We are both very excited to get to meet Sara and are definitely ready for her introduction to the world when it is best for her. Sara is now 19-21 inches long and weighs more than 6 pounds. She will continue to gain about an ounce a day until she makes her debut. Her eyes are now open when awake, and closed when sleeping. Most of the lanugo is gone and replaced with a thick coat of vernix. Because of tremendous brain growth, Sara's head circumference has increased by nearly half an inch in one week. Her central nervous system is still maturing, but her lungs are well developed now. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — the next few weeks are all about putting on weight.
During most of the last month Andrea's internal organs have been extremely crowded. Andrea has been eating smaller portions throughout the day to resolve heartburn and nausea issues and sleep is becoming more of a challenge. At week 36, just hours after our maternity photo session, Andrea felt Sara descend into delivery position (they call this settling into the pelvis “lightening” or “engagement”). Breathing and eating have been easier, but the increased pressure in her lower abdomen makes for frequent bathroom trips and uncomfortable walking.
Although 37 weeks is considered full term and Sara would most likely thrive if she were born today, the last several weeks of pregnancy are critical. During these weeks the baby's lungs grow strong, her brain cells develop rapidly, and she gets antibodies that protect her from infections as a newborn. At our weekly visits, the doctor will check to see if Andrea is dilating (when the cervix opens) and effacing (when the cervix thins), and what position Sara is in, which is a way of estimating how far she has dropped into the pelvis. These last few weeks are also allowing us to review our baby care guides and get remaining items in order.
