w 37 - I am a zebra

Yes I am. The stretch marks is just getting more and more. Ah well, it's good to know that it contains something wonderful! ;) even if the wrapping is getting striped. The belly must have grown quite a bit because today I got the first reaction from somebody I didn't know. "Oh dear, when are you due?!" this comes from a woman I actually met in the corridor like last week. She hasn't said anything before now. ;) That's ok. But according to the midwife the womb is only one centimetre larger than last time.

Everything went well at the midwife's today. Peanut's head is now less movable than before, but not yet fixated. I asked if it was ok to go away for Christmas, and she didn't see any problem with that as long as I brought my journal with me. If it should start all you have to do is to call the nearest clinic. Nemas problemas. But after and around the due date she thought it best if we stayed at home. But hopefully Peanut will not make and entrance into this world until next year. That would be the best really. Of course I'm longing to meet him/her, but still, it's so much easier to be born early in the year than very late.

Peanut's heart beated with 133 beats/minute today, the slowest yet. My bloodpressure was good as always, I've gained one kilo since last time which brings me to a total of 9 kilos so far. That's ok I think.

Your pregnancy: 37 weeks
Peanut: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away. Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

See what your baby looks like this week. Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

Me: Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.