presentation during 9th month of pregnancy

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9 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Fetal Development

months pregnant

Yes! The end of your pregnancy is in sight now, and the big day approaches. Keep in mind that your little one isn’t technically considered full term and ready for birth until 39 weeks and that only about 1 in 20 women give birth on their exact due date. So, you both may have a few more weeks of growing to do, but you’re almost there! Read on to learn more about the kinds of things that are in store for you when you’re nine months pregnant.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 9 Months Pregnant

When you’re nine months pregnant, some of the normal pregnancy symptoms you might experience include:

Frequent urination . This symptom might be getting a little old right about now, but as your baby continues to grow and drop lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth, she also continues to put pressure on your bladder. You’ll probably be making more bathroom trips during the day and also at night. If you find that you’re leaking urine when you laugh or sneeze, you may want to wear a panty liner.

Swollen legs. It may seem as if every part of you is bigger now, including your legs and feet. In most cases, extra fluid retention and hormones are to blame. And, as your uterus grows, it puts pressure on certain veins, which can reduce or slow the flow of blood from the lower half of your body to the upper half. To get some relief, put your feet up whenever possible, and avoid standing for long periods of time.

Tingling or numbness in fingers and hands. If you feel a numbness or tingling in your hands or wrists, it could be carpal tunnel syndrome . The carpal tunnel is a system of bones and nerves on the palm side of your wrist. Increased fluid retention during pregnancy can put extra pressure on these bones and nerves, causing that tingling or numb sensation you’re feeling. This discomfort usually subsides after you give birth, but chat with your healthcare provider if you’d like to get some relief sooner.

Pelvic pressure . Just like you, your baby is also getting ready for her birth day. One of the things she is doing is dropping lower into your pelvis. For you, the downside of this is that you’ll likely feel more pressure on your pelvis, bladder, and hips. The upside is that you may be able to breathe a little easier, because as she drops she will likely put less pressure on your lungs and diaphragm.

Back pain. Another symptom you may be familiar with by the time you’re nine months pregnant is back pain. As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes. Meanwhile, pregnancy hormones relax the joints in your pelvis in preparation for childbirth. Both of these can cause back pain. To give yourself some relief, try to practice good posture ( prenatal yoga can help with this), wear supportive, comfortable shoes, and avoid doing any lifting, if at all possible. A gentle massage or a well-positioned hot or cold pack can also feel good.

Pigmentation. You might be noticing some changes to your skin when you’re nine months pregnant. Those hormones coursing through your body during pregnancy can increase the production of melanin, which can result in brownish patches appearing on your face (known as melasma) or a dark line down the middle of your lower belly (known as the linea nigra). n

Stretch marks. These are a fact of life for many moms-to-be. They’re not preventable, but they often fade after you give birth. Use a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and help ward off any itchiness that may come from your skin stretching as it expands to accommodate your growing baby.

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Your baby’s lungs develop right up until birth as they get ready for her first breath and that all-important first cry. Soon you’ll be amazed by how much noise she can make! She’s also continuing to pack on a little more weight — as much as half a pound each week until she’s born.

At 39 weeks, your pregnancy is considered full term. Read our explainer on full term pregnancy for all the information you need on what terms like preterm, early term, and late term mean.

How Is Your Baby Positioned When You’re 9 Months Pregnant?

At some point this month, most babies move into a head-down position, if they haven't done so already. This is called a vertex presentation. If your baby is positioned with her buttocks or feet first, this is known as a breech position . If your baby is breech close to your due date, your healthcare provider may attempt to turn her into a head-down position manually; in some cases, you could be offered a cesarean birth if your provider thinks this is the safest option for you and your baby. It’s also possible that your little gymnast may change positions on her own more than once before she’s born. Your provider will be keeping an eye on her positions at your weekly checkups.

How Big Is Your Baby When You’re 9 Months Pregnant?

By the time you give birth, your baby will be about 18 to 20 inches long and weigh 6 to 9 pounds. Read more about the average baby birth weight and what factors can affect it.

What Does a Fetus Look Like at 9 Months?

Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re nine months pregnant:

9 Months Pregnant: Your Body’s Changes

You might be feeling big, tired, and impatient at this point, and rightfully so! At this stage of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend a screening for GBS (group B streptococci) , which are bacteria that can lead to urinary tract infections in moms-to-be, and, on rare occasions, can be passed to the baby as she moves through the birth canal during delivery. If your test is positive, you’ll likely be given an antibiotic during labor to help prevent passing the bacteria to your baby. Cramps or contractions can be signs of labor at nine months pregnant, so it’s important to remember that there’s a difference between Braxton Hicks contractions , which are practice contractions, and the real thing. Here are a few of the main differences you might notice:

If your water breaks , or you notice mucus plug discharge , these are two other signs that your body is getting ready to go into labor.

How Far Along Are You at 9 Months Pregnant?

At nine months pregnant, you’re so close to the end of your third trimester and your pregnancy! You might still be wondering how many weeks nine months pregnant is. There is no simple answer, as the weeks of pregnancy don't fit evenly within nine distinct months. This final month could start anywhere from 33 weeks to 36 weeks and "end" somewhere around 40 weeks with the birth of your baby.

Checklist for When You’re 9 Months Pregnant

Ask your healthcare provider under what circumstances your labor might be induced.

Find out whether you’ll have access to things like a birthing bed, stools, chairs, balls, and pools during labor.

Pack your hospital bag and practice your route to the hospital. Download our hospital bag checklist for tips on what to pack.

Put any finishing touches on your baby’s nursery, double check you have all of these baby gear essentials , and finish any early baby proofing work you want to get out of the way now.

Read up on what may happen in the moments after you give birth like skin to skin contact with your newborn, and the APGAR test.

Start preparing for what you’ll need in the first few weeks and months after you bring your newborn baby home . Consider freezing some meals for later, asking friends and family for help with chores, and organizing child care for your older children.

By the time your baby is born you’ll have been through a lot with pregnancy, labor, and childbirth all behind you. Read up on postpartum recovery so you’ll know what kinds of things are in store for you as your body heals after bringing a new life into the world.

Learn more about the diapers and wipes you’ll need when you bring your little one home. Our diaper size and weight chart can help you decide what to buy and how many diapers you’ll need when your little one makes her debut.

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Because you’ve got a lot of diapers in your future, download the Pampers Club app to make sure you’re getting benefits from all those diapers you’ll be buying!

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• Book: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, Sixth Edition Paperback – January 1, 2016 by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Author)
• Cleveland Clinic: Fetal positions for birth
• Mayo Clinic: 2nd trimester pregnancy: What to expect
• Mayo Clinic: Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Mayo Clinic: What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy — and what can I do about it?

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Fetal Presentation, Position, and Lie (Including Breech Presentation)

• Variations in Fetal Position and Presentation |

During pregnancy, the fetus can be positioned in many different ways inside the mother's uterus. The fetus may be head up or down or facing the mother's back or front. At first, the fetus can move around easily or shift position as the mother moves. Toward the end of the pregnancy the fetus is larger, has less room to move, and stays in one position. How the fetus is positioned has an important effect on delivery and, for certain positions, a cesarean delivery is necessary. There are medical terms that describe precisely how the fetus is positioned, and identifying the fetal position helps doctors to anticipate potential difficulties during labor and delivery.

Presentation refers to the part of the fetus’s body that leads the way out through the birth canal (called the presenting part). Usually, the head leads the way, but sometimes the buttocks (breech presentation), shoulder, or face leads the way.

Position refers to whether the fetus is facing backward (occiput anterior) or forward (occiput posterior). The occiput is a bone at the back of the baby's head. Therefore, facing backward is called occiput anterior (facing the mother’s back and facing down when the mother lies on her back). Facing forward is called occiput posterior (facing toward the mother's pubic bone and facing up when the mother lies on her back).

Lie refers to the angle of the fetus in relation to the mother and the uterus. Up-and-down (with the baby's spine parallel to mother's spine, called longitudinal) is normal, but sometimes the lie is sideways (transverse) or at an angle (oblique).

For these aspects of fetal positioning, the combination that is the most common, safest, and easiest for the mother to deliver is the following:

Head first (called vertex or cephalic presentation)

Facing backward (occiput anterior position)

Spine parallel to mother's spine (longitudinal lie)

Neck bent forward with chin tucked

Arms folded across the chest

If the fetus is in a different position, lie, or presentation, labor may be more difficult, and a normal vaginal delivery may not be possible.

Variations in fetal presentation, position, or lie may occur when

The fetus is too large for the mother's pelvis (fetopelvic disproportion).

The uterus is abnormally shaped or contains growths such as fibroids .

The fetus has a birth defect .

There is more than one fetus (multiple gestation).

Position and Presentation of the Fetus

Variations in Fetal Position and Presentation

Some variations in position and presentation that make delivery difficult occur frequently.

Occiput posterior position

In occiput posterior position (sometimes called sunny-side up), the fetus is head first (vertex presentation) but is facing forward (toward the mother's pubic bone—that is, facing up when the mother lies on her back). This is a very common position that is not abnormal, but it makes delivery more difficult than when the fetus is in the occiput anterior position (facing toward the mother's spine—that is facing down when the mother lies on her back).

When a fetus faces up, the neck is often straightened rather than bent,which requires more room for the head to pass through the birth canal. Delivery assisted by a vacuum device or forceps or cesarean delivery may be necessary.

Breech presentation

In breech presentation, the baby's buttocks or sometimes the feet are positioned to deliver first (before the head).

When delivered vaginally, babies that present buttocks first are more at risk of injury or even death than those that present head first.

The reason for the risks to babies in breech presentation is that the baby's hips and buttocks are not as wide as the head. Therefore, when the hips and buttocks pass through the cervix first, the passageway may not be wide enough for the head to pass through. In addition, when the head follows the buttocks, the neck may be bent slightly backwards. The neck being bent backward increases the width required for delivery as compared to when the head is angled forward with the chin tucked, which is the position that is easiest for delivery. Thus, the baby’s body may be delivered and then the head may get caught and not be able to pass through the birth canal. When the baby’s head is caught, this puts pressure on the umbilical cord in the birth canal, so that very little oxygen can reach the baby. Brain damage due to lack of oxygen is more common among breech babies than among those presenting head first.

In a first delivery, these problems may occur more frequently because a woman’s tissues have not been stretched by previous deliveries. Because of risk of injury or even death to the baby, cesarean delivery is preferred when the fetus is in breech presentation, unless the doctor is very experienced with and skilled at delivering breech babies or there is not an adequate facility or equipment to safely perform a cesarean delivery.

Breech presentation is more likely to occur in the following circumstances:

Labor starts too soon (preterm labor).

The uterus is abnormally shaped or contains abnormal growths such as fibroids .

Other presentations

In face presentation, the baby's neck arches back so that the face presents first rather than the top of the head.

In brow presentation, the neck is moderately arched so that the brow presents first.

Usually, fetuses do not stay in a face or brow presentation. These presentations often change to a vertex (top of the head) presentation before or during labor. If they do not, a cesarean delivery is usually recommended.

In transverse lie, the fetus lies horizontally across the birth canal and presents shoulder first. A cesarean delivery is done, unless the fetus is the second in a set of twins. In such a case, the fetus may be turned to be delivered through the vagina.

