Month 9
What's Going on This Month?
A Month-by-Month Look at Your Pregnancy
Changes to Your Body
- Your breasts may leak in preparation for breastfeeding.
- Your heart is pumping 45 percent more blood than usual; you will tire easily and feel sleepy.
- You will feel increasingly uncomfortable as your uterus pushes everything out of the way.
- You may experience increased backache and discomfort in your buttocks and pelvic region.
Baby's Progress
- Is about 20 inches long.
- Weighs seven to eight pounds.
- Fat cells under the skin are getting plumper for life outside the womb.
- Is getting his antibodies from you to protect against illness.
- Responds to sounds, light and touch.
- Head is usually positioned down into the pelvis awaiting birth.
- Is usually born within the two-week period before or after the due date.
Do's
- Prepare a birth plan.
- Now is a good time to think about the birth-control method you will use after delivery — talk about it with your partner.
- Eat more carbohydrates now to boost your energy in preparation for labor.
- Have checkups once a week.
- If you have a boy, decide if you want to have him circumcised.
- Call your health and life insurance companies to find out how to add the baby to your plan.
All the Right Stuff: Supplies for Your Newborn Baby
- Breastfeeding support group phone numbers.
- Breastfeeding supplies.
- A breast pump if you are returning to school or work.
- Baby bottles and formula.
- Infant car seat (required by law).
- Crib, cradle or bassinet.
- Baby bed sheets and blankets.
- Waterproof bed liner.
- Sleepers or gowns.
- T-shirts and diapers.
- Thermometer.
- Working fire alarms.
This page last updated on 3/17/08.