By now, at 9 months pregnant, you’ve been anticipating the birth of your little one for what feels like forever. (Remember when you wondered if your bump could possibly get any bigger? That was adorable.)
You’ve read all the pregnancy books, taken the birthing classes, and likely oohed and awed over tiny baby clothes at your baby shower — virtual option included, of course. And while anticipating your baby’s arrival has been fun, you’re probably ready to get this show on the road.
Here’s what to expect at 9 months pregnant — from how you can tell if labor is starting to when it’s time to head to the hospital. (Finally!)
The main symptom you may notice at this stage in pregnancy is called “Get-this-baby-out-of-me-itis.” Rest assured, it’s completely normal.
You’re probably feeling more than a little uncomfortable as your baby reaches full-term — on average, around
Along with that sizeable baby and your body preparing for birth, here’s what may be in store for you this month:
- back pain, thanks to the constant work required to keep you from toppling over frontward
- pelvic pressure, as baby’s head moves lower and grows bigger
- lightening, when the baby drops into the birth canal and you may be able to breathe easier (but you’ll probably feel more discomfort with the baby in a lower position)
- interrupted sleep, as those once-fluttering kicks become quite forceful
- exhaustion, because, well, you’ve been growing a human (or two) for 9 months
- constipation, as the baby grows and interferes with traffic flow
- frequent urination, due to pregnancy hormones and your baby literally tap-dancing on your bladder
- changes in appetite, but it’s different for everyone — you could feel hungrier or experience a decreased appetite, thanks to the cramped abdominal real estate
You may also have:
- Braxton-Hicks contractions
- nesting instincts
- increased vaginal discharge
Your baby bump at 9 months pregnant
(Video) 9 Months In The Womb: A Remarkable Look At Fetal Development Through Ultrasound By PregnancyChat.com
Your baby bump at 9 months pregnant
During your last weeks of pregnancy, your baby goes through a lot of growth, which means that you will, too.
Depending on your
While it can be tempting to compare, everyone’s baby bumps look different. Your height and abdominal muscle strength make a big difference in how your body carries your baby.
If you’re taller, you may tend to carry your baby more in front, and if you have more toned abdominal muscles, you may carry higher.
If you have any concerns about your weight gain or the size of your pregnant belly, let your doctor know. They may request an ultrasound if your measurements aren’t what they expect.
Since last month, your baby has most likely packed on 1 to 2 extra pounds and 1 to 2.5 inches.
In addition to rocking an impressive growth spurt, your baby experiences significant development during the ninth month of pregnancy.
For instance, baby’s lungs are maturing to breathe outside of the womb, their reflexes are more coordinated, and they can blink, turn their head, and grasp.
Because babies are still developing every day in the womb, it’s important to avoid induction before 39 weeks unless medically indicated. (You’re considered full-term at 37 weeks, but most doctors recommend avoiding elective C-section or induction until 39 weeks, unless there’s a medical reason.)
As you near the end of your pregnancy, your baby will start to settle lower in the abdomen. Your baby’s position should also change to head down to prepare for delivery. (Most babies turn head down by week 36 of pregnancy.)
If your baby hasn’t flipped yet, your doctor will discuss any next steps with you. They may recommend some methods to help turn your baby — or a C-section may be recommended for babies that insist on staying breech.
It may seem like your baby is moving less during this time due to the tighter space. Your doctor may ask that you keep a kick count to keep track of fetal movements. If you notice any decrease in your baby’s movements, or have any concerns about your baby’s activity, be sure to contact your doctor.
If you’re expecting twins, there’s a good chance that you’ll be meeting them this month. A
And although there’s a good chance your twins will be on the smaller side — most twins weigh less than
And if your babies do require any care after birth, your medical team will be prepped and ready as they welcome them into the world.
As your due date approaches, you may find yourself slowing down activity-wise, and that’s completely OK. Every pregnant person is different.
Some may stay active right up until their due date, while others may need to kick back and put their feet up more often. Listen to your own body and rest when you need to.
The good news is there’s no reason to slow down your activities unless your doctor has told you otherwise. You can maintain your normal exercise routine — although now isn’t the time to take up anything new, like CrossFit or rock climbing — and modify exercises as needed.
If you’re still feeling frisky, you can still engage in sexual activity unless your doctor has told you otherwise. In fact, sex might help speed up labor if you’re full-term. Sperm in the vagina could help the cervix ripen, and orgasms may help get contractions going.