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Your Baby's Growth and Development In the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Month Seven of Pregnancy

At the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, fat begins to be deposited on your baby. Your baby is about 36 cm (14 inches) long and weighs from about 900 - 1800g (two to four pounds). Your baby's hearing is fully developed and they change position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light.

If born prematurely, your baby would probably survive after the seventh month of pregnancy.

Month Eight of Pregnancy

Your baby, who is now about 46cm (18 inches) long and weighs as much as about 2.27 kg (five pounds), will continue to mature and develop body fat reserves. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. Baby's brain is developing rapidly at this time, and they can see and hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.

Month Nine of Pregnancy

Towards the end of the third trimester , your baby continues to grow and mature. Their lungs are nearly fully developed. Your baby's reflexes are coordinated so they can blink, close the eyes , turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light, and touch.

Your baby's position changes to prepare itself for labor and delivery . The baby drops down in your pelvis, and usually their head is facing down toward the birth canal.

By the end of this pregnancy month, your baby is about 46-51cm (18 to 20 inches) long and weighs about 3.2kg (seven pounds).

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9 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Foetal Development

Months Pregnant

At nine months pregnant, your due date is in sight and fast approaching. Most mums-to-be give birth in the week or two either side of their due date, but it’s impossible to know exactly when your baby will decide to make a grand appearance. With each passing day you may be feeling more and more ready for your little one to be born but hang in there – it’s not long now until you finally get to meet your little one in person.

Symptoms at 9 Months Pregnant

Some of the symptoms you might experience at nine months pregnant include:

Frequent urination . You may already have experienced this common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Now though, at any time before your labour starts (if it hasn’t happened already), your little one may shift downwards into your pelvis in readiness for birth. This can increase the pressure on your bladder, meaning you may find yourself rushing to the loo more often than usual at around nine months pregnant.

Swollen legs, feet and ankles. Your growing uterus may also be pushing down on veins that supply blood to your legs, causing a build-up of fluid during the day, which may lead to swollen feet, legs and ankles. You may be able to help prevent or reduce swelling by not standing for too long, taking plenty of rests with your feet up, and making sure you drink enough water. Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can also keep your circulation up.

Braxton Hicks contractions . A sudden feeling of tightness in your bump, starting from the top and spreading downwards could have you reaching for the phone to call your midwife. It might not be the real thing though. It could be Braxton Hicks, or practice contractions, which are just your body’s way of preparing for labour. You may already have experienced them as early as the second trimester, but they’re more common in the later stages of pregnancy. Some mums-to-be don’t get them at all. If you feel contractions that come at regular intervals, and get longer, stronger and closer together as time passes, call your midwife or doctor – these could be true labour contractions, meaning that labour has started.

Back pain . As pregnancy hormones soften your ligaments to get them ready for labour, more strain is placed on your joints and muscles. In the third trimester the extra weight of your bump, and the change in your centre of gravity, may also be putting extra pressure on your back muscles. Trying to practice good posture and giving your back plenty of support are the best things you can do to prevent back pain. This means: At nine months pregnant it’s best to avoid heavy lifting of any kind. If you need to pick something up from the floor, bend at the knees and keep a straight back. If you turn, avoid twisting your spine. Get plenty of rest, but always make sure your back is firmly supported if you sit up for any length of time. If you get a sudden or unusual backache at nine months pregnant, it could mean your labour is about to start. If you experience this, or any other signs of labour like regular or painful contractions, call your midwife or doctor.

Stretch marks . If you notice pink, red, brown, black, silver or purple streaks appearing on your bump, breasts or thighs, then you’re not alone Some 90 percent of mums-to-be experience this common symptom of pregnancy. Although using a gentle, non-scented moisturiser can help reduce dry skin and itching, there’s no proven way to stop yourself getting stretch marks completely. The good news is that they usually fade and become far less visible over time after your baby is born. You might like to think of your stretch marks as a badge of motherhood – wear them with pride!

Skin pigmentation changes. Those hormones coursing through your body during pregnancy can increase the production of melanin, which can result in brownish patches appearing on your face (known as melasma) or a dark line down the middle of your lower belly (known as the linea nigra).

Tingling or numbness in fingers and hands. If you feel a numbness or tingling in your hands or wrists, it could be carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a system of bones and nerves on the palm side of your wrist. Increased fluid retention during pregnancy can put extra pressure on these bones and nerves, causing that tingling or numb sensation you’re feeling. This discomfort usually subsides after you give birth, but chat with your healthcare provider if you’d like to get some relief sooner.

Your Baby’s Development at 9 Months

At nine months pregnant your little one is probably ready to be born, although precisely when that happens is anybody’s guess. There’s a good chance that he or she is now facing head-down in readiness for that journey through the birth canal. Not all foetuses perform this somersault though, and others leave it until the last minute to change position. A foetus that’s still in the feet-first or bottom-first position when your labour’s about to start is referred to as ‘breech’. If your little one is in the breech position, your midwife of doctor may offer to try and manipulate him or her into position. If this doesn’t work, you may be offered a caesarean birth , although this isn’t always the case. Whether a vaginal birth or caesarean is the safest option depends on lots of things that are unique to your pregnancy. These include the position of your little one’s feet, and where the placenta is. Keep in mind, it’s also possible that your little gymnast may change positions on her own more than once before being born. Your doctor will be keeping an eye on your foetus’s position at your check-ups.

Your Baby’s Movements at 9 Months

By the time you’re nine months pregnant, it may be getting a bit squashed inside your belly, but this doesn’t mean your little one won’t keep wriggling and moving about in there. You’re probably familiar with your foetus’s patterns of movement by now – the quiet periods, little naps and more active times. If you notice any changes or a reduction in this activity, let your midwife or doctor know straight away – any time of night or day. It could be a sign of a complication that needs to be checked out as soon as possible. Kick-counting apps or charts can be useful for getting a rough idea of what’s normal for your little one, but these should never be used to ‘self-diagnose’ any health problems. If you have any doubts or concerns, call your midwife or doctor to be on the safe side.

How Big Is Your Baby When You’re 9 Months Pregnant?

At the start of this month, your foetus is about the size of a rhubarb, measuring close to 49.8 centimetres from head to heel, and weighing in at around 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds).

At birth, most babies weigh about three to four kilograms.

What Does a Foetus Look Like at 9 Months?

Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your foetus might look like when you’re nine months pregnant:

Changes to Your Body at 9 Months Pregnant

You might be feeling big, tired and possibly a bit impatient at this point, and rightfully so! But hang in there – you’re only weeks, days or maybe hours from holding your newborn baby in your arms. At nine months pregnant you’ll probably have antenatal appointments every two weeks, or at least once a week if you’re 40 weeks pregnant or more. At these visits, your doctor or midwife will measure the size of your uterus with a tape measure to keep track of your little one’s growth. Your blood pressure will also be taken, and your urine may be tested for protein. These tests are to screen for pre-eclampsia , a rare but serious blood pressure condition that needs to be managed immediately. If you still haven’t gone into labour by your 41-week appointment, you may be offered a membrane sweep. This is a vaginal examination, which may trigger labour by stimulating your cervix to produce hormones. The choice of whether to have a membrane sweep is yours. Your midwife or doctor can tell you about the benefits and risks. At the 41-week appointment, you’ll also be able to discuss your options for the induction of labour if it doesn’t start spontaneously by around 42 weeks. If you choose not to have your labour induced, you’ll be offered closer monitoring to make sure that you and your little one are both doing well.

Signs of Labour

Cramps or contractions can be signs of labour at nine months pregnant, so it’s important to remember that there’s a difference between Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions, and the real thing. Here are a few of the main differences you might notice:

Two other signs that your body is getting ready to go into labour are your water breaking and seeing the mucus plug discharge .

How Far Along Are You at 9 Months Pregnant?

At nine months pregnant, you’re nearing the end of the third trimester and your pregnancy. You might still be wondering how many weeks translate into being nine months pregnant. There’s no simple answer, as the weeks of pregnancy don't fit evenly within nine distinct months. This final month could start sometime around 38 weeks and last until 42 weeks, or the birth of your baby.

FAQs at a Glance

What symptoms could you have at nine months pregnant.

Common symptoms you might experience at nine months pregnant include:

• Frequent urination
• Swollen legs, feet and ankles
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Stretch marks
• Trouble sleeping
• Varicose veins.

What should you eat at nine months pregnant?

It’s important to stick to a healthy, balanced diet all the way through your pregnancy. This means avoiding high-fat or sugary foods, snacks and drinks. Aim to eat a mix of:

• Fruit and vegetables – a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre
• Starchy foods such as bread, pasta and potatoes – important for giving you energy
• Protein, found in fish, eggs, meat and nuts – for healthy cell and tissue growth
• Low-fat dairy (or fortified dairy alternatives) – an important source of calcium.

Is walking a good form of exercise at nine months pregnant?

Walking is a great way of exercising when pregnant. If the extra weight of your bump and your changed body shape are making it harder for you to get around at nine months pregnant, you might also consider water-based activities like swimming or ‘aquanatal’ exercises. The water supports your bump, giving you a feeling of weightlessness. Check with your midwife or doctor before starting any new type of exercise while you’re pregnant

What do you need to pack for the hospital?

You’ll need (or want) a variety of items for yourself, your baby, and even your birth partner, including:

• Phone charger
• Spare glasses or contact lenses
• Baby clothes
• Baby blanket.

How do you know when it’s time to head to the hospital?

Your doctor and midwife are best placed to tell you when it’s time to head into the hospital or birthing centre. Give them a call when you notice the signs of labour (or if you have any questions or concerns at any other time), and they will advise you on whether it’s best to keep resting at home for a little longer or to make your way in to the hospital.

Checklist for When You’re 9 Months Pregnant

Ask your doctor in what circumstances he or she might recommend induction or a caesarean section.

Find out whether you’ll have access to equipment like birthing stools, balls and pools during labour.

Pack your hospital bag and practice your route to the hospital.

Put the finishing touches on your birth plan , if you plan to have one.

If you’re planning to take your baby home by car, read up on these car safety tips , and make sure you know how to safely fit and remove your infant car seat or baby carrier.

Put any finishing touches to your baby’s nursery , and check that you have all these baby gear essentials .

Get started babyproofing your home , or give your baby-proofing measures one last check.

Start preparing in advance for the first few weeks and months after you bring your newborn baby home . For example, freeze some meals, ask friends and family for help with chores, and arrange childcare for older children.

Read up on healing after childbirth so you’ll know what kinds of things are in store for you as your body heals after bringing a new life into the world.

Check out our nappy size and weight chart so you can decide what to buy and how many nappies you’ll need for those first day days and weeks.

Sign up for even more weekly pregnancy tips here:

9 Months Pregnant - checklist

How we wrote this article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

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What happens in the ninth month of pregnancy?

• Month by Month
• What happens in the second month?
• What happens in the third month?
• What happens in the fourth month?
• What happens in the fifth month?
• What happens in the sixth month?
• What happens in the seventh month?
• What happens in the eighth month?
• What happens in the ninth month?
• What happens in the tenth month?

