Month Seven of Pregnancy
At the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, fat begins to be deposited on your baby. Your baby is about 36 cm (14 inches) long and weighs from about 900 – 1800g (two to four pounds). Your baby’s hearing is fully developed and they change position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light.
If born prematurely, your baby would probably survive after the seventh month of pregnancy.
Month Eight of Pregnancy
Your baby, who is now about 46cm (18 inches) long and weighs as much as about 2.27 kg (five pounds), will continue to mature and develop body fat reserves. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. Baby’s brain is developing rapidly at this time, and they can see and hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.
Month Nine of Pregnancy
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!)
Symptoms at 9 Months Pregnant
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 7 pounds 6 ounces for boysTrusted Source and 7 pounds 2 ounces for girlsTrusted Source — so your discomfort is for good reason.
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