On the other hand, if you’re at high risk for preterm labor, your doctor may ask you to refrain from sexual activity. Also, keep in mind that if your water does happen to break, you’ll want to avoid any sexual activity after that, as it could pose a risk of infection.
The big day is coming, so make sure you’re ready by checking these pre-baby items off your list:
- Finish up any prep classes you might need. You’ve probably already finished your childbirth classes (and if you haven’t, it’s not too late!), but you could also take an infant CPR class, lactation class, or baby care course.
- Take a hospital or birth center tour. Call your birthing facility to arrange an in-person or virtual tour.
- Pack your labor and delivery bags. You don’t need a ton of stuff for baby — a take-home outfit or two will do — but you’ll want to be sure to bring:
- your insurance card
- your COVID-19 vaccination card, if you have one
- comfy clothes for you
- a pair of cheap slippers or slides, as hospital floors can be pretty gross
- some comfort items, like a favorite blanket or pillow
- phone chargers
- snacks, but keep in mind you may not be able to eat during labor
- copies of your birth plan
- Pick a pediatrician. Many pediatricians offer consults to new parents, so you can determine if they’re a good fit. You’ll visit your baby’s pediatrician a lot in the first year (and for many years after!), so it’s worth spending time finding one you connect with.
- Prep your birth team. There will most likely be restrictions on who can be in the room with you, but if you have a doula or partner, prep them about what to do when you go into labor.
- Research photographers. If you’d like any final pregnancy photos, want birth photography, or are hoping to squeeze in a newborn photoshoot, now is a great time to get this scheduled.
- Wash a few of your baby’s outfits. There’s no need to wash everything, but take advantage of your nesting instincts (if you’ve got ’em) to get a few outfits ready. Leave tags on the other outfits in case you need to return them.
- Install the car seat. To bring your baby home, you’ll need an up-to-date infant car seat. Check if it’s installed correctly with a trained technician, and ask for tips if you need help figuring out that weird buckle. (We’ve all been there.)
(Video) Pregnancy Week By Week || 1 - 41 Weeks Fetal Developments
After you hit 36 weeks, you’ll see your doctor every week until you give birth. Each appointment will include routine checks of your baby’s position, you and your baby’s vitals, and of course, your pee. (You know the drill by now.)
This month, your doctor will also check you for group B strep (GBS). GBS is a type of bacteria that some pregnant people have. It can harm your baby, so if you test positive for it, you’ll need antibiotics when you’re in labor.
You should notify your doctor or head to the hospital if you have these symptoms:
- contractions lasting 1 minute long that are 5 minutes apart for at least 1 hour
- a gush of fluids (your water breaks)
- any vaginal bleeding
- severe abdominal pain
- a decrease in fetal movement
- constant, dull back pain before you’re 37 weeks
What to do if you don’t have a doctor
Free birthing or birthing without support isn’t medically recommended.
If you haven’t found an OB-GYN or midwife yet, there’s still time, even at 9 months pregnant! You can also change medical professionals if you decide that yours isn’t the right fit. Ask friends or a local doula for a referral.
If you go into labor without a doctor, head to a local general hospital. If you can’t get to the hospital, call 911 as soon as possible.
Whether you’re counting down the days until you get to meet your little one or wishing you could freeze time, your baby is officially coming soon. In other words, you won’t be pregnant forever, promise.
Try to use this time to finish up any last-minute prep you need to do, keep a close eye out for any signs of labor, and be sure to sneak in some self-care before the big day. Foot massage, anyone?
FAQs
What's happening developmentally with the baby during month 9 of pregnancy? ›
Month 9 (weeks 33 through 36)
During this stage, the fetus continues to grow and mature. The lungs are close to being fully developed at this point. The fetus has coordinated reflexes and can blink, close the eyes, turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light and touch.
A larger than expected fundal height could be a sign of fetal macrosomia. Excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). Having too much amniotic fluid — the fluid that surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy — might be a sign that your baby is larger than average.
Why is my baby moving more in 9th month? ›Baby's Movements: With the baby fully developed, there is little space for the baby to move inside the womb. The movements become restricted in the 9th month, except for some arm and leg movements. The expecting female may feel the baby's kicks under her ribs as by now, the baby is in the head-down position.