When you’re 9 months pregnant, your fetus’s eyes and pupils are more developed, and it has more body fat.

What happens during week 33 - 34?

The fetus has a CRL of about 12 inches (30 cm).

The eyes have developed enough for pupils to constrict and dilate when exposed to light.

Lanugo is nearly all gone.

What happens during week 35 - 36?

The fetus has a CRL of about 12.5 inches (32 cm).

The fetus is considerably fatter, and the skin is no longer wrinkled.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy in the ninth month?

The growing fetus places more and more strain on your body when you’re 9 months pregnant. Common pregnancy symptoms at this time may continue through the end of pregnancy. These symptoms include fatigue, trouble sleeping, trouble holding urine, shortness of breath, varicose veins, and stretch marks. Some fetuses drop down into the lower part of the uterus during this month. This may relieve your constipation and heartburn, which is more common earlier in pregnancy. But some fetuses don’t drop down until the very end of pregnancy.

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Baby Development Month By Month

Baby Development Month by Month

A baby grows and develops an amazing amount in just nine months. Here’s a short summary of how your baby’s development occurs during pregnancy. Be sure to sign up for our pregnancy  week by week newsletter for pregnancy changes and baby development updates to your inbox weekly!

Month 1 – Week 1-4

After an egg has been fertilized and implants into the uterine lining, a sac grows around it. This becomes the amniotic sac and will hold the amniotic fluid and cushion the embryo. The placenta also forms during this month.  This will bring nutrition and support to the baby from the mother. The face and eyes begin to develop, and the heart begins to beat. By the end of the 4th week, your baby will slightly smaller than a grain of rice!  B vitamins play a crucial role in you and your baby’s development and your health during pregnancy.  Vitamin B6  and Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) are especially important for early development, so make sure you are getting the right amounts of these.

Month 2 – Week 5-9

At two months pregnant, your baby’s face continues its development. Buds that will eventually be limbs begin to develop. Organs such as the brain, sensory organs, and the digestive tract begin to take shape. The cartilage in the embryo begins to be replaced by bone. By the end of the second month, your baby is about 1 inch long! After about 6 weeks, your baby’s heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. It is never too soon to start taking prenatal vitamins and omega 3’s and fish oil to help your baby have a healthy development. The American Pregnancy Association recommends a selection of supplements including:

• Children’s DHA
• Cod Liver Oil

Month 3 – Week 10-14

The limbs, as well as the hands, feet, fingers, and toes, become well developed. The fingernails and toenails begin to form. The external ears and teeth begin their development as well. Though reproductive organs haven begun to form, they can’t yet be determined on an ultrasound or sonogram . By the end of the 3rd month, your baby is fully formed (with all organs and extremities present), he or she weighs about an ounce and is 4 inches long! After the 3rd month of development, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably.

Month 4 – Week 15-19

Hair, eyelids, eyelashes, and nails become well developed. The heartbeat is now clearly audible through a Doppler instrument. The teeth become denser, and the baby begins to stretch, yawn and make other movements. The reproductive organs are now visible on an ultrasound. Your baby can now stretch, suck their thumb, yawn, and make super cute faces.

This is the month that his or her nervous system develops. Their reproductive system also fully develops meaning your doctor can tell you whether you are having a girl or boy via ultrasound. By the end of the 4th month, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs 4 ounces!

Month 5 – Week 20-24

This month you may start to feel the baby move. Hair growth continues on the baby’s head and body. The shoulders and back become covered with a thin hair called lanugo. A thick substance, called vernix caseosa, covers the skin to keep it protected from the exposure to amniotic fluid. This layer will shed before the baby is born. At the end of month 5, your baby is about 10 inches long and can weigh anywhere from .5 lbs – 1 lb! If your baby is born prematurely after the 23rd week, he or she will be kept in the NICU for a better chance of survival.

Month 6 – Week 25-30

The skin is still translucent yet reddish and wrinkled. His or her fingerprints and toe prints become well developed. The baby’s eyelids become parted, and the eyes can be opened. Your baby will respond to external stimuli such as sounds by increasing their pulse or moving. This is when you may experience your baby’s hiccups in jerk-like motions. At the end of month 6, your baby is about 12 inches long and can weigh close to 2 lbs!

Month 7 – Week 26-29

During this month, your baby will continue to grow and develop the existing organs and systems. In addition, a layer of fat will begin to be stored. At this stage, hearing is fully developed. He or she will react to sound, pain, and light and often changes position. The amount of amniotic fluid that cushions the baby begins to decrease as the baby grows larger. At the end of this month, your baby is about 14 inches long and can weigh between 2 – 4 lbs! If born prematurely after week 27, your baby has a better chance of survival.

Month 8 – Week 30-34

The baby continues to mature during this month, adding to fat stores and experiencing a rapid development of the brain. The baby can see at this stage and will begin to kick more. Most of the internal organs and systems are fully developed, but the lungs still need time to mature. By month 8, your baby is close to 18 inches long and can weigh close to 5 lbs!

Month 9 – Week 35-40+

The lungs become mature during this time in preparation for birth. Reflexes become more coordinated, allowing the baby to respond to sounds, blink, grasp, and turn his or her head. The baby may move less during the last few weeks and will move into a position for birth, with the head down near the birth canal. Your baby is now about 18-20 inches long and can weigh at least 7 lbs!

A Happy Momma = A Happy Baby

Pregnancy is such an exciting time for mom and baby. Getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding stress is especially important for you and baby. You can start bonding with your baby during pregnancy in several ways now. Below are some recommended books for you to learn more about how your body changes while your baby develops inside throughout pregnancy. Remember, a happy momma makes for a happy baby.

Recommended Books On Baby Development Month By Month and Pregnancy:

Before birth: a week-by-week guide to your baby’s development during pregnancy, in the womb: witness the journey from conception to birth with astonishing 3d images, a child is born: fourth edition of the beloved classic–completely revised and updated, pregnancy day by day, blog categories.

• Pregnancy Symptoms 5
• Can I get pregnant if… ? 3
• Paternity Tests 2
• The Bumpy Truth Blog 7
• Multiple Births 10
• Pregnancy Complications 68
• Pregnancy Concerns 62
• Cord Blood 4
• Pregnancy Supplements & Medications 14
• Pregnancy Products & Tests 8
• Changes In Your Body 5
• Health & Nutrition 2
• Labor and Birth 65
• Planning and Preparing 24
• Breastfeeding 29
• Week by Week Newsletter 40
• Is it Safe While Pregnant 55
• The First Year 40
• Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects 17
• Pregnancy Health and Wellness 149
• Your Developing Baby 16
• Options for Unplanned Pregnancy 18
• Child Adoption 19
• Fertility 54
• Pregnancy Loss 11
• Uncategorized 4
• Women's Health 34
• Prenatal Testing 16
• Abstinence 3
• Birth Control Pills, Patches & Devices 21
• Thank You for Your Donation
• Unplanned Pregnancy
• Getting Pregnant
• Healthy Pregnancy
• Privacy Policy
• Pregnancy Questions Center

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Fertilization and implantation

During fertilization, the sperm and egg unite in one of the fallopian tubes to form a zygote. Then the zygote travels down the fallopian tube, where it becomes a morula. Once it reaches the uterus, the morula becomes a blastocyst. The blastocyst then burrows into the uterine lining — a process called implantation.

The sperm and egg unite in one of your fallopian tubes to form a one-celled entity called a zygote. If more than one egg is released and fertilized or if the fertilized egg splits into two, you might have multiple zygotes.

The zygote typically has 46 chromosomes — 23 from the biological mother and 23 from the biological father. These chromosomes help determine your baby's sex and physical traits.

Soon after fertilization, the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. At the same time, it will begin dividing to form a cluster of cells resembling a tiny raspberry — a morula.

Week 4: Implantation

The rapidly dividing ball of cells — now known as a blastocyst — has begun to burrow into the uterine lining (endometrium). This process is called implantation.

Within the blastocyst, the inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer layer will give rise to part of the placenta, which will nourish your baby throughout the pregnancy.

Week 5: Hormone levels increase

Fetal development three weeks after conception

By the end of the fifth week of pregnancy — three weeks after conception — your hormone levels are rising.

The fifth week of pregnancy, or the third week after conception, the levels of HCG hormone produced by the blastocyst quickly increase. This signals your ovaries to stop releasing eggs and produce more estrogen and progesterone. Increased levels of these hormones stop your menstrual period, often the first sign of pregnancy, and fuel the growth of the placenta.

The embryo is now made of three layers. The top layer — the ectoderm — will give rise to your baby's outermost layer of skin, central and peripheral nervous systems, eyes, and inner ears.

Your baby's heart and a primitive circulatory system will form in the middle layer of cells — the mesoderm. This layer of cells will also serve as the foundation for your baby's bones, ligaments, kidneys and much of the reproductive system.

The inner layer of cells — the endoderm — is where your baby's lungs and intestines will develop.

Week 6: The neural tube closes

Fetal development four weeks after conception

By the end of the sixth week of pregnancy — four weeks after conception — small buds appear that will become arms.

Growth is rapid this week. Just four weeks after conception, the neural tube along your baby's back is closing. The baby's brain and spinal cord will develop from the neural tube. The heart and other organs also are starting to form.

Structures necessary to the formation of the eyes and ears develop. Small buds appear that will soon become arms. Your baby's body begins to take on a C-shaped curvature.

Week 7: Baby's head develops

Fetal development five weeks after conception

By the end of the seventh week of pregnancy — five weeks after conception — your baby's brain and face are the focus of development.

Seven weeks into your pregnancy, or five weeks after conception, your baby's brain and face are growing. Depressions that will give rise to nostrils become visible, and the beginnings of the retinas form.

Lower limb buds that will become legs appear and the arm buds that sprouted last week now take on the shape of paddles.

Week 8: Baby's nose forms

Fetal development six weeks after conception

By the end of the eighth week of pregnancy — six weeks after conception — your baby might be about 1/2 inch (11 to 14 millimeters) long.

Eight weeks into your pregnancy, or six weeks after conception, your baby's lower limb buds take on the shape of paddles. Fingers have begun to form. Small swellings outlining the future shell-shaped parts of your baby's ears develop and the eyes become obvious. The upper lip and nose have formed. The trunk and neck begin to straighten.

By the end of this week, your baby might be about 1/2 inch (11 to 14 millimeters) long from crown to rump — about half the diameter of a U.S. quarter.

Week 9: Baby's toes appear

Fetal development seven weeks after conception

By the end of the ninth week of pregnancy — seven weeks after conception — your baby's elbows appear.

In the ninth week of pregnancy, or seven weeks after conception, your baby's arms grow and elbows appear. Toes are visible and eyelids form. Your baby's head is large but still has a poorly formed chin.

By the end of this week, your baby might be a little less than 3/4 inch (16 to 18 millimeters) long from crown to rump — the diameter of a U.S. penny.

Week 10: Baby's elbows bend

Fetal development eight weeks after conception

By the end of the 10th week of pregnancy — eight weeks after conception — your baby's toes and fingers lose their webbing and become longer.

By the 10th week of pregnancy, or eight weeks after conception, your baby's head has become more round.

