| Your baby may now be as long as 44 centimetres, | | | | these plugs up to two weeks before their labor begins. |
| head to toe and weigh around 2.25 kilos. | | | | Lifestyle Considerations |
| This week, the protective vernix (that white, waxy | | | | This is the week that you need to put together a birth |
| coating that protects the baby's skin) begins to thicken. | | | | plan with your doctor. This means making decisions |
| Your baby will likely arrive covered in this, especially in | | | | about who will be in the room while you are in labor, |
| the folds under his arms, behind his ears, and in the | | | | what you like to drink or eat and what your |
| groin area. | | | | preferences are when it comes to relieving pain. |
| Changes To Your Body | | | | Good Advice |
| Your body may feel a little lighter than it has recently. | | | | If you are a single mum, consider hiring a doula (a |
| This is called dropping, lightening or engagement. The | | | | trained birth assistant) to support you during or after |
| lighter feeling is an indication that your baby is settling | | | | labor. |
| into your lower pelvis. | | | | NEXT WEEK: Your baby should be turned head down |
| If you see a blood tinged, extra thick discharge then | | | | in the womb getting ready for birth. Your doctor might |
| this is a sign that your mucus plug is dropping. The | | | | advice you next week, to undergo for several test, to |
| mucus plug blocks your cervix during pregnancy to | | | | assure that mum will be ready and fit for he upcoming |
| keep your uterus safe from germs. Many women lose | | | | delivery. |