When does baby bump grow the most? ›Weeks 21 to 24: Faster Baby Growth
As you make your way through the second trimester, you might notice your baby bump expanding by the week! During this month, your baby is growing at a faster pace than before, and at the same time, your hormones are starting to level out.
Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming. This is a very important stage of development. However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy.
How can I improve my baby's brain during pregnancy? ›Eat healthy
Omega 3 fatty acids are absolutely essential for baby's brain development. Make certain you include foods that have a good content of omega 3, such as, fish, soybeans and spinach, in your diet. Also, iron found in leafy vegetables, like spinach, helps the flow of oxygen to the baby's brain cells.
If ultrasound exams during pregnancy show that your baby is very large, your healthcare provider may recommend early delivery. You may need a planned cesarean section. After birth, a baby who is large for gestational age will be carefully checked for any injuries that happened during birth.
What causes a bigger baby? ›A baby may be large at birth due to genetic factors, the mother's health or, in rare cases, a medical condition that causes the fetus to grow too quickly. Several factors can contribute to large birth weight. For example: the baby's parents' height and stature.
What causes a big baby bump? ›Being overweight, or gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy, may also make your bump look bigger. Whatever your height, if you have a short torso your bump is also likely to be more out front and larger than someone with a long torso. Sometimes a big bump may mean you will have a big baby.
Does a very active baby mean early delivery? ›No. In fact, if they're active, you can probably take this as a sign that they're doing well! Every pregnancy is different. There's no set number of movements or kicks that you should feel, so it's unlikely that your baby's moving too much (NHS 2021, Tommy's 2018).
Are babies extra active before labor? ›
Very active baby before labor
Some women experience their baby moving a lot in the run-up to labor. One theory for this is the increase in Braxton Hicks contractions. As your body prepares for labor and birth, you might start to experience a greater frequency of Braxton Hicks contractions.
Fetal movements in utero are an expression of fetal well-being. However, a sudden increase of fetal movements is a sign of acute fetal distress, such as in cases of cord complications or abruptio placentae.
Does your belly grow a lot in the last month? ›It may feel as if there's no way your tummy can stretch any more than it already has, but there's no doubt about it — your baby bump will get a lot bigger over the course of the third trimester of pregnancy.
What week does baby grow the fastest? ›Second trimester (14 weeks and 0 days to 27 weeks and 6 days): The time of rapid growth and development. Third trimester (28 weeks and 0 days to 40 weeks and 6 days): The time when the fetus's weight increases and the organs mature so they will be ready to function after birth.
When is the biggest belly growth spurt in pregnancy? ›Months four through six of your pregnancy will mark major fetal growth spurts, resulting in you gaining quite a bit of weight.
Can you tell if your baby is disabled before it's born? ›Are all birth defects discovered before a baby is born? It's not always possible to detect all birth defects in utero. However, high-resolution ultrasounds done by certified prenatal ultrasound groups make it possible to diagnose defects that will cause a significant impact before birth.
How do you know if baby is in distress in third trimester? ›- Decreased movement by the baby in the womb.
- Cramping.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Excessive weight gain.
- Inadequate weight gain.
- The “baby bump” in the mother's tummy is not progressing or looks smaller than expected.
Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries. "In general, the more intense the color, the more nutrition in the berries," Krieger says. Berries boast high levels of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which may help prevent cancer.
Does sleeping during pregnancy help baby grow? ›New research has found links between low birth weight and sleeping on your back during the third trimester.
Which food increase baby brain development? ›- Key nutrients for baby brain development. ...
- Best foods for baby and toddler brain development. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Seafood. ...
- Leafy green vegetables. ...
- Lean beef (or meat alternative) ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Nuts & seeds.
What is the maximum weight of baby for normal delivery? ›
Newborns come in a range of healthy sizes. Most babies born between 37 and 40 weeks weigh somewhere between 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) and 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams). Newborns who are lighter or heavier than the average baby are usually fine.
What is the average weight for a 36 week fetus? ›Your baby is likely between 17 ½ to 19 inches (44.5 to 48.3 cm) long and weighs 5 ¾ to 6 ¾ pounds (2.6 to 3.1 kg).
Which week is best for delivery? ›Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born later. Being pregnant 39 weeks gives your baby's body all the time it needs to develop. Your baby needs 39 weeks in the womb because: Important organs, like your baby's brain, lungs and liver, need time to develop.
