38 weeks pregnant
Length: 48.7 cmWeight: 3000 g
Baby development
I am now considered fully developed, with the focus right now being to pile on the pounds with extra fat.
Most children are born between week 38 and week 42. Maybe it's time for me to make an entrance!
The weight and length of a newborn child depend on several factors. Genetics and gender play a part, but the length of pregnancy makes a huge difference. The longer the time spent in the mother’s belly, the bigger I’ll be. At the end of the pregnancy, I grow at a rate of 1 cm a week and increase by about 150-200 grams over the same time.
On average, boys usually weigh slightly more than girls do at the time of birth. They also tend to be a little longer. At the end of a full-term pregnancy, that is, 40 full weeks, boys weigh 3.6 kg and girls 3.4 kg. Girls tend to be about 50 cm long on average and boys about 51 cm. However, it’s worth remembering that we are all different and it is by no means abnormal to be below or above those measurements!
Mothers development
The mucus plug is found in the uterus and is intended to block bacteria from getting into the uterus.
As the delivery approaches and the cervix starts to open, you may find bits of it in your panties. The release of the mucous plug is not necessarily a sign the delivery has started, only that it is approaching.
You have probably already written a birth plan letter? If not, this is now becoming urgent. Write down the thoughts you're having about the delivery in the letter. For example, what pain relief are you willing to take? Here you should write down things you want to avoid and things you would like to try. It's hard to know exactly how you want things to be. Sometimes, things you had strong feelings about before delivery do not feel as important once you are in the delivery theatre. Think of the birth plan as mental preparation, allowing you to think about the delivery and how you'd like it to be. The birth plan letter becomes a compilation of what you think is best for you the day your child will be born - which may happen anytime now?
Co-parent
It’s now time to put words to your needs in the birth plan letter.
This is important so that your partner knows what to expect from you as well as the nurses and midwives. You can of course speak to them once you meet and feel you may have forgotten something.
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