9 Months Pregnant: Symptoms & Fetal Development

Woohoo! You have made it so far - only a few more weeks to go, and there won't be any more symptoms but just happy little feet and love.

So, soon-to-be mom, make sure you enjoy the little moments of this final phase and take good care of yourself and the baby. Remember, this month is crucial – here's what you need to know!

Common Symptoms at 9 Months Pregnant

Here's what you might experience in this last month of pregnancy:

Frequent urination

Although an old symptom, you may still continue to experience it this month. As your little one drops lower into the pelvis, she puts pressure on your bladder. Wear a pantyliner to prevent the urine from leaking when you laugh or sneeze.

Swollen legs

Thanks to extra fluid retention and hormonal changes, you might notice that your legs and feet have grown bigger. Your growing uterus puts pressure on certain veins, slowing down the blood flow from the lower half to the upper half of your body. Keep your feet elevated when sitting or sleeping and avoid standing for a longer time.

Numbness in fingers and hands

You might experience a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes tingling sensations and numbness in your hands and wrists. The carpal tunnel is a system of nerves and bones on the palm side of your wrist on which the increased fluid retention puts pressure. The feeling usually goes away after the baby's birth. However, if it becomes uncomfortable, you can speak to your doctor for some relief recommendations.

Pelvic pressure

As your baby drops lower into your pelvis, you are likely to feel more pressure on your hips, pelvis, and bladder. However, you may now be able to breathe a little easier, reducing the pressure on your diaphragm and lungs.

Back pain

The growing belly causes your centre of gravity to change while the pregnancy hormones relax the joints in your pelvis, both causing back pain. Practice prenatal yoga, maintain a good posture, wear supportive and comfortable shoes, and avoid lifting anything heavy. You can also try a gentle massage or a hot or cold pack for some relief.

Pigmentation

At 9 months pregnant, you may notice some changes in your skin caused by the increase in melanin. You may notice brownish patches on your face, called melasma or a dark line tracing down the middle of your lower belly, called linea nigra.

Stretch marks

Although not preventable, stretch marks often fade away after birth. Try using a gentle moisturiser to hydrate your skin and reduce itching.

9 Months Pregnant: Fetal Development

Your baby's lungs continue to develop until birth, as they are preparing for her first breath and the very important first cry. She is also gaining weight as much as 200 grams each week until her birth.

Somewhere in this month, your baby will have moved into a head-down position, called a vertex presentation. If your baby is positioned with her feet or buttocks first (breech position), your doctor may attempt to turn her into a vertex presentation manually. Your baby may also reposition herself on her own before her birth. However, if not, your doctor may also suggest a caesarean delivery if it is the safest option for you and your baby.

Due to a tighter space down there, your baby may be moving less at this stage. Your doctor may have asked you to count those tiny kicks to keep track of the foetal movements. If you have any concerns about your little one's movements, make sure to contact your doctor.

Track your baby's development with our month-on-month expert tips on pregnancy.

Things to Note at 9th Months of Pregnant

Your big day is arriving soon, so make sure you are prepared. Here are some final things in the checklist that you do not want to miss out on:

• Finish up your classes: Although you might have completed all your classes, you could also take up an infant CPR class, a short baby care course, or lactation class. If you have any pending classes, try finishing them up.

• Take a hospital tour: Have you taken a tour of your hospital yet? If not, call the hospital facility to arrange an in-person or a virtual tour to help you get acquainted with the hospital premises.

• Prepare your hospital bag: If you have not prepared your hospital bag yet, now is the time. Do a final check once you have packed everything to make sure you haven't missed out on anything essential. Do not forget your insurance papers, comfortable clothes, a pair of flip flops, a phone charger, some snacks, and a copy of your birth plan.

• Find a paediatrician: Make sure you pick a paediatrician for your baby before she arrives. After your baby is born, you will visit the paediatrician many times in the first year, so choose a good one.

Advice for Partners

A few weeks to go, and your tiny tot will be in your arms! How do you feel dad-to-be? Just like mom-to-be, you might be full of emotions and trying your best to do what you can. So, here are some tips for you:

• Organise the house: Your nesting instincts will have kicked in! So, use this time to organise the closet, the cabinet, your room, basement - basically your entire home. This way, your baby will come to a clean home. Also, you may not get time to clean the house after your baby's arrival for at least a week or two.

• Spend some quality time: Get your mind off next week's due date and make the most of these moments before your baby arrives. Even if there is some preparation left, try finding out some time to spend together. Plan a small picnic in your garden or simply watch a movie together at home.

• Be there and support: Some expecting mothers may go 40 weeks and beyond. If this is the case, stay calm and help her relax and provide the needed support.

• Install the car seat: If you own a car or have booked a car to get home your baby, make sure you safely install the car seat.

• Help the mom-to-be: You can help your spouse wash and fold the baby clothes and toys. Make sure to help her in preparing some easy-to-freeze meals and stock them up.

• Know that it's OK: What you are feeling right now is totally normal, especially if this is your first child. Be open about your feelings, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor, partner, or other experienced family members and close friends.

After this month, you won't be pregnant anymore, so make sure you enjoy those final within-womb moments with your baby. Use this time to finish the last-minute preparations, indulge in some self-care and spend some quality time with your partner before the arrival of your big day.