Your baby can now bend his or her elbows. Toes and fingers lose their webbing and become longer. The eyelids and external ears continue to develop. The umbilical cord is clearly visible.

Week 11: Baby's genitals develop

At the beginning of the 11th week of pregnancy, or the ninth week after conception, your baby's head still makes up about half of its length. However, your baby's body is about to catch up.

Your baby is now officially described as a fetus. This week your baby's face is broad, the eyes widely separated, the eyelids fused and the ears low set. Buds for future teeth appear. Red blood cells are beginning to form in your baby's liver. By the end of this week, your baby's external genitalia will start developing into a penis or a clitoris and labia majora.

By now your baby might measure about 2 inches (50 millimeters) long from crown to rump — the length of the short side of a credit card — and weigh almost 1/3 ounce (8 grams).

Week 12: Baby's fingernails form

Fetal development 10 weeks after conception

By the end of the 12th week of pregnancy — 10 weeks after conception — your baby might weigh about 1/2 ounce (14 grams).

Twelve weeks into your pregnancy, or 10 weeks after conception, your baby is sprouting fingernails. Your baby's face now has taken on a more developed profile. His or her intestines are in the abdomen.

By now your baby might be about 2 1/2 inches (61 millimeters) long from crown to rump — the length of the short side of a U.S. bill — and weigh about 1/2 ounce (14 grams).

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• Pregnancy: Stages of pregnancy. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy. Accessed Feb. 25, 2020.
• Frequently asked questions: Pregnancy FAQ156: Prenatal development: How your fetus grows during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy. Accessed Feb. 25, 2020.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 6th ed. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2015.
• Moore KL, et al. The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 25, 2020.

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Pregnancy Stages by Month – Fetal Development with Pictures

Throughout the 9 months of pregnancy , the fetus keeps on growing in size until it is fully developed as a human: from a zygote to a baby. At the same time, the body of the pregnant woman and the symptoms that accompany her during pregnancy change month after month as fetal development progresses.

It is common to talk about pregnancy in weeks, months or trimesters. In this article, we will summarise what happens month by month in the baby's pregnancy, as well as the changes and symptoms that a woman may notice.

Provided below is an index with the 14 points we are going to expand on in this article.

• 1. One month pregnant
• 2. Two months pregnant
• 3. Three months pregnant
• 4. Four months pregnant
• 5. Five months pregnant
• 6. Six months pregnant
• 7. Seven months pregnant
• 8. Eight months pregnant
• 9. Nine months pregnant
• 10. Last month of pregnancy
• 11. FAQs from users
• 11.1. How soon can you find out the gender of your baby?
• 11.2. What should I eat during pregnancy?
• 11.3. How does the pregnancy trimester system work?
• 11.4. How does X-ray affect pregnancy?
• 11.5. What is the longest human pregnancy on record?
• 11.6. How does a baby stop growing in the womb?
• 11.7. Can you tell if it is a boy or a girl in the fourth month of pregnancy?
• 11.8. How does pregnancy affect the skeletal system?
• 11.9. How do babies grow hair in the womb?
• 12. Suggested for you
• 13. References
• 14. Authors and contributors

One month pregnant

If several sexual intercourses take place during a woman's fertile days in search of pregnancy, it is common that it is not known exactly when conception occurred and the exact onset of pregnancy. However, it is easier for a woman to know when her last period was. Therefore, this is the date that is usually taken as a reference and, therefore, the first week of gestation, in reality, corresponds to the week in which the woman had her last menstrual period .

Follicle recruitment occurs during the second week, in which a set of pre-selected follicles starts growing. However, at the end, only one of them will continue developing.

At the third week, the process continues. An egg is released from the follicle that contained it. Afterwards, the egg cell will start its journey through the Fallopian tubes, a step known as ovulation . Once in the tube, the goal of the oocyte is to be fertilized by a spermatozoon , and to continue developing as a zygote (one cell) first and then as an embryo.

As Dr. Silvia Jiménez explains, the embryo will continue on its way to the uterus, where it will implant approximately 7-9 days after ovulation . At this time, the embryo takes between 6 and 8 days to develop. Thus begins the release of the hormone beta- hCG , which is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.

In an in vitro fertilization cycle, on the other hand, the embryo can be transferred on day 2, 3 or 6. When it is transferred on day 6-8 (blastocyst stage), the embryo is more evolved and implantation can occur around one day after transfer.

It is possible that, due to the increase of this hormone, the woman starts to notice some symptoms in this first month, but in a very soft and practically imperceptible way. Until the absence of the next menstruation, she will not be truly aware of the pregnancy.

After embryo implantation , gastrulation takes place. The cells of the epiblast divide until they form three different types of cells, which will become the baby's tissue in the future. The cells of the mesoderm develop at this point too, as well as the notochord, which replaces the role of the vertebral column till its formation.

The size of the embryo is still so small that it cannot even be spotted through an ultrasound yet.

Get more information about this stage here: First month of pregnancy .

Two months pregnant

During the second month of the pregnancy, the spinal cord, the brain, the heart, the intestine, and the skin are formed. The eyes, ears, nose, and upper lip as well as the limbs begin to develop as well. Many things happen throughout this month, in which the embryo starts resembling a human being.

At one end of the embryo, a round-shaped head, thicker than the torso, will develop, while a kind of tail will grow at the other end.

This month of pregnancy is crucial because the heart develops at this point, which is the vital organ of the baby-to-be per excellence.

Changes in the mother are unnoticeable yet. Her belly is still not visible to the plain eye, but she is likely to start feeling typical pregnancy symptoms, including nausea, sickness, tiredness... In some cases, pregnancy progresses without symptoms, but it should be clear that it's not a negative sign—it just means that symptoms vary from woman to woman.

Continue reading about the second month of pregnancy in the following post: 2 months pregnant .

Three months pregnant

After the third month of pregnancy, the embryonic stage is over and the fetal stage begins, so the embryo is now called fetus . The baby-to-be already has all the organs but they are still developing. Further growth is necessary for them to be considered fully developed. During this month, the male or female genitals are formed as well. However, in spite of this, it is not easy to see the baby's gender yet.

Through these 4 weeks, the fetus grows around 7 cm long and can weight up to 15-20 g approximately. It is common for the pregnant woman to start gaining weight from this moment on. During the 3 rd month of pregnancy, you will gain about 10% of the total weight you are expected to gain throughout the entire pregnancy.

The baby moves vigorously but you cannot feel him yet. The baby now kicks, rotates the ankles and wrists, opens and closes the fists, and bends the toes. He also frowns, squeezes the lips, and makes other facial movements. You should be aware that this is common in every pregnancy in order not to be concerned when it happens. The fact that the baby starts moving more vigorously is not something to be concerned about, but rather a very positive sign—it indicates that the baby is very much alive, and that everything is working as expected.

By the end of the third months, the uncomfortable symptoms caused by the beta hCG hormone begin to disappear, such as nausea and morning sickness, as hCG levels start to level off.

This month usually gives prospective parents a sense of safety and wellness, given that, from the third month of pregnancy onwards, the risk of miscarriage decreases to a large extent. No remarkable issues or complications are expected to appear in the months to come.

Also at this point, the bond between the mother and the fetus becomes stronger. For this reason, the mother is likely to pay closer attention to her diet and lifestyle, as everything that she does or eats affects the fetus directly.

You can get further information on the symptoms, signs and changes that occur during the third month of pregnancy here: 3 months pregnant .

Four months pregnant

In this month, the fetus is all covered in a downy hair called lanugo . The role of lanugo is to keep the fetus warm, as its body does not produce enough body fat yet.

The vocal cords are formed at this stage but the baby won't be using them until birth. As a matter of fact, this is the reason why children cry right after being delivered, or it is initiated if they do not do it automatically. The purpose of causing them to cry is to ensure that the vocal cords work properly and that the baby responds to stimuli.

The baby's eyes are big, shut, and separated during this phase. Although they are still very separated from each other, the face of your baby is well-defined, and we can now spot a neck, which allows us to differentiate the head from the rest of the body. Teeth begin to show up, although there is still a long process till they are fully out. The outer ear moves upwards.

As your baby's face defines more accurately, its muscles become capable of practicing suckle movements. This is the reason why babies suck their thumb. Thumb-sucking becomes a habit in most children throughout their early years.

At the beginning of this month, the size of your baby is about 8.5 cm long, and can grow to up to 18 cm. As for the weight, it usually ranges from 150 to 170 grams. Skin folds start to develop on the palm of the hands and the fingers—your baby has now a fingerprint.

Also, this month, the baby begins to expel urine, which is mixed with amniotic fluid . The functions of his sweat and sebaceous glands begin to develop. The intestine begins to fill with a thick substance secreted by the liver called meconium.

The volume of your belly will continue to increase, as will your body weight. To notice the baby is something already habitual in this month, because by his size and development, his movements are frequent.

If you want to learn more about this 4th month, you can read this post: What Happens During the 4th Month of Pregnancy?

Five months pregnant

During the fifth month of pregnancy, the internal organs develop faster. As regards the blood system, the heart chambers are completely delimited and the heart beats strongly. Other relevant changes occur at this stage, such as the development of basic senses, including the sense of taste, along with the taste buds. Also, the baby is now able to notice the first sounds and lights.

By the end of this month, your baby can measure up to 22-25 cm approximately.

Sometimes you will think that the baby is asleep because he is not moving and then, when you lay down, you will feel your baby move. That is because, when you are lying down, the baby can move more easily and when you get up, he gets stuck in the pelvis.

Your baby will develop the second layer of teeth during approximately the last weeks of the 5 th month. Baby teeth have now developed within the dental alveoli. Millions of neurons are created in the brain, which is almost as developed as it will be by the time of birth.

Your navel is likely to go flat or, conversely, pop out. In this case, it will come back to normal when you give birth. As for your womb, it will move upwards, to the height of your navel. This process will transform your silhouette completely, as it is time for your waist to thicken.

Nausea, vomiting, and sickness often disappear at this point, but other symptoms can appear now, including heartburn or stuffiness in your nose . This is caused by your digestion process slowing down its rhythm and by the changes that occur in the position of your baby, which press against your body.

Learn more about the changes that occur during this month by clicking the following link: Five months pregnant .

Six months pregnant

In the sixth month, the baby has got hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The length of the umbilical cord allows him to move in the amniotic sac he is in. These movements facilitate the development of the muscles.

The baby is now developing specific sleep and activity patterns. You may even feel his reaction to loud noises. If you play music, you will feel his response, particularly to the metal instruments of an orchestra. The baby moves energetically.

Your baby is expected to be between 27cm and 32 cm in length, and from 450 until about 750-1,000 g in weight. You may be able to touch the different parts of his body through your abdominal wall.

The skin of your baby will lose its translucent appearance and become more consistent. Now, he or she can open and close the eyes, in addition to being able to make gestures such as sticking the tongue out. His body becomes more proportioned in comparison with the head. In short, your baby's development is very advanced at this point and he resembles very much the newborn that you will hold in your arms very soon.

The end of the second trimester is coming to its end, and your belly is now more than evident to the plain eye. The weight of the baby has increased a lot, which may cause you to feel exhausted, experience lower back pain, certain positions make you really uncomfortable, or feel bloated.

