How Your Baby Grows During the Fortieth Week
Your baby is now 20 to 21 inches long and the presenting part, hopefully the top of the head, is likely pressing firmly against the cervix. Your practitioner will probably check to see whether the baby is posterior or anterior, which refers to which direction the baby is facing.
A posterior baby has his face forwards which means that the hard back of the skull is against the mother's tail bone. This position can make for a longer, more painful labor. An anterior baby, the normal position, is when the baby's face is back towards the mother's spine.
Your baby's sucking reflex is also growing stronger, preparing him for nursing after birth. His eyes see contrast in color well and many scientists believe this ability is part of the reason for pigment changes in women. The darkened areola on the breasts, help the baby nurse after he is born.
What the Mother Feels During the Fortieth Week
You may be feeling anxious and impatient now as you wait for true labor to begin. Many mothers feel discouraged and restless, especially if they have experienced "false labor" and are waiting for true labor to begin. Experienced mothers are more likely to give birth this week but most first time moms will not begin labor naturally until the 41st week.
Many expectant mothers have trouble sleeping. You may feel cranky and moody. These feelings can be even worse if the people around you are making stupid comments about your pregnancy. "You haven't had that baby yet?" "Does it look like I've had the baby yet!?"
Take heart, dear Momma, your baby will arrive soon.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
