Obstetrics - Pregnancy 36-40 Weeks
Your Baby:
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Eyes are dark
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Organs are maturing
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Baby will be able to breathe on its own after birth
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Head is in a down position and may be moving down into the pelvis
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Approximately one quart of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby
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Weight is approximately 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 lbs. and is approximately 20 inches long
Your Body:
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You may feel extremely fatigued
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You may have pressure in the lower pelvis
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Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent (false labor)
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Lightening occurs (when the baby drops down into the pelvis)
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You may become quite uncomfortable and irritable
Office Visits Include:
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Blood pressure and weight check
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Urine dip
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Fundal height
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Listening to fetal heart tones
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Cervical check for dilation, thinning and position start between 36 and 40 weeks
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If Group B Strep culture was not obtained at 35 weeks, obtain Group B Beta Strep culture (GBBS)
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Review signs of labor
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Schedule any necessary procedures, testing and/or delivery options
