Month 9: The Final Countdown
Weeks 37-40+ of Pregnancy
You have made it to the final month! Your baby is fully developed and putting on the finishing touches before making their grand entrance. This month can feel like the longest as you eagerly await meeting your little one. Remember that "full term" is anywhere from 37-42 weeks, so be patient if your baby needs a little extra time. Every day, your body and baby are preparing for the amazing journey of birth.
What is Happening This Month
Month 9 is all about final preparations and waiting. Your baby is considered full-term at 37 weeks, though most first babies arrive after their due date. Your baby continues to gain weight and their organs make final adjustments for life outside the womb. You may experience "lightening" as baby's head drops lower into your pelvis, which can make breathing easier but increases pelvic pressure.
Week-by-Week Development
Baby's immune system strengthens. The skull remains soft with gaps (fontanelles) to ease delivery.
Most babies settle in the pelvis head-down. Kidneys and liver are fully functioning. Weight gain continues at 220-250 grams per week.
By the end of this week, baby is full-term! Lungs are mature. The digestive system is ready for milk. Lanugo hair has mostly disappeared.
Baby continues gaining weight. Antibodies continue to pass from you to baby. Baby is ready whenever they decide!
Your Baby's Development
By your due date, your baby typically measures about 48-53cm (19-21 inches) and weighs approximately 3-4kg (6.5-9 pounds), though healthy babies come in many sizes! Final developments include:
- All organs are fully mature and ready for independent life
- Fat continues accumulating, giving baby those adorable chubby cheeks
- Lungs produce plenty of surfactant for breathing air
- The digestive system contains meconium (first bowel movement)
- Antibodies from your immune system provide protection for early months
- Skull bones remain flexible with gaps to ease passage through birth canal
- Baby "practises" breathing, sucking, and swallowing
- Most vernix has been shed, though some may remain in skin folds
- Baby is running out of room and movements may feel more like rolls than kicks
Size Comparison
Your baby is about the size of a small watermelon
48-53 cm (19-21 inches) | 3-4 kgChanges in Your Body
The final month brings a mix of discomfort and anticipation. Your body is making final preparations for labour, and you may experience a range of symptoms that signal the approaching birth:
Lightening
Baby drops lower, easing breathing but increasing pelvic pressure
Mucus Plug
Loss of mucus plug signals cervix is beginning to prepare for labour, though timing is hard to predict
Nesting Urge
Sudden energy to clean and organise before baby arrives
Contractions
Braxton Hicks increase; real contractions are regular and are strong enough to make you want to hold your birth
Loose Stools
Your body naturally clears bowels in preparation for labour
Insomnia
Discomfort and anticipation make sleep challenging
Important Care Tips
Weekly Appointments
From week 36, you will have bi-weekly appointments. Your healthcare provider will check baby's position, head engagement and heart rate, your blood pressure and urine. Internal examinations and membrane sweeps may be offered from week 40 to encourage labour naturally. Do not miss these important final checks.
Know Labour Signs
True labour signs include: regular contractions that get stronger, longer in duration and closer together, waters breaking (gush or trickle), or bloody show. Time contractions from the start of one to the start of the next. Call your healthcare provider when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule).
Final Preparations
Review your birth preferences with your partner. Ensure hospital bag is ready and in the car. Have your notes handy. Install baby's car seat if not done. Stock up on newborn essentials. Prepare your home for return - easy meals, clean sheets, baby's area ready. Most importantly, try to rest and stay calm.
Going Overdue
If you pass your due date, do not worry - it is completely normal, especially for first babies. Stay active with walks, try relaxation techniques, and continue monitoring movements. Your healthcare provider will discuss induction options if you reach 41 weeks. Trust that your baby will come when ready.
When to Contact Your Maternity Unit
Call your maternity unit immediately and head to hospital if you experience:
- Regular contractions following the 5-1-1 rule (or as advised by your provider)
- Your waters break (note the time and colour of fluid)
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than spotting)
- Decreased/increased or no fetal movement
- Severe abdominal pain that doesn't ease between contractions
- Severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain
- Any concerns about your or baby's wellbeing
- Breathing difficulty, calf tenderness or swelling
- Any signs of infection or temperature above 37.6˚
Looking Ahead
Soon you will be holding your baby in your arms! Whether your labour starts naturally or needs encouragement, trust your body and your healthcare team. Every pregnancy and birth is unique and special. Remember that the discomfort of labour is temporary, but the joy of meeting your baby lasts forever. You have grown this amazing little person for nine months - you are strong, capable, and ready. Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone!