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Pregnancy Week 39
Find out how your baby will develop in the last two weeks of pregnancy, plus learn about possible labor day surprises.
Less than 5 percent of women give birth on their actual due dates, which means your baby could come a few hours from now or not for another two weeks. But you're probably so attuned to the possibility of labor that every little twinge makes you think "Is this 'It?'" Labor may begin in several ways.
By now your baby has likely reached his birth weight (typically between 6 and 9 pounds) and length (18 to 22 inches from head to toe). He's accumulated enough body fat to stay cozy after he's born, and your placenta continues to supply him with nutrients and antibodies that will help fend off illnesses.
Even if you've been imagining for months how your labor will go, chances are it won't go anything like you've planned. For example, your water might break, but if you're not having any contractions, you might need to be induced. Or maybe your labor will progress so fast that there'll be no time for an epidural.
Share and celebrate your pregnancy with other moms-to-be.
- The Inside Story: Your Baby in Week Thirty-Nine
Your baby is ready to greet the world! His eyes are open and he might even have a full head of hair already.
- Your Developing Baby: Week 39
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- Forceps and Vacuum Extraction
Don't worry if your doctor has to use forceps or vacuum extraction during labor -- both are very common.
- Labor Day Surprises
Don't be surprised if some of these little surprises happen to you on your big day.
- Predicting Baby's Birthweight
Find out how much your baby will likely weigh at birth.
- Involving Your Partner
Don't be surprised if some of these little surprises happen to you on your big day.
- Why Hydration is So Important
Staying hydrated is especially important at the end of your pregnancy. Make sure you have a water bottle with you at all times.
- Walking Late in Pregnancy
Keep walking through the end of your third trimester if you can!
- Q&A: What Happens If I Can't Make it to the Hospital?
Memorize these tips so you're prepared in the rare event that you can't make it to the hospital in time.
- Q&A: I'm Dilated -- Will I Go Into Labor Today?
Find out what it means to go into labor and when you should start preparing.
- Mom Finds
- Mom Tools
- Win
Compare bumps, symptoms, emotional ups and downs, and preparation plans.
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