Watch Me Grow: Month Nine

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What the mother looks like:

• Anxious but Happy
• Beautiful
• Peaceful
• Excited about approaching birth of her beloved child

Feels Like:

• May have contractions (Braxton-Hicks) that feel like menstrual cramps
• May experience other signs of impending labor, such as "nesting" (bursts of energy, housecleaning) or bloody show from the cervix

Special Concerns:

• Call your doctor immediately if your "water breaks"
• Make sure your support person is easy to reach - rent a pager for your last month!
• Have your bags packed and make a trial run to the hospital

What the baby looks like:

• Baby has been adding weight at the rate of about 1/2 ounce per day and looks a little "plump"
• Average baby measures 20 inches from head-to-toe and weighs 7 1/2 pounds

Feels Like:

• Entire uterus is now fully occupied and baby is feeling very cramped
• Baby's hair has grown!
• Near the end of the month, baby assumes the position he will take for delivery

Special Concerns:

• Week 40 is considered the end of normal gestation
• Baby is now ready to meet the world