Full term
Congratulations! Your baby is now full term. That means he's more likely to be born healthy than babies born earlier.
Stay active
Walking is a safe activity to continue throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Shoot for 20 to 30 minutes a day.
Ready to breastfeed?
The more you nurse, the more milk you'll produce: Eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target.
1 week to go!
You're in your ninth month
Finally full term!
Your baby is full term this week and waiting to greet the world! Full term is 39 to 40 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks are preterm, 37 to 38 weeks is early term, 41 weeks is late term, and those born after 42 are post-term.
Still plumping up
He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely that your baby already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.)
Kick, kick, kicking
Keep paying attention to your baby's movements. Let your doctor or midwife know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem.
Ripening cervix?
At a prenatal checkup, your provider might do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even with this information, there's still no way to predict exactly when your baby is coming.
Leaking fluid?
Call your provider if you think your water may have broken. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If your water breaks but contractions don't start soon, you'll be induced.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Learn about your body after birth
It's normal to still look pregnant after you deliver. (It took nine months to get here, after all!) Learn what to expect from your body.
Stock up on light entertainment
Make a list of shows to stream, buy or borrow magazines and books, or subscribe to some new podcasts. You may need distraction during the long hours of early labor.
Buy nursing bras
If you're planning to breastfeed and haven't bought nursing bras yet, now is the time. Bring them to the hospital – you'll want them for comfort and support.
