Mom Info:

For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery and to take care of necessary tasks you may not get to once your baby is born. Take naps, catch up on your reading and spend uninterrupted time with your partner and other children while you can.

You're probably feeling increasingly uncomfortable in the bony part of your pelvis as your baby settles in or "drops." This is when you will find it easier to breathe. Braxton Hicks contraction are likely increasing in strength and frequency, and that's a good thing, since it means your body's gearing up for the big event.

Knowing that you can go any day, you should be watching out for signs of labor: regular contractions, rupture of membranes, digestive distrubances such as diarrhea or nausea, spurts of energy, loss of the mucous plug or a bloody show.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

These contractions are usually irregular and painless, although they can cause some discomfort. They can occur throughout your pregnancy as your abdomen tightens and relaxes practicing for real labor. If they contractions become progressively closer together, last longer and become more painful, notify your healthcare provider so he or she can make certain you are not in early labor.

Pack Your "Goody Bag" for Labor

• two or more pillows
• cd player with your favorite music
• nightgown, bathrobe and slippers
• going-home clothes for mom and baby
• cards, books, vidoes to pass the time
• pair of socks
• hand held massager
• watch or clock with second hand
• camera or video recorder
• toiletries for mom and partner
• change of clothes for partner
• lip balm
• reading and writing material
• focal point
• change for vending machines
• bra and panties

Bibs and Diapers and Cribs, Oh My!

If you have any doubts about what you will need, just get together with 3 or 4 mothers. Hours later, you will have a long, long list. Take care of the list while you still feel like getting out and shopping or visiting friends.

It is about time to stop "expecting" and start getting on with the business of birth!

Are you cleaning house for the first time in months? This may be your "nesting instinct" at work. This is a good time to "stock up" on groceries, cook and freeze some meals, and plan for the first few weeks with your new baby.

Baby Info:

• At full term, the average baby weighs 7 1/2 pounds and measures 20 inches in length.
• The fetus settles into a head-dow position awaiting birth.
• Lungs are now fully mature and ready to function.
• Regular fetal sleep patterns develop and will continue after birth.
• Your baby adds fat tissue to protect the vital organs and provide warmth.
• The vernix, which is a greasy white material that coats the baby's skin, and the lanugo are almost completely gone.
• Studies suggest that a full-term baby may be able to distinguish mom's voice from others.

Ideas for Dad:

Mom has probably been working on a birth announcement list. If you haven't helped out and given her a list of those you want to receive an announcement such as relatives, friends and coworkers, now is a good time to get started.

Mom is feeling huge and clumsy now. She may be weepy and vulnerable or extremely moody. Tell her how beautiful she is and what a wonderful mom she'll be. Serve her breakfast in bed and help her feel like the special woman she is.

Dad, there are a few basic you need to know:

Yes, you WILL be nervous about picking up a human being that is slightly larger than a football knowing that it is YOUR child.

You will NOT be asphyxiated when you change Baby's poopy diaper.

Baby's vomit is not toxic waste, and you will NOT die of poisoing when Baby spits up an entire feeding on your new shirt.

Seriously, it is nerve-wracking to hold a squirming baby, especially when their little necks are so floppy. The more you hold and handle your baby, the more comfortable you'll become. You should be able to do whatever Mom does for the baby, except of course, breastfeed. You'll develop a deeper bond with Baby and s/he with you by being involved.