Week 37 was a little hard for me because of all the tests they did to see if the baby is doing alright. I had the baby monitored last week because I complained of lesser fetal movement and while monitoring the fetal heartbeat they saw that when I had contraction the baby's heartbeats went down. I thought I was going to give birth then but Thank God everything went fine. Just two more weeks to go and we'll meet baby JE. I'm a little scared because I forgot what it felt like to give birth but also excited to be able to meet the new member of our family...
Fetal Development:
Average size is around 6.5 pounds now! The baby practices breathing movements preparing for life outside the womb. His/her grasp becomes firm, and s/he will turn toward light.
Maternal Changes:
Vaginal discharge may be heavier now and will have more cervical mucous in it as your body prepares for labor. What position is your baby in? Is it head down or butt first? Whichever position your baby is in now is generally the way s/he will stay. If your baby is breech, you may need a cesarean or your care provider might recommend an external version in which your abdomen is manipulated in such a way that it turns head down. This is successful 60 to 70% of the time.
Ideas for Dad:
Remember the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared"? Unexpected things happen during labor and delivery so try to plan for as many things as possible while keeping in mind that flexibility is important. Try to have all the little details completed beforehand so you can handle the unexpected events. Just what are these little details? How about . . .
* hospital registration
* routes to the hospital mapped out and have more than one route in case a road is blocked for whatever reason
* know where the entrances to the hospital and the parking lots are located
* lists of phone numbers written out - you might forget an important person or even their number when you're excited/nervous, etc
* roll of change for the pay telephone or a battery charger/electric cord for your cell phone (but check with the hospital to see if they'll allow you to use a cell phone inside the hospital - most will not!)
* mom's hospital bag and whatever YOU need at the hospital (change of clothes in case you come from work, etc)
* infant carseat IN THE CAR ready to go
* arrange for who will care for any older children if they aren't attending the birth
* have the camera, video recorder, etc in the car
YIKES! All of those last minute details! With these out of the way, Dad, you can be there for mom so take the initiative and be a good Boy Scout. Be prepared!
Inspirational Thoughts:
Every birth is a getting to know. ~Paul Claudel
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