The waiting game

You are finally at the finish line. The month you have been waiting and working towards is here at last. You are most likely anxious to give birth, to see your baby for the first time and perhaps, to sleep on your stomach again.

Visiting the doctor

You are probably going to spend a lot of time in your doctor's office. Consider getting a good long book, you will be waiting a lot this month. Some of the checkups that will be performed are:
• Weight and blood pressure – your weight should go up at a slower pace. Your blood pressure might go up, but do not worry, it should come back down after birth.
• Urine test, to check for sugar and protein levels.
• Cervix check ( the neck of the uterus)
• Fetal checkup (height, size, position, weight). This test is important to determine potential complications during birth and to check if a C-section is necessary.

What are your physical changes?

 The ninth month is filled with general aches and pains. Every step seems to be uncomfortable. You may feel different kicks which are less intense but much harder and painful. You feel big and you act accordingly. Everything is done at a slower pace and with greater difficulty.
Other symptoms you may experience are: Cramps, swelling of the ankles, feet and face. Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bladder pain and leakage, heartburn, breast enlargement and leaking colostrum, and general discomfort.

How are you feeling?

Emotionally, this month can only be compared to the first month. You may feel a wide range of feelings which may change daily: sensitivity, ambivalence, concern and the need to get out and not to think about the pregnancy.
This month is even more confusing because you don't know when the lightning is going to hit.
If in the first month you had time to adjust, this month you don't know exactly what to expect. Try and talk with other moms about their experiences during the ninth month and labor. A story told first hand  can give you in depth knowledge not only on the physical aspects, but on the emotional ones as well.
Try and live your life as normally as you can. There is no use in waiting for labor. It will start when your baby is ready, and there is no use thinking about it all day.

You and your partner are probably sleeping fully clothed with the hospital bag ready. You are counting the hours and minutes until your due date and dreaming of coming home with your baby.

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