What happens in the 9th month of pregnancy

Finally! After a long wait, your due date is near. You are in the last month of your pregnancy, and the baby will be arriving soon. Most females give birth between week 38 – 42, but very few babies arrive exactly on the calculated due date.

Common symptoms in the 9th month of pregnancy?

The symptoms you are likely to experience in the 9th month of pregnancy are pretty much the same as the ones you have been experiencing in the past months. Here are some common symptoms of pregnancy 9th month- 

• Ideally, as per the BMI, the following should be the ideal weight gain in the 9th month.

• The uterus increases pressure on the urinary bladder, resulting in frequent urination.

• The expulsion of mucus plug

• The walls of the cervix and vagina soften, resulting in an increased vaginal discharge birthing (vaginal) canal.

• The growing uterus exerts more pressure and strain on the lower back, resulting in a backache.

• The pressure that the growing uterus puts on the inferior vena cava restricts backflow of blood, which leads to pooling of the blood in veins, causing varicose veins.

• Fatigue

• Edema or swelling in the ankle and feet

• Leg pain or cramps

• Insomnia

• Pelvic pain

• Braxton Hicks contractions
   

Physical changes in the 9th month of pregnancy

Common physical changes that the female is likely to have in 9th month of pregnancy are-  

• More protruded pregnant belly
• Belly button sticking out

• Yellowish discharge from the breasts  

• Darker nipple and areola  

• Stretch marks due to the expanding uterus which leads to tearing of the skin tissues
• Fuller, thicker and darker hair (thank the hormonal changes)

• Linea nigra (the dark line running from the belly button and pubic hairline) becomes darker, a result of skin pigmentation.

An expecting mother may also experience emotional ups and downs due to the nervousness of the arriving baby and continuing hormonal changes.

Your baby’s development in the 9th month of pregnancy

The 9th month of pregnancy is from week 33 to 36. Here are how the baby would be in month 9 of pregnancy-

• Baby’s weight: 1.918 – 2.622kg (4.2 – 5.8lb)
• Baby’s CRL (crown to rump length): 17.2 – 18.7 inches (43.7 – 47.4cm)

Baby’s development in pregnancy month 9   

Baby’s position and movements in the 9th month of pregnancy

Baby’s Position: In month 9 of pregnancy, the baby remains in the head-down position with its head properly fit into the mother’s pelvis. This is the ideal position and makes the baby’s movement easier through the birthing canal at the time of delivery. Even if the baby attains a breech position (bottom-down position) now, talk to your doctor who may help you as there is still a chance to attain the ideal position for delivery in time.

Baby’s Movements: With the baby fully developed, there is little space for the baby to move inside the womb. The movements become restricted in the 9th month, except for some arm and leg movements. The expecting female may feel the baby’s kicks under her ribs as by now, the baby is in the head-down position.

Follow a healthy lifestyle and diet in pregnancy, and do not miss taking any prescribed medications, supplements, and prenatal visits.

Also Read- Foods that can harm a female’s pregnancy 

When to call your doctor in the 9th month of pregnancy?

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, in 9th month of pregnancy call your doctor right away-

• Water break
• Vaginal bleeding
• Belly or pelvic pain
• Cramps in the lower belly
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Fever or chills
• Less or discomforting urination
• A nosebleed that does not stop
• Constant cramps or swelling in legs
• Headaches that do not subside
• Sudden weight gain of 2 pounds in a week

Signs of preterm labor in the 9th month of pregnancy

Seek immediate medical attention in the case of the following-

• 5 or more contractions in an hour or 1 in every 10 minutes
• Severe menstrual-like cramps
• Vaginal leak
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding (pink or red)
• Cramps in the abdomen, which may be accompanied by diarrhea (Also read- Diarrhea in pregnancy)
• Pain in the lower back
• Pelvic pressure

Call your doctor immediately, without delay in case you have the above-mentioned symptoms. If you are still concerned, you can chat online with our doctors. Click here for online consultation with our experts. 

Also Read-

What happens during Labor and Vaginal Delivery?

Intercourse after childbirth- How will it be?