Can you believe it? You are going to be a mama any day now! Your baby continues to grow and develop and will soon be ready to make her grand entrance.
In this article, we are going to help guide you through your 9th and final month of pregnancy.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What to expect from an ultrasound
- Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
- How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
- How big is my baby right now?
- Shopping List
- Homework for this month
- Bottom Line
What to expect from an ultrasound
An ultrasound may not be conducted. If it is, expect to see your little one’s adorable little face. You may even learn that your baby is a thumb sucker already. You will also be able to see your baby’s anatomy and your provider will be able to monitor anything that is needed.
Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
You will likely feel your little one moving around in your belly as she starts running out of space! It is crazy to literally see an elbow or a foot poke out of your belly while you are relaxing on the couch.
Some symptoms you may experience include:
- Braxton-hicks contractions
- Varicose veins
- Shortness of breath
- Exhaustion
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Colored vaginal discharge (red or brown)
- Pelvic pain
Many of these symptoms are typical during this stage of pregnancy. To know what to look for in terms of labor signs, it is best to speak with your health care provider to guide you.
How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
Your belly will be as large as it is going to get during this month. Enjoy it and make sure to take lots of pictures. Even if you are not a sentimental person, your little one will enjoy seeing these images as she gets older.
How big is my baby right now?
The saying that women squeeze something the size of a watermelon out of something the size of a lemon is quite literally true. By the time you reach 40 weeks (if you are still pregnant at that point), your baby will measure around 20 inches and weigh 7.5 pounds.
Shopping List
Load up on food that you can pre-cook and keep in your freezer. Make sure you have glass storage containers to keep your food fresh without exposing your body to unnecessary potential hormone disrupting chemicals you may find in plastic options.
If you are having a vaginal birth, make sure you have some heavy flow maxi pads and full underwear available. This is no time to shoot for sexy-the cotton 10 pack of undies you find online will do just fine.
Make sure you have all of your nursing supplies ready if you are planning on breastfeeding. Items like nipple cream, vitamin D3 drops, and a Boppy pillow are all excellent items to have on-hand before baby is here.
Homework for this month
Make sure your insurance is up to date and you have a plan for when the big day comes.
Have a discussion with your partner about expectations and roles once baby is here.
Tie up any loose ends at work in case you go into labor before your due date.
Breathe and relax
Bottom Line
You are about to experience the miracle of life and give birth to your brand new baby. This is an exciting time for many people, and it is easy to get lost in the moment. Just make sure that you continue to take care of yourself as you are caring for your newborn. Nobody can pour from an empty cup so proper sleep, stress management, and eating nutritious foods is of the upmost importance.
Congratulations, mama. Enjoy motherhood!
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