Your Pregnancy Week By Week: Fetal Development

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 37

You are considered full term now and if your baby is born this week, there is a good chance he will never need any special care. His lungs are almost completely matured and everything he needs to survive outside the womb is finished. From here on out, it is simply a matter of weight gain! Some babies are born with a ½ in of hair already on their heads, while others are born relatively bald. It won't be long now before you are able to see your precious little one!

If you haven't already packed your hospital bag, now is the time to do so. Keep it somewhere near your front door with your camera and any other necessities you need in case you need to grab it quickly. Also, if you have other small children, now is the time to make arrangements for their care should you go into labor suddenly.

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 38

The pasty white vernix that coated your baby's body is almost gone in preparation for birth. Your baby can turn his head towards light and sound, blink and grimace. While your babies bones are strong, his head will remain flexible in order to fit through the birth canal properly.

It is not uncommon for many mothers to develop a sudden burst in energy just before going into labor. You may find yourself cleaning out the fridge, scrubbing the tub tiles or rearranging furniture. Relax! It's completely normal and considered a nesting instinct in preparation for your new arrival.

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 39

You have almost reached the end of your pregnancy and your baby is probably somewhere between 5lbs 11oz and 9lbs. Things are really getting cramped in there and you may begin to feel your baby move around less and less. Notify your doctor immediately if you do not feel your baby move a little each hour.

It may be very uncomfortable to breath and even eat those last few weeks of pregnancy. During the 39^th week of pregnancy you may even find that you lose a pound or two because of your decreased appetite

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 40

Congratulations! You Made IT!! Your baby is full term and you are probably anxiously awaiting his arrival. Celebrate the last few nights before your baby is born by going out with your husband on a romantic dinner for two. It won't be long now before your day's of just being a couple are over...you are about to become a FAMILY! Pay no attention to the old wives tales....there is not much you can do to make your baby come any sooner than you'd like. 

• Fetal Development Weeks 1-4
• Fetal Development Weeks 5-8
• Fetal Development Weeks 9-13
• Fetal Development Weeks 13-16
• Fetal Development Weeks 17-21
• Fetal Development Weeks 22-26
• Fetal Development Weeks 27-31
• Fetal Development Weeks 32-36