Week 36: Wee fingers of steel

Fetal development in pregnancy week 36:



fetus in ninth month
The countdown continues… and in fetal developments: most of the bones
(soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened,
providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand
debut into the world. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally
ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone
has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be
impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs
if you lay your finger in their palm). And in genital development: if
you’re having a girl, her labia are now fully developed. Finally, in
the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has
fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid
(building up even more meconium for that historic first poop), and some
vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk
after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got
yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—are you ready?

And how's mom doing?
If you haven’t done so already, you’re
going to need to take the time to do some baby-proofing. We know you
don’t have loads of energy right now, but waiting until your little
crawler is getting into the Drain-o or sticking their finger in a light
socket just isn’t the safest strategy. There are plenty waiting
until your little crawler is getting into the Drain-o or sticking their
finger in a light socket just isn’t the safest strategy articles and check lists to assist you in making sure your home is a safe place for your new explorer. Go ahead and fix those broken cupboard latches and window screens. Hide
or toss out harmful chemicals, detergents and aerosols as newborns are
typically very sensitive to air-born agents and toxic cleaning supplies
and if exposed, babies can easily breakout with rashes, have belabored
breathing and watery eyes, along with others signs of irritation.
Simply thinking about removing all these products can be overwhelming,
so start small if necessary. Use vinegar to dust instead of Lysol, and
if you’re planning on painting the nursery, try to stay away from the
industry-standard synthetic mixes. Also, think about purchasing organic
or dermatologist approved cotton comforters and pillows for the crib.
It’s a nuisance to think about right now—but trust us: once your child
is on the outside, you’re going to have a lot less time to be dealing
with baby-proofing.