Pregnancy Week 39
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Your Baby's Growth and Development
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By pregnancy week 39 your baby may weigh 7.5 pounds or more and is probably between 21 and 21.5 inches long!
Your baby is rapidly approaching labor and delivery. By now you probably have some questions about labor and delivery. Did you know during labor your doctor will monitor your baby's heart rate periodically? If you are induced your doctor will monitor your baby's heart rate consistently to ensure your baby is healthy and tolerating labor well.
In certain cases it may be necessary for your doctor to use an internal fetal monitor to assess your baby's well being. A doctor can do this by placing an electrode directly on the baby's scalp. Many parents feel this is invasive, but at times it may be necessary to monitor the well being of your baby.
Changes In Your Body
During pregnancy week 39 you are likely more anxious than ever to meet your newborn baby. As well you should be! You may have the chance to meet your baby any day now. Your belly will not change much from now until delivery, so you will need something else to dwell on.
If you haven't decided on names yet for your baby, now may be a good time. Some parents select a couple of different names, especially if they aren't sure about the sex of their baby. You may be surprised to find you select one name, but then decide on another after seeing your baby for the first time.
When your newborn baby does arrive, keep in mind he or she may look a bit unusual. There are certain characteristics or features common to newborn babies. Most newborn babies for example, are born with large heads and little neck. Many also have bloated bellies. If you labored and pushed for many hours, you'll notice your baby is also born with a distinct cone head. This is perfectly normal.
Your baby's skull may appear misshapen at birth, but rest assured it will revert to a normal shape within a few weeks after delivery. The soft spots located on your baby's head, the fontanels, allow your baby's bones to compress during delivery so your baby can fit through the birth canal.
Some babies, even male babies are born with slightly swollen breasts and genitals. This is usually a side effect of the hormones raging through your system right before delivery. Don't worry, this side effect won't last long either.
Some parents are surprised to find their baby is born with acne. Our second daughter was born with bright red acne across her entire face. This may also happen because of exposure to your pregnancy hormones, and usually fades within a few weeks after delivery. Still other babies are born with birthmarks. Our first daughter Hannah was born with a bright red strawberry birthmark right on her bottom. It's still there today, though not as bright. It may sound awful, but I made a point to take a few pictures of her bare bottom when a baby to remind her of all the things we adored about her when she was born (even if she doesn't find it so endearing).
Does Your Baby Look Like You?
Don't be surprised if you are constantly changing your mind about who your baby looks like. Most young newborn babies change a lot during the first few weeks of life. You may think your baby looks like you only to discover he or she takes on most of the features of your partner or another close relative later in life.
Genetics are interesting. We have two children with dark hair and one child with very blond hair and blue eyes. Though neither my husband nor I am blond, we do have other family members who are. You just never know what you will come up with when you have a new baby, that is part of the excitement of meeting your baby for the first time!
Have You Invested In Your Pregnancy Pillow Yet? If you do not own a pregnancy pillow, and think that at this point in your pregnancy there is no point in buying one, you are dead wrong. A pregnancy pillow much like the Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillow is the ideal instrument for any mother about to deliver her bundle of joy. You can still use a full body pregnancy pillow after your baby to support your head, neck and belly. You can tuck it between your legs and grasp the edges so you can find a comfortable position to lie in.
Most notably, Snoozer pregnancy pillows are uniquely designed to conform to any shape, so you can mold them into a comfortable cradle you can use to support your baby and your body while breastfeeding. These pregnancy pillows provide superior support for nursing, because they are large and comfortable. Your baby will fall in love with the synthetic or natural down that fills these delightful support pillows. Many parents use full body pillows for years after their baby is born. You can even buy one for your husband so the two of you can enjoy sleeping (when you have the chance to) after you deliver your baby. Consider the Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillow the all-purpose pillow, ideal for men and women alike!
Read next about your baby's growth and development, as well as the changes in your body during pregnancy week 40.
