Your Baby's Development
The wrinkly, tiny fetus you may have seen on earlier ultrasounds
has given way to an almost plump baby. There is fat on your baby's
cheeks, and powerful sucking muscles also contribute to your
baby's full face. Your baby now weighs a little under 6 pounds
(2,721 grams).
The bones that make up your baby's skull can move relative to
one another and overlap each other while your baby's head is inside
your pelvis. This phenomenon is called molding, and it helps the
baby pass through the birth canal. Don't be surprised if your
baby arrives with a pointy or misshapen head! After a few hours or
days, your baby's head will be back to a rounded shape.
Your Body
Starting this week, you may begin to see your health care
provider every week. Your doctor or midwife may give you an
internal exam to determine if cervical effacement (thinning of the
cervix) or dilation (opening of the cervix) has begun. You may
experience engagement (also known as lightening), which is when the
baby drops into the mother's pelvis in preparation for labor.
Your appetite may return because the baby is no longer putting as
much pressure on your stomach and intestines, and if you've
been experiencing heartburn, the baby's descent may somewhat
alleviate it.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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