Week 37- Baby Boy Swiss Chard

How your baby's growing: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing: Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics. It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

from: Baby Center

Baby: Congratulations! Your baby is now considered full term. Most babies weigh 7 pounds by week 37 and measure around 20 inches. Remember, by this point in a pregnancy there tends to be variability between babies, some weighing more than others. Boys, for example, are typically heavier and longer than girls. If your baby were to be born this week, all of his internal organs would be developed enough to function outside of your body. Also, from week 37 on, your baby will only be adding a few ounces of fat to his frame each week.

Mom: How are you feeling? Are you getting anxious? If this is your first pregnancy, keep in mind you could be anywhere from two days to two weeks late! And if this isn't your first pregnancy, you are probably well aware that most women don't deliver on their predicted due date. Most women, however, do deliver either a few days before or after their due date.

from PlanningFamily

We were disappointed today to find out that we would not be induced. Our lung maturity test came back as negative for the 2nd test (although mature for the first test). We were told I could come in today to start the induction with steroids, but when Dr. Barthel called this morning, she that Dr. Duval, the perinatologist, told her it was too risky. Needless to say today has been a big let down. Not only is our baby boy not coming today, but I have to go back to work for who knows how long, my family drove hundreds of miles through the night, and now baby isn't going to be here, and our insurance issue (which was our main reason for induction). So, I guess we'll wait it out like most people do when expecting a baby.

So I guess I'll see you again next week- or sooner.