 |
Congratulations! |
|
|
You are in
Week 40 of Your Pregnancy |
|
|
|
Size: 20.16 inches
Weight: 7.63 Pounds
|
 |
| Of the 4 million babies born in 2003, among women who had a previous cesarean, 90.4 percent had a repeat cesarean, and only 10.6 percent had a vaginal birth. Only 19.1 percent of women without a previous cesarean gave birth via cesarean in 2003.
Source:
Women's Health USA 2005
|
Your Baby
In anticipation of delivery, the baby positions itself with the head down towards the pelvis and sheds lanugo hairs. At any point between week 35 and 40, your little one will let you know he's ready to make a grand entrance and give you your first glimpse at 40 weeks of amazing development.
You
You've done everything you can to prepare, and you are so ready! So why are you still waiting? Well, due dates are, after all, just estimates; about half of all pregnancies continue after 40 weeks. And, if you can even stand to read this, you're not actually considered "post-due" until 42 weeks. But talk to your doctor. You may want to discuss inducing labor, if he/she thinks you're ready.
If you're waiting for your water to break before your labor starts, you may be waiting in vain; only 15% of women's water actually does break before labor begins, and when it does, it could come in a trickle or a gush. If yours does break, it's most certainly time to call the doctor and get your delivery underway. You should deliver within 24 hours of your water breaking.
Bring on the labor! You might be nervous that you won't recognize the signs, but you will. Just keep your caregiver's number nearby; you may need it sooner than you think!
