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Your baby
is patiently waiting to enter the world! The head remains
malleable to help him or her get through the birth canal more
easily, but all of the other bones have hardened and the lungs
are fully ready for breathing air. It may surprise you that
the baby's head is often a bit cone-shaped after birth. Don't
be alarmed--this is due to his trip from womb to world, and
everything will normalize a day or two after the big day.
If this
week passes, it doesn't necessarily mean you're late--your
doctor will be keeping a close eye on your baby and if he
feels it's necessary, he may recommend inducing labor. Inducement
is when you are given a drug that will induce contractions
in order to jump start labor. Only if a couple of more weeks
go by will your pregnancy be considered "post term."
Generally,
though, inducement will not be necessary. What you should
be focused on is preparing for your hospital stay and relaxing.
Getting a small bag packed up and making arrangements with
a family member or a neighbor will ease your mind in case
faint contractions suddenly intensify.
Pregnancy
is a long, difficult, and rewarding journey. On one hand,
you are SO ready for it to end, but on the other hand it has
been a strangely wonderful thing. Mentally, you need to prepare
for its end and the brand new challenges motherhood will bring.
Have you talked to other mothers about this transition? It's
not always an easy one for moms to make. Are you ready?
Keep in
mind that once you arrive at the hospital, it may be hours
before the baby arrives. Prepare yourself and your partner
for this waiting--it's not always as dramatic as it is on
television!
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