Third Trimester

Your Baby - Month 9

During the ninth month, your antibodies to disease are now flowing rapidly through the placenta. The rapid flow of blood through the umbilical cord keeps it taut which prevents tangles.

Your baby is beginning to develop sleeping patterns. He or she will continue to kick and punch although it will move lower in your abdomen to under your pelvis in a process called "lightening". You will also feel your baby roll around as it gets too cramped inside your uterus for much movement.

From here on out, your baby will gain about 1/2 a pound each week. He or she will get ready for birth by settling into the fetal position with its head down against the birth canal, its legs tucked up to its chest, and its knees against its nose. The bones of your baby's head are soft and flexible to ease the process of delivery through the birth canal. Your baby's lungs are now mature and your baby will have a great chance of survival if born a little early. Only 5 percent of babies are born on their due date -- your baby may be born anytime between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy.

By the end of the month, your baby will be about 20 inches long and weigh approximately 6 to 9 pounds.

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