Week by Week Pregnancy, Weeks 37-40

By weeks 37 to 40 of your pregnancy, you will soon be a "New Mom!" Your baby may be 6 to 8 pounds, 19 to 20 inches, and is considered to be "full term" now, ready for life outside of the womb!

Your doctor appointments will become more frequent during your final weeks of pregnancy, so it is a good time to bring a list of any questions or concerns that you have. Also, confirm your arrangements with the person that will be with you for support at the hospital. It is a good idea that you fully communicate to this person how they can best help you during your labor.

As your body gets ready for labor & delivery, your "water may break," making you feel like you've lost control over your bladder, but actually it's amniotic fluid leaking from your placenta (sack of fluid that contains your baby). Notify your doctor when this happens, as your baby will need to be delivered within 24 hours to prevent infection. Another sign of labor onset is the loss of your "mucus plug" that has sealed your womb. This occurs as your cervix opens and may happen from a couple of weeks before delivery to the time of delivery.

Since labor may come upon you unexpectedly, have your hospital delivery bag packed and ready to go! Carry your insurance card and other necessary papers with you so that you are not rushed & stressed, looking around for what you may need at the last minute.

Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN

Resources:
http://www.babycenter.com/average-fetal-length-weight-chart
http://mothercare.com.mt/parentingtips/pregnancy-week-by-week-weeks-37-40/

                                                      Custom Hospital Delivery Gowns

Today's modern maternity clothes allow moms-to-be to feel stylish during their entire 9 months of pregnancy and the day of your baby's delivery should be no different! As you get closer to your baby's due date considering packing a modern, custom-made maternity hospital gown which not only looks stylish, but has many advantages over what the hospital will provide. These include:

1. Beautiful fabric selections, making vibrant photos of you holding your baby for the first time.
2. Wear after delivery as stylish nursing pajamas (shoulder snaps allow easy nursing access).
3. Specific design features to meet your needs during labor, delivery, and later at home (designed by a labor & delivery nurse).

You will not only be stylish, but comfortable, when you wear a custom hospital delivery gown!

                                          Cute Hospital Delivery Gowns, to Deliver in Style...

The "Elle" Hospital Delivery Gown is our newest fabric choice at ModMomMaternity.com!

It will look so cute & cheery on you, in the first pictures after your baby delivery! This gown was designed by a labor and delivery nurse, so it will be simple for the hospital staff to have easy access.

The design includes:

-Snaps completely down the back for complete coverage from behind.

-Snaps at the breastbone for discrete & easy breastfeeding. Providing privacy when visitors come!

-Ribbon sash to tie in the back or the front to accent your beautiful belly.


After you leave the hospital, use your gown as a nightgown or nursing pajamas. It is beautiful and comfortable, as well as easy for breastfeeding in the middle of the night!