Saturday, October 04, 2008

Week 36 of Pregnancy

Our little one is now about six pounds in weight and measures slightly more than 20 inches in length. Growth will slow down now in preparation for birth, so our baby will be able to fit the narrow passageway to the outside and so he can store up the energy needed for delivery.

Our baby's skull isn't the only soft structure in his little body. Most of his bones and cartilage are quite soft as well(they'll harden over the first few years of life) — allowing for an easier journey as baby squeezes through the birth canal at delivery (and less poking for me along the way).

The skull bones are also not fused together yet so that the head can easily or well, relatively easily... maneuver through the birth canal.By now, many of baby's systems are pretty mature, at least in baby terms — and just about ready for life on the outside.

Blood circulation,has been perfected and our baby's immune system has matured enough to protect him from infections outside the womb. Other systems, however, still need a few finishing touches. Once such notable example-> digestion — which actually won't be fully mature until sometime after birth. Why's that? Inside his cocoon, baby has relied on the umbilical cord for nutrition, meaning that the digestive system — though developed — hasn't been operational...

Yipee 4 more weeks to go!!!