40 weeks pregnant
Length: 51 cmWeight: 3450 g
Baby development
My organs are good to go and I have harnessed enough subcutaneous fat (15% of my body is now fat).
The foetal fat and lanugo hair that previously covered my body are now virtually gone. Both mom and I are ready to begin the process of delivery! What induces labour isn’t known for sure, but it has something to do with hormones. I may produce hormones when I’m ready to come out, but it’s also possibly down to my mother’s susceptibility to the hormones.
When pregnancy has reached full term, the uterus becomes ready for contractions and it is sensitive to various factors that may trigger delivery. There are two of us in control and now it’s time for us to ensure we are both focused on the same goal.
Mothers development
This is a trying time.
In addition, you are probably experiencing false labour contractions which may cause some discomfort. These contractions are the body’s way of preparing itself for the process of childbirth. Unlike labour contractions, these ease up if you change your position only to return at a later time.
Contractions can be both irregular and regular. If it’s your first child it might be difficult to tell the difference between a practice contraction and a labour contraction. Especially when they become more intense. As always if you are unsure, you should contact your local maternity clinic. Call your delivery clinic if you experience three contractions every 10 minutes. Also, contact the clinic if your water breaks if you’re bleeding or if you feel generally worried.
Co-parent
Are you ready? Have you talked about the big change that awaits?
For now, you’re about to enter a world of cuddles, tears, frustration and general worry. Nothing beats being a parent, but nothing also beats that feeling of absolute helplessness and confusion. It’s an inescapable feeling and all one can do is to develop the ability to remain calm under immense pressure. From now on, you no longer have control over your routines or sleep. Someone else with no appreciation for time and space has that control now. This is where all your earlier planning is critical to ensuring you don’t get lost in the whirlwind of emotion and chaos and that you can both hit the ground running as parents.
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