By nine months, most of your baby's bones have hardened, although the skull is still moldable so he or she can fit through the birth canal easily. The hair and creamy substance that covered his or her body is shedding. Baby could safely be born now with almost no problems expected. He or she will spent the rest of this time putting on weight but will probably do so less rapidly. At 9 months most babies are about 19 inches long and 6 pounds, although size varies according to genetics and many other factors. At the end of week 36 most doctors consider baby full term or close to full term. The baby swallows and "practices breathing". Most babies are head down if the doctor is unsure he or she may order an ultrasound to check. Remember each baby develops differently and your baby may or may not resemble this. Baby has less room to move but can deliver quite hefty kicks by now. He or she may kick and butt you with his or head at times and this can be quite uncomfortable. But baby may also feel "less active". Also you may "drop", which means baby moves lower in your pelvis to get ready for birth. Baby probably has distinct wake and sleep patterns. Baby can have hiccups. Baby may make it hard for you to breathe or eat comfortably until he or she drops cause he or she is so crowded. Both of my children were still quite active in this period and never really had a slow down in movement like some women expereince. They loved moving mostly at night when I wanted to sleep. If baby does get less active count kicks, ask your doctor how many kicks, rolls or wiggles. Most say 10 per hour. The doctor wants baby to have this many rolls, kicks, swishes or movements in an hour. It does not have to be just kicks. Any kind of movement from the baby counts. You may or may not lose your plug as baby moves into position.

Your weight gain will slow down most likely, but not with all women. You may have a vaginal discharge called leukorrhea that might become heavier and contain more mucus or be streaked with red or brown. It may be streaked with red blood or brown or pink after intercourse or a pelvic exam. As a personal note I had quite a lot of "spotting" after a vaginal exam, enough to make me go get checked out. Always call the doctor if you are concerned by amounts of red, pink, or brown blood. You may be constipated and have hemorrhoids. Heartburn, indigestion, passing gas, and bloating are common. You may have occasional headaches, feel faint or dizzy. If this is frequent or daily call the doctor. You may have nasal congestion, ear stuffiness or nose bleeds. Your gums may bleed. You may have leg cramps when you try to sleep at night. Having someone massage your legs may or may not help. You will feel heavy. Your back aches will increase as the baby gets heavier. Your bottom and pelvic region may ache and have pain from time to time. You may have swelling of the ankles, hands and feet, sometimes the face. However, if this is more than minor amount or is frequent please inform your doctor. Your tummy may itch and your belly button may stick out. You may develop varicose veins. When the baby does drop you may find it easier to breathe. However, I am a short woman and did not find this the case. Baby had nowhere to drop too. So remember, it is based on you and what your body does. It will become harder to sleep. Braxton hicks contractions will increase and may be painful from time to time. You may get more and more clumsy. Some women begin leaking colostrum. You will be tired or have extra energy or alternate between the two extremes. Some women have an appetite increase and some have an appetite decrease. You may have higher levels of excitement or anxiety. You may be down right scared. You may get more absentminded. You may feel relief that you are almost there. Many women secretly wish "this baby would come already". You may be more sensitive and moody. Especially when people keep saying "You mean you haven't had that baby already". Come up with witty answers, like "No, we decided to let baby stay there until college". Or some other such witty response. You may have lots of dreams about the baby or fears about the baby. This is an emotional and exciting month try and relax and enjoy it.

Dad may be feeling anxious and scared about health of mom and baby. Some men dont know what to do with themselves. Some men may have sympathy symptoms. Dad may be scared he will "wimp out" when delivery comes, or that he will leave wife at home when racing to the hospital or act silly when the time comes. Reassure him and have a plan. Dad can help by having a plan and both have a suitcase ready and easily accessible. Dad may be scared to admit, that he is just that scared. He may lose sleep as well or he may sleep like a log so that you have to bang a bass drum to wake him. Dad can help by rubbing mom's back or feet. Or listening when she says I dont want to be touched and not take it personally. Dad can make mom feel special by buying or picking a flower and letting her know he thinks she is beautiful, since she feels unattractive and large. Buy mom a gift that will lift her spirits. Surprise her with cooking a nice, romantic dinner that is followed by a cuddle only session if that is what she prefers. Remember Dads are expecting too. Mom can give Dad a cute momento that makes him feel special too. Dad may also feel jealous of all the attention mom gets and may feel left out at times. However, he will not admit this because he is embarrassed. Celebrate your last few weeks as a couple without children. Go for a walk. Listen to music. Help mom make sure the room and baby clothes are ready.

The doctor will check the baby's heart beat, how uterine size is measuring and estimate fetal size. The doctor will check postion of baby and may order an ultrasound if needed to make sure baby is head down. The doctor will check for swelling and water retention. Your blood pressure will be checked. They will ask about contractions and activity level of the baby. After the 38th week they will check cervix by internal exam to check for effacement and dilation. The doctor will give you a plan of when to call and what symptoms to notify of immediately. ASK lots of questions. dont feel embarrassed to ask questions. It is better to be prepared.