Pregnancy Week By Week
Week 38, Week 39 and Week 40

Week 38

Baby:

Your baby is about 21 inches from head to toe and weighs about 6.8 pounds. Most of the baby's downy hair, lanugo, and whitish coating, vernix, is disappearing. Your baby is getting its antibodies from you to protect against illness. Baby's growth is slowing, but fat cells under skin get plumper for life outside the womb. Almost ready for birth, your baby would do well if born now.

Mother:

You're probably not getting any bigger, but you may be feeling more uncomfortable. Make sure you have a bag packed. It won't be long now -- 95% of all babies are born within two weeks of their mother's due date.

Dad:

If you are in the labor room, you can have a chance to cut the umbilical cord connecting mother and baby. This is a great way for fathers to be a physical part of the birth and after-birth process. Your doctor or other health care professional will guide you through the steps.

Do's and Don'ts:

Make a list of all the important phone numbers you'll need once you bring the baby home, so you won't have to scramble to find them later. Place the list right next to your phone, and be sure to include anyone you think would be a great resource for you during those challenging early weeks (e.g., the pediatrician, doula, and lactation consultant). Collect a pile of menus from restaurants that deliver and tuck them under the phone; this way, if you and your partner are too busy with the baby to cook, a nutritious meal is just a call away.

Exercise:

Rest up. During these last few weeks, when just getting out of bed feels like a chore, it's understandable if you want to bag the workouts altogether. Instead of worrying about going to the gym, take this time to relax and recharge. You need to save your energy for childbirth.

Tips for this week:

Consider whether you'll circumcise your baby if it's a boy. Circumcision isn't as much a medical issue as a cultural or religious one.

Week 39

Baby:

Your baby is about 21.5 inches long from head to toe and weighs a little more than 7 pounds. Toenails and fingernails have grown to tips of toes and fingers. Muscles of your baby's arms and legs are strong, and he's practicing lung movements. Baby's head has dropped into the mother's pelvis if he's head-down, which allows you to breathe a little easier.

Mother:

You're probably feeling quite large and uncomfortable. Your uterus has filled your pelvis and most of your abdomen, pushing everything else out of the way. Your center of gravity has shifted, so you may be clumsier than usual.

Dad:

I'm - too sexy for this womb...

Be honest, you want your little one to resemble you. Your long eyelashes, strong jaw, or full lips would be worn with pride by any lucky newborn. After all, you are one handsome dude--men want to be you, women want to be with you.

Notes: It's important that this week you make the father feel confident when getting close to labor and delivery. He'll need it!

Do's and Don'ts:

Your to-do list runs long, but be sure to enjoy your last few weeks of freedom. Caring for a newborn is exciting and deeply rewarding, but it doesn't leave you much time to yourself. Make the most of your solitude now to indulge in such pleasures as reading for hours and watching first-run movies. You'll be plenty busy once the baby's here.

Exercise:

Now that you're not working out as hard or as often, use the time to do a few relaxation exercises. Studies show that they lower your heart rate and blood pressure and put you in a great mood. Don't know how to get started? Try this simple exercise: Lie down on your side and breathe deeply. Isolate individual muscle groups, tense them, and release as you exhale.

Tips for this week:

Watch for signs of labor, but don't get too obsessed. It could happen soon or still be weeks away. Some differences between false labor and contractions: False labor pains usually concentrate in the lower abdomen and groin, while true labor pains may start in the lower back and may spread through the entire abdomen. Real labor also becomes stronger and more powerful as time passes.

Week 40

Baby:

Your baby's length is about 21.5 inches from head to toe and it weighs about 7.5 pounds. Boys often tend to weigh a little more than girls. Reflexes are coordinated so the baby can blink, close his eyes, turn his head, grasp firmly and respond to sounds, light and touch. More lanugo falls out, but some may remain at birth on shoulders, folds of skin and backs of ears.

Mother:

Birth should be soon now, but don't worry if your due date comes and goes. Only 5% of all babies are born exactly on the due date. It may be more difficult for you to get a good night's sleep because it's hard to find a comfortable position, but try to rest as much as possible, with your feet up if you can.

Dad:

Boo-ya!

You made it! By now you're either a new father (or father again) or ready to be. Take time to relax and enjoy the moment. Sure, everyone wants to rush through labor and delivery, but this special event is also a time worth savoring.

Do's and Don'ts:

If you're tiring of the wait, try road-testing a few folk remedies -- midwife's approval, of course. Many women claim that taking brisk walks, having lots of sex (the prostaglandin in semen apparently softens the cervix), and drinking raspberry leaf tea will help bring on contractions. Even if they don't work, they'll at least make the wait more interesting.

Exercise:

If you're feeling antsy and cooped-up at home, take a slow stroll around your neighborhood to clear your head and keep your body moving. Some women claim walking brings on contractions; no one knows for certain if it works, but it can't hurt to go outdoors.