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Week 40. Ready to be born! (if not done before)

The fetus is now complete in size and is ready to be born. Most of vermix (grease that covers the baby) is now missing, although there can be some remains in its folds.

The baby will already have hair and long nails. Its length varies between 48 and 53 cm and it can weigh between 3 and 4.5 kg.
Nobody knows what exactly triggers the childbirth. What we know for sure is that the baby’s lungs and your placenta are the key factors for the synchronization. When lungs are mature, they secrete a protein into the amniotic liquid that alters the production of hormones. This change causes the placenta to reduce the emission of the progesterone hormone and foments the production of the new hormone: the oxytocin. The oxytocin regulates the contractions of the uterus and indicates the child is going to be born. It also blocks your memories and helps you to forget the pain.

You can give birth at any time. Go to the hospital, call your doctor or prepare everything to have the childbirth you have planned (conventional, natural, water birth…).

 

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