How Big is Your Baby?
Though your baby has attained full term and is preparing for the birth, the growth doesn't halt. It continues to grow but on a relatively slower pace. At week 39 of you pregnancy, it weighs 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures 18.9 to 20.9 inches.
Baby's growth and development
The baby can now flex its limbs. The brain is rapidly developing and its growing smarter. The nails will expand past its fingertips.
Mother's Development
Changes You Experience
You might have experienced that you aren't growing any bigger or gaining any more weight now. This is the time when other changes begin to happen to your body. By now, the baby has dropped in the birth canal. Now the cervix starts dilating. It becomes thinner, shortens and softens in a process which is called “effacement”. You are near to your delivery date and soon your little bundle of joy will be there in your hands.
Complications
Breeched births are the most common complication at this stage. About 1 in 25 babies is born this way. It is important that you take all measures that will help the baby position itself inside the womb. If it does not happen, consult your doctor and prepare yourself for a caesarean.
Contact your doctor immediately if there are any problems relating to pre-eclampsia, anaemia or decreased foetal movements. Also, have complete knowledge regarding completing early labor at home, so that you get to the hospital on the right time, not too late or too early.
Diet
The ideal diet must comprise 6 to 10 servings of grains and bread, 2 to 4 servings of fruits, 4 to 5 servings of vegetables and around 4 servings of dairy products. Have sweets and fatty foods rarely. Increase the fiber in your diet in this week of pregnancy, to steer clear of digestive problems.
Vitamin C and vitamin A are crucial for the healthy diet. The common sources of these nutrients include oranges, papaya, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots and spinach. Also keep it mind that intake of excessive vitamin A can be harmful to the baby’s organs.
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