To delve deeper into this month of pregnancy, visit the following article: 6 months pregnant .

Seven months pregnant

The seventh month of pregnancy marks the start of the third trimester. Fetal development is at an advanced stage now—and delivery is closer. It is totally normal if you feel more tired or even bloated. Likewise, you are likely to experience trouble sleeping , as well as performing basic movements, like lying your shoes, or bending down to pick something from the floor. Moreover, your feet and ankles are likely to swell.

During this month, the baby's lungs are fully developed. The skeleton is more consistent because the ossification of the bone tissues. The fat is stored in his body, which will help the baby regulate the body temperature by itself. This will be very useful following birth.

The amount of hair covering the baby's body is considerably reduced, and lanugo disappears.

Throughout this month, the weight of the fetus increases from 33 cm to 38 cm approximately, and the weight can range from about 1,100 to 1,300 g.

Due to this significant increase of the length and the weight , the movements of the baby are more limited. Now, he is likely to exert more pressure against your bladder. This might cause you not only to feel more intensely the movements of the fetus, but also a constant urge to urinate.

The skin gets thicker and pigmented. The iris gets pigmented too. Pigmentation occurs thanks to a group of cells called melanocytes , that is, melanin-producing cells.

For more information about the 7 th month of pregnancy, click here: Seven months pregnant .

Eight months pregnant

The body hair starts falling off. Also, the baby continues to gain weight, so he takes up all the space in the uterus while at the same time he keeps on putting more and more pressure on your bladder. Throughout this month, he will gain half the total weight that babies gain during the 10 months of pregnancy.

The lungs are almost fully developed and therefore they occupy more room in the uterus, causing you to feel more bloated, especially when lying down on bed. Normal symptoms include trouble sleeping, as it will be more difficult for both you and the baby to move.

In addition to being able to feel the light and hear sounds, the olfactory neurons are formed and the baby can now perceive the strong smells that you might encounter, a sign that the brain is still developing. You will feel that his movements are spasmodic . This is due to the fact that the baby might hiccup because he has swallowed too much amniotic fluid. But that is a good symptom because it puts into motion the alimentary canal.

At this point, pregnancy is likely to give you heartburn or to cause you really bad constipation. These are common pregnancy symptoms at the ninth month and are caused by a rise in progesterone levels. There is no reason to be concerned. We recommend that you each foods that are rich in calcium, iron, folic acid, proteins, and vitamin C. You are in the final stages of pregnancy, so you must take special care of yourself, while continuing with your normal lifestyle as long as possible.

Feeling extremely tired during this stage is a typical symptom as well. It is caused not only by an increase in your body weight, which causes fatigue in most women, but also because your womb has expanded in a way that presses your side and causes rib pain, thereby making it harder for you to breathe.

See how your baby develops during this month of pregnancy with this guide: Eight months pregnant .

Nine months pregnant

The baby gets the head stuck in the mother's pelvis. Both his stomach and intestine are now working. The skin is no longer wrinkled but softer thanks to the fat cells of the skin; you will notice that your belly is lower. His skin color has turned from reddish to more pinkish, and it is now more similar to the skin color he will have at birth.

As explained earlier, for several weeks now, since the baby is stuck, he moves less and you will probably only feel some kicks and weak movements. In fact, you will feel him every day, which means that everything is going as it should.

By the end of month 9, your baby will measure about 43 centimeters and his weight is expected to increase from 1,980 g to 2,730 g on average.

His kicks can leave you breathless, as if he was kicking you literally, but this just means that he has almost no room for moving. He will turn head down to prepare for labor, and you will be able to distinguish between a foot, back or hand perfectly. The nails are now well formed, reaching the end of the fingers.

The baby is now able to breath and make gestures such as sucking or swallowing at the same time, movements that will allow him to feed from breast milk following birth. He starts producing his own blood cells as well.

Most mothers-to-be perceive this as a very long moth, although at the same time they live it very intensely. The due date is almost there and they cannot wait to see their baby's face.

Want to learn more about the ninth month of pregnancy? Check out our complete guide: 9 months pregnant .

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Last month of pregnancy

During the last stages of pregnancy, both his little toenails and fingernails are rather long—beyond the finger tips—so the baby can scratch or even scrape himself.

The baby's organs can work autonomously and even the lungs are fully developed—he is ready to leave the placenta and the mother's stomach. The uterus will be responsible for exerting all the necessary help as to induce labor naturally.

The baby now measures about 45 to 55 cm, and can weight from 2,520 to 3,670 grams.

You are likely to notice the so-called Braxton Hicks contractions , which occur right before real labor. The amniotic fluid will renew itself every 3 hours. The intestine of your child is full of olive green to black meconium, composed of materials secreted by the digestive glands, along with bile pigment, lanugo, and intestinal epithelial cells.

Water breaking, and therefore labor, can start at any moment. You should be prepared to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

If, after week 42, the baby is not born, labor might be induced, as your baby is more than ready to be born. In fact, going past your due date can be risky for both of you.

Find out what happens during the last month of pregnancy here: 10 months pregnant .

FAQs from users

How soon can you find out the gender of your baby.

Most pregnant women can find out the sex of their baby-to-be, if they choose so, usually between weeks 16 th and 20 th , that is, during mid-pregnancy. Your doctor may not be able to tell for sure if he or she cannot get a clear view of the genitalia, though.

What should I eat during pregnancy?

In general, your body needs extra nutrients, minerals, and vitamins when you are pregnant. As a matter of fact, you may need to add 350-500 extra calories each day, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Keep in mind that key nutrients are essential for the baby's development, and poor eating habits may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and birth complications.

How does the pregnancy trimester system work?

A normal pregnancy, that is, a full-term pregnancy, is divided into three trimesters. In total, a full-term human pregnancy is expected to last 40 weeks, although it can cary from 37 to 42. Each trimester lasts 12-14 weeks approximately.

How does X-ray affect pregnancy?

It is commonly said that getting an X-ray during pregnancy can harm your baby and while it might be true, actually not getting one can harm you. So, in short, this statement can be considered partially true.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), X-rays are considered safe during pregnancy, but it is true that they should only be done when absolutely necessary.

Moreover, the American College of Radiology (ACR) states that there is no diagnostic X-ray with a radiation dose so significant as to cause negative side effects in a developing embryo/fetus.

What is the longest human pregnancy on record?

Currently, the record belongs to Beulah Hunter, a woman from Los Angeles, California, who had her daughter when she was 25 years old. She carried her daughter in the womb for three extra months, considering that a normal pregnancy lasts 280 days and hers lasted 375.

How does a baby stop growing in the womb?

When a baby stops growing inside the womb before birth, we refer to this situation as intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR . However, not all small fetuses have IUGR—they are just smaller than normal.

In this situation, the baby is smaller than normal during pregnancy. In other words, he or she is not growing at the normal rate and subsequently will have low birth at birth.

The causes behind IUGR are varied, but most commonly it is due to a problem in the placenta. Also, genetic disorders, birth defects, infections in the mother, high blood pressure, smoking or drinking too much, drug abuse, certain prescribed medicines, etc. can lead to IUGR.

Can you tell if it is a boy or a girl in the fourth month of pregnancy?

It is most common to wait until 18-22 weeks of pregnancy to find out the sex of the baby. However, it is sometimes possible to know if it is a boy or a girl earlier by ultrasound.

How does pregnancy affect the skeletal system?

Pregnancy can change a woman's physical appearance in many ways. Let us explain the most evident ones below:

• The uterus can expand up to 1,000 times
• Realignment of the spinal curvatures
• These changes cause the woman to change her way of walking (commonly known as waddling gait )
• The center of gravity is shifted back over the pelvis
• The mobility of the pelvic joints increases
• All this allows stretching at the time of delivery

How do babies grow hair in the womb?

It should be noted that the layer of soft, fine hair that starts growing on the fetus at the 30 th week of pregnancy is not hair as we know it, but lanugo. It starts to fall of prior to delivery, when actual hair starts to grow, beginning with the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Lanugo starts to cover the body of babies in the womb as a way to regulate their own body temperature, given that they still do not have enough fat. When lanugo falls off, babies literally eat it and expel it with their first "poop", which is known as meconium .

Suggested for you

Before a woman falls pregnant, sperms must begin a race towards the egg. However, only of them will be the winner and manage to hit the egg inside the Fallopian tube and fertilize it. Want to learn about the obstacles that sperms must overcome throughout this journey? Click here: The sperm's journey to the egg .

Likewise, woman who get pregnant or suspect that they may have fallen so often worry about the signs and symptoms that accompany it, especially at the earliest stages. The following is a guide where you will find the most common pregnancy symptoms, both physical and emotional: Common signs of pregnancy .

If you have just found out that you are expecting, you should take special care of yourself now more than ever. Following a balanced diet, avoiding habits and practices that may be detrimental for both you and the baby-to-be is a key factor toward a healthy pregnancy. Visit the following post to get more info about basic care: Staying healthy during pregnancy .

We make a great effort to provide you with the highest quality information.

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Fileva N, Severino M, Tortora D, Ramaglia A, Paladini D, Rossi A. Second trimester fetal MRI of the brain: Through the ground glass. J Clin Ultrasound. 2023 Feb;51(2):283-299. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23423. PMID: 36785503. (View)

Fleming N, O'Driscoll T, Becker G, Spitzer RF; CANPAGO COMMITTEE. Adolescent Pregnancy Guidelines. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015 Aug;37(8):740-756. doi: 10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30180-8. PMID: 26474231. (View)

Hicks JB. Contractions of the Uterus Throughout Pregnancy. Buffalo Med Surg J. 1887 Oct;27(3):97-99. PMID: 36668326; PMCID: PMC9474068. (View)

Lacasse A, Rey E, Ferreira E, Morin C, Bérard A. Validity of a modified Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) scoring index to assess severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Jan;198(1):71.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.05.051. PMID: 18166311. (View)

Sangram Singh B, Joshi K, Pajai S. Intra-cervical Foley Balloon Catheter Versus Prostaglandins for the Induction of Labour: A Literature Review. Cureus. 2023 Jan 17;15(1):e33855. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33855. PMID: 36819352; PMCID: PMC9932625. (View)

Vasciaveo L, Zanzarelli E, D'Antonio F. Fetal cardiac function evaluation: A review. J Clin Ultrasound. 2023 Feb;51(2):215-224. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23421. PMID: 36785505. (View)

Zhang Y, Xu X, Xie Z, Li Y, Zhao D, Lv G, Li P. Identifying symptom clusters among pregnant women during early and late pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023 Feb 2. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14712. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36728592. (View)

Zhu S, Zhao A, Lan H, Li P, Mao S, Szeto IM, Jiang H, Zhang Y. Nausea and Vomiting during Early Pregnancy among Chinese Women and Its Association with Nutritional Intakes. Nutrients. 2023 Feb 13;15(4):933. doi: 10.3390/nu15040933. PMID: 36839295; PMCID: PMC9962185. (View)

FAQs from users: 'How soon can you find out the gender of your baby?' , 'What should I eat during pregnancy?' , 'How does the pregnancy trimester system work?' , 'How does X-ray affect pregnancy?' , 'What is the longest human pregnancy on record?' , 'How does a baby stop growing in the womb?' , 'Can you tell if it is a boy or a girl in the fourth month of pregnancy?' , 'How does pregnancy affect the skeletal system?' and 'How do babies grow hair in the womb?' .

