with you all... I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy on November 2cd at 12:32 in the morning. Little Owen Thomas weighs 8lbs 4ounces and is 21 inches long!! It's been nice sharing this journey with all of you! Labor dust to those still waiting, it won't be long now.
lorelaismom - 2 days ago
Hey ladies!! I had my baby girl yesterday! She weighed 7lbs 5oz, and came out sunny side up which wasn't all that fun! lol Pictures are coming, but my birthstory is up. Good luck to those of you still waiting and congrats to those who are holding their little ones too! :)
spicymumduenov2 - 2 days ago
Barefoot- CONGRATS!!! wow a big baby too...all the best with your new little bundle.. Hope i'm next...hehe
BAREFOOTNPREGNANT - 2 days ago
OMG i was induced today and pushed out a 10 lb 12 oz baby boy, the easiest of my 3 births, 2nd degree tear only, he looks like a sumo, and I feel great. I was only pushing for 15 mins....Good luck to you all it won't be long, I am so happy to be rid of the pregnancy, it was hellish, will post pics soon
The due date from members in week 40 is from Monday 2 November 2009 up to & including Sunday 8 November 2009. See the full timeline here
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