Do babies born at 37 weeks need NICU? ›Babies born before 34 weeks go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who weigh more than 1,800 grams (about 4 pounds) may be able to go to the Progressive Care Nursery (PCN).
Does a big bump means healthy baby? ›The size of your pregnancy bump does not necessarily mean your baby is too large or too small or that your baby is not healthy and well. Baby bumps come in all different shapes and sizes. Remember that your midwife is there to listen to any concerns you have about pregnancy.
Does bump size indicate baby weight? ›And before you start panicking about birth weight, bump size is no indication of your baby's weight either. 'Mums-to-be are forever comparing bumps,' says Bird. 'But everyone's individual and just because someone has a big bump, it doesn't mean they'll necessarily have a big baby.
Why is my baby measuring a week ahead? ›Measuring your fundal height is one way your healthcare provider can make sure the fetus's growth is on track. If you're told the fetus measures ahead or behind schedule, try not to worry. It usually just means an ultrasound or further testing is needed. The fetus is more than likely developing perfectly.
How do you know if the cord is wrapped around the baby's neck? ›It's visible via ultrasound. Your practitioner can detect a nuchal cord about 70 percent of the time during routine ultrasounds, although it's usually not possible to determine if the cord is short or tight around the neck. Baby is suddenly moving less in the last weeks of your pregnancy.
How do you know if you're dilating without checking? ›- Signs of Cervical Dilation. ...
- #1: “Lightening Crotch” or Vaginal Pain. ...
- #2: Backache and Menstrual Like Cramps. ...
- #3: Bloody Show – A Sign of Cervical Dilation. ...
- #4: Less Talking, But Possibly More Noise. ...
- #5: Intuition. ...
- #6: Less 'Politeness' – a Sign of Cervical Dilation.
Generally, an active baby is a healthy baby. The movement is your baby exercising to promote healthy bone and joint development. All pregnancies and all babies are different, but it's unlikely that lots of activity means anything other than your baby is growing in size and strength.
What are 3 signs that labor is approaching? ›
- Cramps. Some women feel the type of cramps that usually happen with menstruation. ...
- Pelvic pressure. You may start to feel pressure in your vagina or pelvis. ...
- Loss of the mucus plug. ...
- Changes in your vaginal discharge.
Once your baby drops, you might notice a lot of increased pressure in your pelvis. This may be a time when you develop a significant pregnancy “waddle” as you adjust. This is probably the same feeling as walking around with what feels like a bowling ball between your legs.
How do I know if my baby is stressed in the womb? ›Fetal distress is diagnosed by monitoring the baby's heart rate. A slow heart rate, or unusual patterns in the heart rate, may signal fetal distress. Your doctor or midwife might pick up signs of fetal distress as they listen to your baby's heart during pregnancy.
Do babies move more when mom is stressed? ›Fetal fidgets
The fetuses of women who reported higher stress levels during pregnancy moved around more in the womb. After birth, these babies scored higher on a brain maturation test, although they were more irritable. The more active fetuses also had better control of body movements after birth.
While decreased movements have been linked to possible complications, the opposite isn't necessarily true. A 2019 study of 500 women found no association between reported excessive fetal movements in the third trimester and stillbirth or the umbilical cord wrapping around baby's neck.
Does your bump get bigger after 36 weeks? ›Your Body at 36 Weeks Pregnant: Bump Size and Physical Changes. Just as your baby's growth is starting to slow down by this stage, at 36 weeks pregnant its unlikely there will be much change in the size of your baby bump. However, you may notice you've developed an interesting new walk – a pregnancy waddle.
Does baby growth slow down at end of pregnancy? ›The baby's growth is slowing, but fat cells under skin get plumper for life outside the womb. Your baby is almost ready for birth. Mom-to-be: You're probably not getting any bigger, but you may be feeling more uncomfortable. Make sure you have a bag packed for when you deliver.
What not to do in third trimester? ›- strenuous exercise or strength training that could cause an injury to your stomach.
- alcohol.
- caffeine (no more than one cup of coffee or tea per day)
- smoking.
- illegal drugs.
- raw fish or smoked seafood.
- shark, swordfish, mackerel, or white snapper fish (they have high levels of mercury)
- raw sprouts.
