Ready to be born
At this point, you will continue to feel the baby stretching, fidgeting, and turning, but there will be less kicking and pushing because your baby has grown large enough for the uterus to restrict their movements [1].
Your baby is now fully developed and ready to come into the world! Their strong lungs are ready to take their first breath, but between now and the actual birth they will be “exercising” them. Your baby’s lungs expand and contract with the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, practicing for when they take real breaths. At this time, there is no amniotic fluid in the lungs [2]. By now, the digestive system is also ready to support the baby’s body by absorbing nutrients, starting with breast milk.
It’s rare for a baby to be born on their exact due date, so it’s good to be prepared to go into labor at any moment now [3].
This week, the baby’s hearing has sharpened, while their brain and nervous system continue to develop fully in preparation for birth. They also start to shed any remaining lanugo, which can occasionally be swallowed and digested. This will form the baby’s first stool, also known as meconium, which passes after birth [4].
If you are expecting twins
The process of childbirth can begin at any time now. However, it is safe to wait for nature to take its course only if both babies are positioned head down, this makes natural childbirth possible. Under any other circumstances, doctors will carry out the planned cesarean section.
What we can see on an ultrasound
In this image, the baby is lying on their back, their profile clearly outlining the forehead, nose, and chin. The right hand is also visible.