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Can you get pregnant with your tubes tied? I wonder because I actually don’t know…

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No, that is precisely the purpose of tubal ligation… The only way you can get pregnant with your tubes tied is my means of IVF because fertilization occurs outside your body in the lab.

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• Labor & Delivery

10 Signs Labor Is Approaching Soon

Signs that labor is weeks or days away.

• Signs You're Going Into Labor Soon

When to Call Your Health Care Provider

How to cope while in labor.

Early labor, also called latent labor, is the earliest part of the first stage of labor . It is characterized by mild but consistent contractions that, unlike  Braxton Hicks  contractions, continue to grow closer together and stronger over time. 

Early labor is often the longest part of labor, sometimes lasting for days. Contractions may be sporadic at first and be up to 20 minutes apart. Many of the early signs of labor are vague and easily misinterpreted: Do those dull cramps signal that your baby is moving into position, or are they a result of the burrito you ate last night? Is that little trickle of fluid your water breaking, or is it just urine leaking because a 7 pound baby is resting on your full bladder?

To help you figure out when you're really nearing your delivery date , learn about the cues that may signal the first signs of labor.

Parents / Getty Images

Just when you think that you can't possibly be pregnant any longer, you may experience some of the following signs that labor is near. These symptoms don't necessarily occur in any particular order, and some people will experience only a few rather than all. You may experience several within the same day or a few days of each other—and some may come and go before you even recognize them as a sign.

Baby drops into the pelvis

As you approach delivery, your baby descends lower into the birth canal, a process called "engagement." With this move, the weight of your baby is no longer pressing on your diaphragm, and you may be able to breathe more freely as a result. The tradeoff? The potential for more pelvic pressure, which could mean even more frequent urination.

Cervix dilates and effaces

As you approach delivery, the cervix will also soften, thin, and dilate—and this process actually begins before labor officially starts. As the cervix begins to open, you may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge that may appear brownish or pinkish in color.

If you have an internal vaginal exam by a doctor or midwife, they may also inform you of any softening, thinning, or dilation of your cervix , which is another sign that your body is preparing for labor and delivery.

Increased discharge

Many people experience an increase in vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) throughout pregnancy, and sometimes the amount of this discharge increases in the weeks and days leading up to labor as the vagina prepares for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Leukorrhea plays a vital role in the vagina's ability to self-clean.

Weight gain slows

Near the very end of your pregnancy, your weight gain may slow. This may be due to the baby reaching their full-term size. Not everyone will experience a decrease in weight gain, however, and some pregnant people may experience more swelling near the end of pregnancy.

Loose and frequent bowel movements

If you're finding yourself taking a few more trips to the bathroom with loose and frequent bowel movements, there may be a perfectly good explanation. "That's the body's way of emptying the bowels so the uterus will contract well," explains Rochel Lieberman , a certified midwife in Brooklyn, New York. "Indigestion and vomiting prior to labor are also possible."

Nesting instinct kicks in

If you get a sudden burst of restlessness or increased energy, you may be nesting. It's a natural phenomenon that many pregnant mammals experience in preparation for welcoming a baby. If you do feel a spike in the nesting instinct, use it wisely and don't do anything too extreme. "Don't knock yourself out," advises Barbara Moran, PhD, CNM, a nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife in Dunn Loring, Virginia. "You'll need your energy for labor."

Mild cramping or contractions

You may notice an increase in mild cramps or Braxton Hicks contractions ("practice" contractions) that feel like a tightening or hardening of the uterus as you approach delivery. Additionally, you may notice a sensation of building pressure or cramping in your pelvic and rectal area .

What Is Preterm Labor?

If you're experiencing any signs of labor and you're fewer than 37 weeks pregnant, be sure to call your doctor or midwife right away as they could be a sign of preterm labor . Preterm labor is categorized as any labor and delivery that takes place before the week 37 mark.

Signs You're Going Into Labor Soon

While the above signs are a good indication your body is getting ready for birth, if you experience any of these symptoms, labor will probably begin sooner rather than later.

Water breaks

When it comes to how people visualize the experience of their water breaking , Hollywood certainly has left its mark. The sudden, dramatic gush of amniotic fluid immediately followed by the onset of regular intense contractions has become the default visual.

In reality, not everyone's amniotic sac will break before they start having regular contractions. In fact, for many people, labor is well underway before their water breaks. Additionally, there is some variability in what the experience looks and feels like. Sometimes it is like the big dramatic gush you see in the movies, but other times, it's more of a small leak.

If your sac does rupture on its own, however, it usually means that labor is just around the corner, if not already underway, says Carol J. Grabowski, MD , chief of staff of the women's division at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in California. Around 90% of pregnant people who are full-term (37 weeks or more pregnant) spontaneously go into labor within 24 hours after their water breaks.

Those who don't are likely to be induced because the risk of infection increases once the amniotic sac has ruptured. If you're concerned your water may have broken, be sure to call your doctor or midwife so they can guide you on the next steps.

Mucusy discharge or "bloody show"

During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed and plugged up with mucus (aptly called the "mucus plug"). It's your body's way of protecting your baby from infection. But as you progress toward labor, the cervix begins to soften, dilate (open), and thin (efface) in preparation for delivery, causing the plug to dislodge. The mucus, which can measure up to 1-2 teaspoons and be as big as 2 inches, is dispelled as either a blob or a runny smear.

The discharge may look brown (from old blood) or pink as the cervix continues to thin and open, which causes tiny blood vessels to break along the surface of the cervix and tinge the mucus. After you notice the " bloody show ," labor could be hours, days, or even weeks away, Dr. Grabowski says.

While losing your mucus plug can be a helpful indication that labor is approaching, just keep in mind that not all people notice it because it can be dislodged in small amounts over time. If you do notice the mucus plug, or even remnants of it, it may be a sign that delivery is as close as days away.

If you're like a lot of pregnant people, your back may ache throughout your pregnancy. But if the ache becomes especially painful or it's localized in your low back, it can be a sign that you're experiencing "back labor," which most commonly happens when the baby is head down but facing forward (sometimes described as "back-to-back").

"Normally, a baby descends the birth canal with its face pressed against your spine," notes Kay Johnson, CNM, a certified nurse midwife in Atlanta. "But in some cases, the baby descends with its skull hitting the spine." The result? "Constant pain that may radiate to the abdomen but is mostly concentrated in the back."

Some pregnant people will also experience contractions that feel like back pain or have radiating pain to or from their back during contractions. But either way, whether you are experiencing back labor or not, acute back pain can be a sign that labor is approaching.

If you arrive too early to the hospital, staff may even send you home. Additionally, early hospital admission carries a significantly higher risk of delivering by C-section .

Generally, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or  head to the hospital  when contractions are around 5 minutes apart and lasting 45-60 seconds.  You should ask your health care provider for instructions on when to call them when you think you’re in labor. They may have their own protocol.

Since subsequent labors tend to progress more quickly than the first, if this isn’t your first time giving birth, you may be instructed to come in when contractions are a little further apart.

People are often much more comfortable if they stay in their own homes for as long as possible. That's why finding distracting things to do is your best bet to avoid going to the hospital too early.

Always call your doctor or midwife if:

• Your water breaks and the fluid is green or brown, which could be a sign that your baby has ingested meconium—this situation could be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
• Your are experiencing labor symptoms along with bright red bleeding
• You experience a severe headache or any sudden swelling which could be a sign of preeclampsia

If you have taken  childbirth preparation  classes, you likely learned some relaxation techniques for coping with labor. These techniques can help induce a sense of calm and relaxation in early labor. 

Relaxation techniques

Common coping techniques for labor include:

• Mental and physical relaxation : Exercises like progressive relaxation, visualization, and repetitive mantras
• Soothing environment : Aromatherapy, dim lighting, whispering
• Self-hypnosis :  Hypnobirthing  techniques for relaxation
• Hydrotherapy : A warm bath or shower
• Comforting touch : Massage, stroking, brushing hair, holding hands
• Change positions : Try walking, lying on your side, bouncing on an exercise ball, lying over an exercise ball, hands and knees
• Deep breathing : For relaxation and offering needed oxygen to the fetus

Take a warm bath

If your water hasn’t already broken, a warm bath can be just the thing to soothe and distract you in early labor. While there is some controversy over giving birth while submerged in water , the benefits in early labor are supported by medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Benefits of water immersion during the first stage of labor include:

• Decreased use of epidural , spinal, or paracervical analgesia
• Shorter labors

Labor is hard work so most of the time, your body will welcome sips of water. Due to the risk of aspiration, restricting foods or fluids by mouth has been an obstetric practice for a long time. More recently, though, medical organizations are recognizing the value of allowing people to self-hydrate when they are in labor. 

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends clear fluids by mouth in uncomplicated labors. Those at higher risk for aspiration, including those who are obese, who have diabetes, or difficult airways may require further fluid restriction.

Clear liquids include:

• Fruit juice without pulp
• Black coffee
• Carbonated beverages
• Sports drinks 

Key Takeaway

Experiencing signs that labor is approaching can be exciting and anxiety-inducing. No matter how far into your pregnancy you are, if you're ever unsure whether your symptoms indicate that you're nearing or going into labor, don't be afraid to call your health care provider—guiding you through this process is what they are there for, and your medical team would much rather that you check in and get checked out anytime you have a concern.

Contractions during pregnancy: What to expect . University of Michigan . 2023

Premature rupture of membranes: overview, premature rupture of membranes (At term), premature preterm rupture of membranes. Medscape . 2023.

  Early versus Late Admission to Labor Affects Labor Progression and Risk of Cesarean Section in Nulliparous Women .  Front Med (Lausanne) . 2016.

Labor & delivery: When to go to the hospital . Kaiser Permanente. 2023.

Labor . Johns Hopkins Medicine . n.d.

Immersion in water during labor and delivery . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . 2021.

Practice guidelines for obstetric anesthesia .  Anesthesiology . 2016.

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9th Month Pregnancy Care – Precautions, Symptoms and Baby Development

9th month pregnancy is very overwhelming for mom and her partner. Reason is you are about to complete pregnancy term and waiting for baby. By the time you reach 9th month, you will develop special bond between you and your baby. You may or may not have word to explain this attachment with others. Special 9th month pregnancy care is required at this stage.

Your pregnancy feeling is at peak and you are preparing for delivery. Your body and mind is filled by motherhood signal sent by nature which have its own way to send.

You have many 9th month pregnancy symptoms like backaches, weight gain, swelling and mood swings. But the feeling of new one coming in your life is so strong that you enjoy these symptoms as well. Pregnancy of course ninth month is one of most beautiful chapter in the life of a woman. Fears of normal delivery or caesarean is natural. Many question like Will my weight reduce back to normal weight ? So it is always good to educate yourself by reading article on baby360. None of us want that baby or mother have problem after delivery. so little care and knowledge will help you to have safe and healthy delivery.

What is the BABY DEVELOPMENT in 9th month of Pregnancy ?

