Early term! Your baby is now considered "at term" and could arrive any day; maturing continues until week 39.
What's Happening With Your Baby This Week?
- The organs are getting ready for life outside; the lungs and brain keep maturing until week 39.
- Antibody transfer via the umbilical cord is at its peak; immune preparation for the first months after birth is complete.
- The grasp reflex is very strong; the baby will be able to firmly grip your finger at birth.
- Head circumference and abdominal circumference are approximately the same size; ideal proportions for passing through the birth canal.
- The baby continues to store 14 grams of fat daily; this fat will be an energy and heat source after birth.
This Week's Tips for Mom
- Your cervix may start softening and thinning; this is part of the preparation for labor.
- Your doctor may examine you to check your baby's position and your cervix; your baby's position can affect the method of delivery.
- If breech presentation (baby not head-down) is detected, your doctor may suggest external cephalic version (ECV).
- Increased discharge in your underwear is normal; however, if it's watery or bloody, contact your doctor right away.
- Since labor could start at any time, checking your phone charge and transportation plan daily is a good idea.
Tip of the day: The "bloody show" (blood-tinged mucus discharge) can be the first concrete sign that labor is approaching. This plug is the mucus plug that sealed the cervix, and its release may indicate that labor could begin within hours or days.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Length and weight values are averages; every baby grows at their own pace.
