Day 70: 37 Weeks

After all the complications earlier in pregnancy that caused preterm labor and bed rest, this baby has decided he's staying put (though he's getting lower and lower).  We reached 37 weeks today, and there's no sign that Baby Boy would like to see us yet.  I would have never thought we'd get to this point a couple of months ago when I first started having contractions, so I'm glad we've made it this far.  Now Baby Boy can put on some weight and have his all his systems be fully formed and healthy when he's born.  However, we can hardly wait to hold this little one in our arms. 

Highlights of Week Thirty-Seven (35 week fetal age):

• Baby about six and a third pounds and is about 18 inches+ long, so he doesn't have much room to maneuver now.
• Baby is head down in pelvis to prepare for delivery.  The head diameter is over 3.5 inches.
• Most of his basic physical development is now complete - he'll spend the next few weeks (hopefully) putting on weight and developing fat layers to help him keep his temperature and blood sugar stable.   Baby will put on about half a pound a week from here on out (about an ounce a day). 
• Lungs should be just about fully developed (boys' lungs do generally take longer to develop than girls' lungs, however).  Baby is simulating breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.  Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too. 
• Skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid.  Baby's bones and skull are still relatively soft to make for an easier delivery and will harden after birth. 
• His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. 
• Baby's reflexes are coordinated.  He can turn his head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light and touch. 
• Eyes opened when awake and closed when sleeping.
• Hair on head is growing and can be a 1/2 inch or longer.
• Brain is continuing to develop and mature.
• He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair (lanugo) that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that has covered and protected his skin so far.  Baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
• Baby is now developing daily activity and sleep cycles.
• Baby’s digestive system is putting on its finishing touches in preparation to take baby’s first meal in a few weeks’ time.