The moment of meeting your miracle! Your baby is ready to come into your arms fully developed.
What's Happening With Your Baby This Week?
- Ready to take a deep breath, cry, and feel the warmth of your skin at first contact!
- Your baby knows your voice and scent very well; they may turn toward your voice right after birth.
- The fontanelles (soft spots) between skull bones remain open to facilitate passage through the birth canal.
- Stress hormone (cortisol) is released during birth; this supports the lungs opening for the first breath.
- At an average of 3-3.5 kg and 50-52 cm, a fully developed baby is now ready to see the world.
This Week's Tips for Mom
- Staying calm and focusing on your breathing is very valuable; panic can make the labor process harder.
- Staying in touch with your family for postpartum support is wonderful; you'll need help in the first days.
- Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) right after birth is the most powerful way to bond with your baby.
- Try to have your first breastfeeding attempt within the first hour after birth; colostrum is worth its weight in gold for your baby.
- Be gentle with yourself; no matter what the method of delivery (vaginal, cesarean), you're going to be a wonderful mother.
Tip of the day: Some babies go past their due date — don't worry! Your doctor will safely manage the process and will apply induction (labor initiation) if necessary. Just focus on that magical moment when you'll see your baby's face.
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.