Just 12 weeks after your last period, the foetus is fully formed. All the organs, muscles, limbs and bones are in place, and the sex organs are well developed. From now on, the baby has to grow and mature.
What week do babies come naturally? ›57.5 percent of all recorded births occur between 39 and 41 weeks. 26 percent of births occur at 37 to 38 weeks. About 7 percent of births occur at weeks 34 to 36. About 6.5 percent of births occur at week 41 or later.
How do I know if my baby is huge? ›
If your baby weighs 4.5kg or more at birth, they are considered larger than normal. This is also known as 'fetal macrosomia' and large for gestational age (LGA). (If they weigh less than 2.5kg, they may be considered smaller than normal.)
How do I know how big my baby is in my belly? ›The simplest way to gauge a baby's size in utero is to measure an expecting mom's fundal height. Fundal height measures the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus in centimeters. Your health care practitioner will also palpate your abdomen to get an idea of your baby's size.
What is the development during the nine months of pregnancy called? ›Fetal Stage
Once cell differentiation is mostly complete, the embryo enters the next stage and becomes known as a fetus. The fetal period of prenatal develop marks more important changes in the brain. This period of development begins during the ninth week and lasts until birth.
Uterus (also called the womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum, that sheds its lining each month during menstruation. When a fertilized egg (ovum) becomes implanted in the uterus, the baby develops there.
What stage of development happens between nine weeks and nine months of pregnancy? ›Month 3 (Weeks 9-12) – From Embryo to Fetus
After the eighth week of pregnancy, your growing baby is now called a fetus instead of an embryo. This begins the final stage of development, called the fetal stage.
Baby development at 9-10 months: what's happening
Babbling, babbling, babbling – you'll hear a lot of this from your baby as they get closer to saying their first meaningful words. Your baby might even say 'dada' or 'mama' and know what these words mean.
The lungs are the last major organ to finish developing. When fully mature, they produce a chemical that affects the hormones in your body.
What should I not do at 9 months pregnant? ›- Don't smoke. ...
- Don't drink alcohol. ...
- Don't eat raw meat. ...
- Don't eat deli meat. ...
- Don't eat unpasteurized milk products. ...
- Don't sit in a hot tub or sauna. ...
- Don't drink a lot of caffeine. ...
- Don't clean the cat's litter box.
- strenuous exercise or strength training that could cause an injury to your stomach.
- alcohol.
- caffeine (no more than one cup of coffee or tea per day)
- smoking.
- illegal drugs.
- raw fish or smoked seafood.
- shark, swordfish, mackerel, or white snapper fish (they have high levels of mercury)
- raw sprouts.
Abdominal pain, continuous or severe. Regular contractions or tightening of the uterus before 36 weeks (greater than four contractions in one hour) Chills and fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Vaginal bleeding.
How do I know if my baby's head is down? ›
- feel their head low down in your belly.
- feel their bottom or legs above your belly button.
- feel larger movements — bottom or legs — higher up toward your rib cage.
- feel smaller movements — hands or elbows — low down in your pelvis.
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.
What are the 3 main stages in the 9 month human pregnancy called? ›A pregnancy is divided into three stages called trimesters: first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. A trimester lasts between 12 and 14 weeks, while a full-term pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks from the first day of a woman's last period.
Is sperm good for the baby during pregnancy? ›Not only is sperm safe, but there may be some benefits to having sex and contact with sperm before and during pregnancy: Sperm and vaginal sex can help induce labor when the time comes. Oxytocin, one of the key hormones involved in progressing labor, is released during sex, and orgasms mimic contractions.
What are red flags in child development? ›Can't support head (by 3 months) Doesn't babble or try to imitate sounds (by 4 months) Doesn't bring objects to mouth (by 4 months) Doesn't push down with legs when feet are on firm surface (by 4 months)
How can you tell if baby is going to talk early? ›- Sign 1 - Attempts her first words (even though they're just sounds) ...
- Sign 2 – Starts to understand your words. ...
- Sign 3 – Responds to anyone waving 'bye-bye' ...
- Sign 4 – Tries to converse by babbling.
So when do babies usually say their first word? Around 12 months, according to experts. Common first words may be greetings ("hi" or "bye-bye") or they might be very concrete: people ("mama" or "dada"), pets ("doggy" or "kitty"), or food ("cookie," "juice," or "milk").