In this month, the fetus is ready to come out anytime from the tummy. Please note the following important developments that occur during 9th month of pregnancy.

• The growth and development of foetal brain is complete. And all the vital organs of the are functional and developed.
• The foetal height will be approximately 53 centimeters and the weigh 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms on an average.
• The lungs are fully functional and even breathe through the amniotic fluid.
• Baby movements will slow down as there is no space to move.
• Your baby is almost close to ready for delivery now.

9th Month Pregnancy Symptoms

During 9th month you will experience some important changes in your pregnant body.

• Do not get scared at the sudden increase of vaginal discharge. It is completely normal. Make sure that it is not smelly, itchy, smelly and something abnormal.
• You will feel you may open anytime as your pelvis will start to expand.
• As every day passes by, comfortably lying down will become nearly impossible for you.
• Backache will increase due to pressure on sciatic nerve.
• It’s ideal to start wearing breast pads now as the colostrum production will start and leakage of milk may occur from your body.
• Extra fluid will start circulating in your pregnant body due to which eyeball shape may change a bit.
• Frequent urination, also you may leak often due to pressure on the bladder.
• You skin and face will start glowing. Possibly there will be a stress on face but the glow can’t be skipped.
• Mood swings will continue to trouble you.
• Don’t be shocked to see your nipples and even your face getting all hairy.
• Be more alert paying attention to labour signs. Just make sure to know the difference between short contractions and actual ones.

9th Month Pregnancy Care – PRECAUTIONS

What to do in 9th month Pregnancy- 

1. Stay Hydrated It is mandatory to Drink plenty of water as dehydration can cause things that you want to avoid at any cost like abdominal pain and contractions.

2. Do some swimming Swimming is an amazing workout for preparing your body for labour and also to relax. Check out for any swimming pools in your neighbourhood and enjoy swimming.

3. Kegel Exercises Continue to practise your Kegel exercises. As you will be able to face labour with stronger pelvis muscles.

4. Take Warm Baths Taking a warm nice bath gives great relief during this time. Remember not to use very hot water instead opt for warm water.

5. Think Positive Always keep a positive mind and relaxed, happy thoughts before your delivery. It is natural that you must have faced a lot of turbulence due to hormones in these month. But think that you are so close to cuddle with your baby and hold her in your arms.

6. Spend good stress free time With Family Make sure to spend quality time with friends and your family. Get pampered and see your stress disappear.

7. Posture for sleeping and sitting You must be feeling a strong urge to sleep comfortably but some more patience please. You are at the last stage and these days are going to quickly pass. Continue to sleep on the left side till the last week of delivery. Buy some soft cushions and pillows to support your office chair if you are a working woman.

8. Books, Favorite shows, Movies After baby is born you will be hardly left with any me time for a couple of months atleast. So watch good positive movies, go to a salon, do pedicure, go out with friends, read books. You will feel uplifted and happy.

Also Check – Cute Baby Names

9. Pregnancy Sex: This question is in mind of almost all women and only your gynecologist can give best answer. During the last trimester it is natural for you to get scared for having sex. But remember that no scientific data gives any confirmed indication that you should avoid during this time. Its good to avoid sex in 9th month. If you are suffering from any complications like HIV or high blood pressure you must check with your health care provider.

10. Eat lots of fresh fruits and Vegetables You must consume a lot of fruits and green leafy vegetables as they are a rich sources of fibrous materials, vitamins and essential minerals. It prevents and treats symptoms of constipation. Make sure to thoroughly wash and clean them before consuming so that you save yourself from any type of microbial infections.

11. Regular Checkups are a MUST Make sure to perform all the blood tests and ultrasound testing done. They are the safest and latest technology available to keep a check on growth of foetus. This definitely helps the doctor and to be parents to prepare themselves for any further complications. Also, you may need blood during delivery so go and get your blood groups checked.

Generally there is a Rh factor incompatibility in cases wherein mother has Rh negative groups and the baby is with Rh positive group. Antibodies are produced in mothers blood against baby’s Rh factor. These antibodies affect the next child as they will remain in the mother’s body. So doctors give a Rhogam injection during 27th-28th week of pregnancy and also within 72 hours of birth, abortion, miscarriage etc.

12. Travelling is fine Many of us have queries and doubts regarding travelling long distance during last months of pregnancy. But frankly speaking, it’s no big deal. It is just that when your labour contractions begin, you don’t want yourself and your loved ones to suffer from the pain and tension of reaching hospital as early as possible. So to be on a safer side try to avoid travelling.

13. Intrauterine Growth Retardations Another important precautions during 9th month pregnancy is checking for Intrauterine Growth Retardation. It can include many different conditions like high B.P, abnormalities in the placenta, microbial infections etc. Based on the findings, delivery may be early as it can also lead to conditions like stillborn babies.

What not to do during 9th month Pregnancy –

1. Avoid strenuous Physical Activity Don’t do too much physical activities and avoid rigorous exercise. Let your friends and family help you while you relax during this time. Its completely fine if you avoid to get you involve in every small thing.

2. X-rays If it is very mandatory in situations like a lung infection or a bone fracture, do let the doctor and technician know that you are expecting. X rays must be compulsorily avoided in any way. X-ray is not considered safe for you in this delicate time. Generally at airports or other checking points, pregnant women are given a clearance without X rays. Keep in mind, to inform and carry a medical proof.

3. Avoid Mental Stress Make sure you keep your mind relaxed at all times. There will be many thoughts about labour pain, delievery that will haunt your brain but it is not going to help. You should indulge in your favourite chores and wait for things to happen.

4. Sudden Reflexes Perform daily activities with slow and steady movements. Stop habits to sit or stand all of a sudden as this may lower levels of blood sugar.

5. Don’t eat Fish Avoid raw fish, Avoid fishes like mackerel , swordfish or shark as they have presence of high levels of mercury. Don’t eat more than 12 ounces of cooked fish in a week.

6. Say No to Alcohol One of the important precautions during 9th month pregnancy is to avoid alcohol. Baby can suffer from a disease called as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome which has no relieve. It leads to abnormalities in face, mental retardation, sluggish growth etc.

Accept yourself despite of all the discomforts that you have to face with a happy feeling and don’t worry too much about the delivery process. Just think that it is going to be a smooth process. Childbirth is a natural process. So don’t listen to stories from others and fill your mind with mythical tales. Stay fit and safe by following all the above mentioned do’s and don’ts during 9th month of pregnancy. Enjoy this phase and share your experience with us. If you have more question you can ask to other parents as well as doctors using Q&A section in Baby360.

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9th Month Of Pregnancy - All You Need To Do

Yes! You're in your last month of pregnancy, and your baby could arrive at any time. Most women give birth between weeks 38 and 42, but very few babies arrive exactly on their due date.

Nine Months Pregnant: Common Symptoms

In the final month of your pregnancy, some of the normal pregnancy symptoms you might experience include:

Frequent urination

Mucus plug being expelled

Increased vaginal discharge

Pelvic pressure

Lightening' — your baby drops lower, which makes it easier to breathe

Some of these symptoms are common across third trimester. Explore other third trimester symptoms & remedies to ensure the well-being of mother & baby in the last stretch of pregnancy

9 Months Pregnant: Baby Development & Body Changes

Your Baby's Development: At 9 Months pregnant, your baby will drop lower into your pelvis as she gets ready to be born. She'll gain weight until she's born, mostly accumulating fat around the elbows, knees, and shoulders.

By the 9th month of pregnancy, your baby should be positioned with her head down. If she's in a breech position with her feet or bottom down, your doctor may attempt to turn her around or you could be offered a caesarean birth.

Changes to Your Body: At 9 months pregnant, you'll be feeling big, tired, and impatient — you might even feel fidgety sitting or lying down because nothing feels comfortable. Some mums-to-be also experience a surge in energy, as your body prepares for the birth.

One positive is that as your baby drops lower in your pelvis, this will take some pressure off your lungs, making it a little easier to breathe (though urgency to urinate may increase).

If you're feeling cramps or contractions at this late stage, remember that there's a difference between practice contractions and actual contractions, so jot down the intervals between contractions. If you think you might be in labor, call your doctor and report your symptoms. Learn all the signs and symptoms of labor to avoid last minute confusion here.

If your baby is not born by 40 weeks , your doctors will monitor you and your baby even more closely in 41 and 42 weeks. You and your birthing team might discuss whether and when to induce labour. If your baby is not born by the end of 42 weeks, you will likely be offered an induction to reduce any potential risks.

How Is Your Baby Positioned When You’re 9 Months Pregnant?  

At some point this month, most babies move into a head-down position, if they haven't done so already. This is called a vertex presentation. If your baby is positioned with her buttocks or feet first, this is known as a breech position . If your baby is breech close to your due date, your healthcare provider may attempt to turn her into a head-down position manually; in some cases, you could be offered a cesarean birth if your provider thinks this is the safest option for you and your baby. It’s also possible that your little gymnast may change positions on her own more than once before she’s born. Your provider will be keeping an eye on her positions at your weekly checkups. 

What Does a Fetus Look Like at 9 Months?  

Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re nine months pregnant: 

How Far Along Are You at 9 Months Pregnant?  

At nine months pregnant, you’re so close to the end of your third trimester and your pregnancy! You might still be wondering how many weeks nine months pregnant is. There is no simple answer, as the weeks of pregnancy don't fit evenly within nine distinct months. This final month could start anywhere from 33 weeks to 36 weeks and "end" somewhere around 40 weeks with the birth of your baby. 

Ninth Month of Pregnancy Quick List

Organise any child care: You might need child care after bringing your newborn home. This could mean a short-term arrangement for your older children, if you have them, or long-term childcare plans for when your newborn is a little older.

Final preparations: At 9 months pregnant, you might also experience pregnancy ‘nesting' — an urge to get your home ready for your baby and for parenthood. Use the remaining days or weeks of your pregnancy to take care of any last minute preparations, and have your home as ready as you'd like it to be. Channel these short bursts of energy, whether it's cooking lots of extra meals and freezing them, cleaning, or stocking up on all of your nursery supplies (like diapers). Also, try exploring our pregnancy calendar for pregnancy, post-pregnancy & baby care tips

Plan hospital visits and the birth announcement: Think about who you want to come see you at the hospital, and how you will handle offers for help and visits. After the birth, you'll have a lot on your plate, so now's a good time to decide how you will make the announcement of the birth to friends and family.

Find the right baby name: If you're struggling to find the perfect baby name or you're having a late change of heart about the name you thought you were set on, try the Pampers Baby Name Generator to find a baby name that's just right.

Get some sleep: Put down your to-do lists, and get as much sleep as you can. Don't just rest, though — indulge yourself, too. This could be your last chance for a little me-time, so get a pampering pedicure, have a foot massage, watch a movie, and spend some peaceful one-on-one time with your husband and loved ones. Enjoy these last few ‘baby-free' days.

FAQs at a Glance

What is my belly size likely to be at nine months pregnant.

At this point in pregnancy, your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height, which is the distance between the pubic bone and the top of your uterus. When the fundal height is measured in centimeters, it usually correlates to how far into your pregnancy you are . So, for example, if you're 35 weeks pregnant, it's likely that your fundal height will be about 35 centimeters.  

