Figuring out a due date is a hit or miss affair unless you know precisely, to the day, when you conceived and even then it’s only about 70% accurate.  Most babies are late rather than early.  And if you are here, you know that only too well!

Maternal Changes:

I guess the good news is that neither you nor your baby is going to get any bigger.  Don’t think that your uterus can’t get any bigger though – it can.  It’s made from the most amazing stuff – look at the octomom – did you see the pictures of her when she was nearly at full term with 8 babies?

Your doctor will definitely not let you go past 42 weeks (did I hear a few groans?)

But with the next pains you get you can say goodbye to Mr. Braxton and Mr. Hicks, this is probably going to be for real, and we wish you all the best, it’s really been fun writing this section of the website for the past few weeks.

Nothing has changed through the ages with pregnancy, except being able to predict your baby’s sex after a few weeks, and also the technology that has enabled us to see the baby develop in utero, and of course the advanced medical techniques that can save even the most severely premature babies’ lives.

Otherwise women throughout the ages were just like you, looking forward to a new life and another generation, and at 40 weeks pregnant, dying to get it over with!

Fetal Development:

He’s at his birth weight and just biding his time.  Everything is there, his fingers, toes and unique personality.  The next few years will fly by and before you know it he’ll be asking to borrow the car, if we even have cars then!

Father/Significant Othеr:

If this is your first, you are looking forward to your son being born (or daughter of course).  Most men want a son first, despite what they say.  They are already dreaming about baseball and fishing and all the things they can do together.

Never leave his life dad, never.  He needs you.  That’s why it takes two to make a baby.

Whаt Yου Shουld Eat:

Have you taken your folic acid and pre-natal vitamins today? I won’t stop asking that until the day you deliver, so get used to it. Stay hydrated!

I can stop nagging now!

Whаt Yου Shουld Know:

Probably anything you do to try to induce labor will work at this stage, just don’t go injuring yourself.  There’s many old wives’ tales out there, just don’t go with the one that involves castor oil – you will regret it!

Having sex is supposed to help amazingly well, sounds impossible but it can still be done.  You can start contractions with an orgasm and the prostaglandins in his sperm can soften the cervix. It will be a treat for the old man anyway, even if it doesn’t work – because sex is a no-no for six weeks after birth.  Go on, try it!

Just put your feet up and enjoy some sleep and peace and quiet afterwards, it will be the last you get for a long time, unless you can afford a wet nurse and a nanny!

Recommended Exercises:

How about a few hours straining and pushing?  And sleep, it will be in short supply soon.

Recommended For Mom:

Baby Einstein Classics Collection

Take a look at the complete line of Baby Einstein toys – you and your baby will love them.  They are all designed to stimulate and educate.