Your Baby
At 38-40 weeks, your baby is "full term".  The baby's lungs are now mature and ready to function on their own.  During this month, the baby gains about half a pound a week.  During this period the baby usually "drops" into a head-down position and rests lower in the mother's abdomen.  By the end of ninth month, the baby weighs about 6 to 9 pounds and is 19-21 inches long.

Your Body
Your bellybutton may stick out.  Your breathing should be easier once the baby "drops", but you'll have to urinate more often because the baby is pressing on to your bladder.  The swelling around your ankles and feet may increase.  Your cervix will open up (dilate) and thin out (efface) as it prepares for the birth of your baby.  You may be very uncomfortable because of the pressure and weight of the fetus.  Be sure to rest often.

Prenatal Care Guide
After the 36th week, visit your health care provider once a week for prenatal care check-ups.  You may not gain any weight at all this month, or even lose 1 to 2 pounds.  You may have gained 8 to 10 pounds during the last 3 months.  Decide whether you are going to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby.  Time your contractions.  You are in labor if your contractions: