Pregnancy calendar - week #39

Pregnant mothers - week #39

Your due date: firmly set in mud.

At this point, you're likely going crazy waiting for labor and delivery to happen. You feel like you're about as big as you can get, that you've been pregnant forever, and that your life is ready for baby to come.

Exhale. We know these last few weeks are tough and seemingly endless. Just hold on a few more days. You can do it, and you will do it (and you have to do it!)

It's important to note something about that good old due date. It's been emblazened in your mind for the last 9 months, like a countdown to New Year's. But the odds aren't in your favor for delivering on this date. In fact, only 4-5% of births occur on the due date predicted. Wow! You'll likely have to get used to a totally different number! What's more is that first time mothers are very apt to deliver days after their expected due date (up to two weeks later!)

You're very likely to show signs of labor in week 39. Some doctors say that the last weeks of pregnancy are all labor--your body is preparing for it's ultimate purpose, passing on life.

Are you prepared to see your baby? You've been imagining what your kids will look like for years, and now you're so close to knowing! The image of a healthy, chubby and mature baby is what Hollywood would have us believe newborns look like. Here's what you can really expect in the first hours and days:

• Irregularly shaped head. Because the skull must be pliable to make it through the birth canal, babies often come out with a pointed or cone-shaped head.
• Newborns often have big heads, short necks, and long middle sections.
• Blotchy skin. Some babies are born with little red bumps on their skin.
• Swollen genitals. Because delivery will expose baby to a number of female hormones, genitals may swell.
• Birthmarks. Typical birthmarks are port wine stains, stork bites, and cafe au lait spots. Some birthmarks disappear after a few days, some stay forever.

No matter what your baby looks like out of the womb, she is likely to be the most beautiful baby in the history of the world, right?

You're probably anticipating the notorious breaking of the water. You're expecting a dramatic gush of water, but more likely to experience a gentle trickle, if anything. In 75% of pregnancies, the water won't break until you're well into labor and 9+ centimeters dilated. So forget the feared scene of standing in line at a crowded store, your water breaking, and you suffering shocking embarrassment. It's not likely to go down that way.

When baby comes, she will be attached to you through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is usually around 22 inches in length, and a 1/2 inch wide. In certain situations, the cord can become wrapped around the neck of the baby. This is very uncommon, and your health care provider is prepared for the situation.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, keep in mind you'll need to consume about 500 extra calories a day. Breastfeeding women typically burn 400-700 extra calories a day through feeding their baby. We bet that's music to your ears!

Baby and fetal development - week #39

Knock, knock...

Baby weighs around 7 1/2 pounds now. He is about 20 inches long. He is likely cute and plump. And ready to come out!

Pregnant dads - week #39

I'm - too sexy for this womb...

Be honest, you want your little one to resemble you. Your long eyelashes, strong jaw, or full lips would be worn with pride by any lucky newborn. After all, you are one handsome dude--men want to be you, women want to be with you.

(YeahBaby.com week 39 editor's notes: It's important that this week you make the father feel confident when getting close to labor and delivery. He'll need it!)