Week Forty - Pregnancy Week by Week

Mother:

Your body has been getting ready in many ways over the last few weeks. We have talked before of the labor and what it entails. We have discussed pain relief and other aspects as well. This is very normal, only about 4% of women will actually give birth on their due date. While 98% of women will give birth 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after.

Inductions are the artificial means used to bring about labor. They can be medically managed, like pitocin or amniotomy (breaking your water), or by non-medical means. Give a great deal of thought to the risks and benefits of inductions.

Baby:

Your baby is probably one of the 96% of babies who is head down and deeply snuggled into your pelvis. The immune system is still immature and the baby receives antibodies from the placenta and after birth they will receive antibodies continually from your breast milk. Most of the lanugo has fallen off the baby's body, although you may still find some hidden spots, particularly in the creases, and around the shoulders or ears.

The average baby will be about 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms) and 20 inches long at birth. Your baby will be judged, at birth and 5 minutes later, with an apgar score.

Dad:

Looking for a way to pamper mom before the birth? Consider a pedicure or a pregnancy massage to help her relax. A nice date is also encouraged. Though be careful about picking things she has to sit through for long periods like concerts and the movies.

Twin Tips:

The rate of undiagnosed multiples is very slim. Finding out earlier you have multiples helps ensure a healthier delivery for both mom and babies.

Suggested Reading:

The New Parent by Dr. Miriam Stoppard
A handy reference guide, complete with color photos from feeding to bathing, changing diapers, when to call your pediatrician and much more!
Click Here to Order

<--- Previous Week | Next Week --->

More Pregnancy Weeks:

_{Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 |}

Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 |

Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18 | Week 19 | Week 20 | Week 21 | Week 22 |

Week 23 | Week 24 | Week 25 | Week 26 | Week 27 | Week 28 | Week 29 |

Week 30 | Week 31 | Week 32 | Week 33 | Week 34 | Week 35 | Week 36 |

Week 37 | Week 38 | Week 39 | Week 40 | Week 41 | Week 42

There will be slight differences in everyone's growth and fetal development. Any problems should be reported to your practitioner.

_{Photo © iStockPhoto}