Your baby is now between 16 1⁄2 to 19 1⁄2 inches long and weighs around 7 pounds.

By the end of this week your baby is considered full term, but it is best for the baby to remain in the womb until he signals that he is ready to come out. Your baby is starting to prepare for birth and will turn towards light. Your baby has now begun practicing breathing.

If your baby has not turned and is not in the head down position, speak with your health care provider regarding the various options available. There are several ways that babies can be turned including natural and medical techniques.

If you are expecting twins, it is quite usual for them to be born at any time now, and they are already considered to be full-term.

After this week, you may get a ‘show’ this is when the plug of mucus that seals your cervix during pregnancy comes away ready for the birth. During pregnancy, a mucus plug blocks the opening to the cervix to prevent bacteria from entering. The mucus plug can be lost a few weeks, days, or hours before labour. The mucus plug is thick, yellowish, and may be tinged with blood. Passing a mucus plug is a sign that your cervix is dilating and your body is starting to prepare for birth. Speak with your doctor about any unusual discharge.

Basically you are in a waiting game from this point on. Make sure your bags are packed, and maybe try a test run to the hospital just to be on the safe side. If there are any last minute preparations that need to be completed before the arrival of your baby, now is a good time to finish these up. When you first arrive home with the baby, things can be quite chaotic.