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Both fingernails and toenails are now fully formed. Your baby may need a nail trim soon after birth.
Fueled by big bursts of energy, you may find yourself deep cleaning the nursery, setting up baby gear, and freezing lasagnas.
You can reduce swelling by staying active, putting your feet up, lying on your side, and (surprisingly) drinking lots of water.
You're in your ninth month!
Howdy!
Your baby has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time!
Eye color: What to expect
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or bluer. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
Swollen ankles
Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your doctor or midwife without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
Trouble sleeping
It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy during the day – this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while.
Crazy dreams
While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Watch for late-pregnancy complications
Unfortunately, serious problems, like preeclampsia, can strike at the end of pregnancy. Be on the lookout for symptoms that warrant a call to your doctor or midwife.
Have your house cleaned
There's nothing better than coming home to a clean house with your new baby! See what other parents wish they had known about preparing for a newborn.
