Week Thirty-Eight - Pregnancy Week by Week

Mother:

You may begin to feel electrical buzzes down your legs and inside your vagina. This is caused from the baby hitting nerves as s/he settles into your pelvis.

Children should also be encouraged to participate in the birth as you and they feel comfortable. There may be special classes for them to take, or you may have to do the preparation yourselves. It is very important that they are ready for whatever they may see or how you may look/act. It is also usually encouraged that you bring a separate support person for the child(ren) so that they may come and go during labor and you won't be concerned.

Baby:

The baby may be gaining as much as 1 ounce (about 28 grams) a day at this point! However, your weight gain has slowed or stopped. Hang in there! If you haven't written a letter to your baby, now would be a good time to do so.

Dad:

I highly encourage men to go in to be present at the birth. It is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever be able to have. Be assured that you will only have to watch or participate as much as you feel comfortable with. For some men this will be little more than holding your partners hand and gazing into her eyes. If you wish to take a more active role this may include labor support (breathing, massage, heat and cold packs, etc.), cutting to cord, helping to catch the baby. These are all fine, but should be discussed with your practitioner ahead of time, so that they know your preferences.

Twin Tips:

Some practitioners routinely wish to induce moms of multiples at this point. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of induction with your practitioner.

Suggested Reading:

Books for Children
When it comes to adding a new baby in your life, books are a great way to introduce the concept to the new brother or sister.
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Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18 | Week 19 | Week 20 | Week 21 | Week 22 |

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Week 30 | Week 31 | Week 32 | Week 33 | Week 34 | Week 35 | Week 36 |

Week 37 | Week 38 | Week 39 | Week 40 | Week 41 | Week 42

There will be slight differences in everyone's growth and fetal development. Any problems should be reported to your practitioner.

_{Photo © M. Asher}