What do I need to pack for the hospital?

You'll need (or want) a variety of items for yourself, your baby, and even your birth partner, including:  

• Slippers  
• Toiletries  
• Bathrobe  
• Phone charger  
• Spare glasses or contact lenses  
• Baby clothes  
• Baby blanket.

How do I know when it's time to head to the hospital?

Until you reach 39 weeks, your baby still isn’t officially full term and ready for birth quite yet, so if you think you’re experiencing any signs of labor, or if you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. Your provider will be able to confirm that you’re in labor and tell you when it’s time to make your way in to the hospital. You can also watch our video interview with an experienced labor nurse to learn more about when you should head to the hospital: 

Checklist for When You’re 9 Months Pregnant  

Ask your healthcare provider under what circumstances your labor might be induced.  

Find out whether you’ll have access to things like a birthing bed, stools, chairs, balls, and pools during labor.  

Pack your hospital bag and practice your route to the hospital. Download our hospital bag checklist for tips on what to pack.  

Put any finishing touches on your baby’s nursery, double check you have all of these baby gear essentials , and finish any early baby proofing work you want to get out of the way now. 

Read up on what may happen in the moments after you give birth like skin to skin contact with your newborn, and the APGAR test. 

Start preparing for what you’ll need in the first few weeks and months after you bring your newborn baby home . Consider freezing some meals for later, asking friends and family for help with chores, and organizing child care for your older children.  

By the time your baby is born you’ll have been through a lot with pregnancy, labor, and childbirth all behind you. Read up on postpartum recovery so you’ll know what kinds of things are in store for you as your body heals after bringing a new life into the world.  

Learn more about the diapers and wipes you’ll need when you bring your little one home. Our diaper size and weight chart can help you decide what to buy and how many diapers you’ll need when your little one makes her debut.  

Check out the baby products that Pampers Parents recommend. 

Because you’ve got a lot of diapers in your future, download the Pampers Club app to make sure you’re getting benefits from all those diapers you’ll be buying! 

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Diet & fitness, labor & delivery, preparing for a baby, motherhood tools, due date calculator, zodiac center, baby name generator, increased baby movement in 9th month of pregnancy.

By: Marcy Reed

13 June, 2017

One of the ways you know your baby is healthy in the latter part of your pregnancy is by feeling him move. Fetal movement can tell you and your OB provider if your baby has plenty of oxygen or if he is struggling in the uterus. While fetal movement is a positive sign, you should pay attention if your baby’s movement markedly increases and feels different as it can be a sign of a potential pregnancy complication.

Kick Counts

During your third trimester, you should monitor your baby's movement each day. You should feel your baby move 10 times over a two hour period. You can track the movements on a sheet of paper or you can track them a different way. For example, you can count out 10 pennies and move one penny to a cup each time you feel your baby move. Count kicks, rolls, squirms and stretches as movement.

Movement in the 9th Month

How Much Fetal Movement Should You Feel at 18 Weeks Pregnant?

While many women feel that their babies move less toward the end of the pregnancy, babies actually continue to move even during labor. As babies run out of room, they can change the way they move and their mothers may feel them differently, but you should feel movement every day. If you feel that your baby is moving more frequently during the ninth month, you may just be more aware of the movement because the baby is bigger or the baby may have changed her active times to match the times you are awake and aware of her movements.

Presentation

Some babies manage to move so much inside the uterus that they actually flip from head-down to breech presentation or even turn themselves sideways. As you observe and note your baby’s movement, try to pay attention to how the baby has felt over the past few weeks. If your baby has been head-down and you suddenly note a hard round ball under your ribcage after a period of intense movement or if you suspect your baby has turned sideways, notify your healthcare provider right away. If you and your OB provider note that your baby is not head-down prior to active labor, you may be able to have aversion, in which your doctor tries to turn your baby to the correct position to prevent a cesarean section.

When Does Your Baby Start Moving Inside the Womb?

When your baby moves, you should feel reassured that she is doing well. If you notice that she is not moving normally, monitor her movements. You should notify your healthcare provider if your baby is not moving or if you have concerns about your baby's movements. Babies have active times and rest times, but your baby will have a movement pattern of her own. If she deviates from her normal pattern, call your doctor or midwife.

Related Articles

How Often Should I Be Feeling My Baby Move at 28 Weeks?

Sharp Pain in the Cervix With Fetal Movement

How to Recognize Fetal Movement When You're Pregnant

The Frequency of a Baby's Kicks in the Womb at Six Months Pregnant

How to Make Your Baby Kick

Seventeen Weeks Pregnant & Not Much Movement of the Baby

Causes of the Baby Not Moving Much at Twenty-Three Weeks Pregnant

Is It Normal to Have Baby Movement Right Under Your Breasts?

• Midwifery Today; Fetal Movement; Jan. 22, 2003
• UpToDate.com; Evaluation of Decreased Fetal Movements; Ruth Fretts; April 1, 2011

Marcy Reed has been a certified nurse midwife since 2004 and a writer since 2007. She has been published in "Midwifery Today." Reed earned a bachelor's degree in nursing in California and received her midwifery education in Kentucky.

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Post-debate explainer: The truth about late-term abortions in the United States

By Tyler Arnold

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 13, 2024 / 06:00 am

During  Tuesday night ’ s presidential debate  with former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris refused to say whether she opposes late-term abortions and denied that they happen in the United States.

However, more than a dozen states, in fact, allow on-demand abortions after the point of viability, and nine of those states permit abortions throughout the entirety of pregnancy.

What’s more, studies from pro-abortion groups and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that thousands of abortions happen late into pregnancy every year.

“Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion,” the vice president claimed. “That is not happening — it’s insulting to the women of America.”

During the debate, Trump said Harris’  vow to codify  Roe v. Wade into national law would legalize late-term abortion. The now-defunct landmark Supreme Court ruling forced states to permit abortion at least until the point of fetal viability, at which point the unborn child could survive outside the womb. The exact moment of fetal viability is different for every pregnancy, but this usually occurs in the 23rd or the 24th week.

Trump said Harris would support abortion in “the seventh month, the eighth month, [and] the ninth month,” to which Harris retorted: “That’s not true.”

When asked by ABC debate moderator Linsey Davis whether she would support any restrictions on abortion, Harris ducked the question and said she supports what she called the “protections” of Roe v. Wade. Harris used the word “protections” in reference to making abortion legal, not to to mean protecting the unborn.

Although ABC’s debate moderators — Davis and David Muir — intervened to “fact check” Trump on several of his arguments, neither of them corrected Harris to inform viewers where late-term abortions are legal and occur in the United States.

However, Roe v. Wade did not prohibit states from allowing abortion much later into pregnancy, some of which do permit abortion in the seventh, eighth, and ninth months.

North Dakota judge strikes down state’s abortion restrictions

In nine states and Washington, D.C., abortion is legal for the entirety of pregnancy, until the moment of birth, for any reason. In one state, elective abortion is legal through the second trimester, which concludes at the end of the 27th week of pregnancy. In another four states, abortion is legal through the 24th week of pregnancy, regardless of whether the unborn child has already reached viability.

States where on-demand late-term abortion is legal

The most permissive abortion laws are in Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. A woman can procure a legal abortion through the ninth month of pregnancy, until the moment of birth, for any reason. 

Minnesota, the home state of Harris’ running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, has some of the most permissive pro-abortion laws in the country. Walz  signed legislation  in January 2023 that declared abortion “a fundamental right” and prohibited local governments from taking any action that interferes with that legal right. This provided even stronger protections for Minnesota’s laws on abortion, which permit the procedure until the moment of birth.

Virginia allows elective abortion through the second trimester of pregnancy, which ends in the 27th week. This is three or four weeks after the unborn child could survive outside the womb.

In four other states — Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and New Hampshire — abortion is legal in the 24th week of pregnancy, regardless of whether the unborn child is viable. About a dozen states allow abortion up until the point of viability, which is often determined by the physician, who may be an abortionist. More than 20 states restrict abortion earlier than viability.

How often does late-term abortion happen?

(Story continues below)

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State laws vary on what data abortion clinics must record and report to the government. Most states provide some data to the federal government, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not offer a comprehensive breakdown of the exact gestational ages of preborn children at the time of an abortion.

However, the CDC does report its estimates of how many abortions occur in the 21st week of pregnancy or later. In 2019,  the CDC estimated  about 4,882 abortions were performed at least 21 weeks or later into pregnancy. The data is incomplete because it excludes the nine states that permit abortions at that stage of pregnancy and the District of Columbia.

The pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute, which provides estimates through voluntary surveys,  reported that  about 0.9% of abortions were conducted in the 21st week or later in 2023. The report estimated more than 1 million total abortions, which would mean that more than 9,000 abortions occurred in the 21st week or later.

If the Guttmacher Institute’s reporting is correct, this would mean that, on average, between 24 and 25 abortions in the 21st week or later occur every day in the United States.

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White Discharge In The 9th Month Of Pregnancy

14   May   2018 | 5 min Read

Yellowish or greenish discharge during pregnancy is considered abnormal, and if you notice them, you should immediately consult your doctor. The discharge may or may not be accompanied with a foul smell. Nevertheless, it is advisable to get in touch with your doctor in to avoid any complications.

Common Reasons For An Abnormal Discharge during Pregnancy

Some of the most common reasons for an abnormal discharge during pregnancy include:

• Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition that is caused by the imbalance of the bacteria present in the vagina or cervical canal. Its symptoms include a stinging or burning sensation during urination. If not treated, it can cause preterm birth.
• Candidiasis: Candidiasis is a yeast infection that can result in yellowish or greenish discharge, which is not normal. Candidiasis can also cause itching and irritation.
• Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease and can cause vaginal discharge that is thick in texture and yellowish in colour. It is recommended to inform your doctor and start the treatment as it can cause preterm delivery or even transfer of infection to the unborn child.
• Leucorrhoea: The increase in the levels of oestrogen during pregnancy causes leucorrhoea. It results in a thick, yellowish discharge that is a combination of normal bacterial flora found in the cervix, old vaginal cells, and other secretions of the vagina and cervix.

How To Deal With White Discharge During Pregnancy In The 9th Month?

Using protection like condoms during sex can prevent sexually transmitted diseases, preventing abnormal discharge in the 9th month of pregnancy. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts that will help you deal with vaginal discharge and prevent infection.

• You can use panty liners that will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Protection while having sex can prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Washing the vagina a couple of times a day with water and a medicated soap that is recommended by your doctor can be helpful.
• When drying or wiping your vagina, the hand movement should be from front to back and not back to front.
• Try to wear cotton pants to ensure optimum breathability. Change it twice a day.
• Try to avoid tampons, as these can cause infections.
• Avoid using scented creams and bubble baths.
• Public toilets should be avoided to prevent any infections.
• Avoid douching as it may wash off the good bacteria in the vagina.

A white watery discharge in the 9th month of pregnancy is common. However, an abnormal discharge of yellowish or greenish colour may  require immediate medical attention. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if the discharge has an unusual texture, or a foul smell. Proper treatment will help cancel the risk of any pregnancy complication and ensure the health of your baby.

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Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.