It is important to remember that at 9 months pregnant you are actually 9.4 months pregnant according to gestational age.

Gestational age is the age that doctors use and is calculated by the first day of your last period and you may not actually be pregnant for the first 2 weeks of gestational age. Fetal age, on the other hand, to the actual age of your baby.

This may be confusing but it is easier for doctors to use gestational age to ensure that the right tests are conducted at the right time for you and your baby’s health.

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What to Experience While Being 6 to 9 Months Pregnant

You will be experiencing many changes to your body at this point. You may notice that with all the extra fluid and your baby pressing on your bladder, you may have to use the bathroom more frequently than you used to.

Additionally, you may have a hard time sleeping as your baby bump is now getting bigger and you may have to get up during the night to use the bathroom.

You may experience some other unwelcomed effects of pregnancy that include heartburn, gas, constipation, and hemorrhoids.

These unpleasant developments can be attributed to your growing baby putting pressure on your digestive system. In preparation for the birth of your baby your body may also begin to have small practice contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions.

These practice contractors are nothing to worry about but if you have any questions concerning them speak with your doctor.

Make sure you check other posts about Pregnancy Duration.

Developing Baby Week by Week (Third Trimester)

In this last trimester of pregnancy your baby will have significant growth and development to ensure that they are ready for life outside the womb.

During this time your baby will gain approximately 5 pounds (2.2 Kg) and they are practicing movements and stretching their growing muscles they will need after they are born.

Their respiratory system is maturing and they are practicing breathing movements and you may even feel them hiccup.

Below are some of the changes your baby will go through this trimester:

Week 25: Your baby is now 13 inches long (33 Cm) and weighs 1.7 pounds (0.8 Kg) and has developed a sense of equilibrium and their respiratory system is almost developed.

Week 26: Your baby is now 13.5 inches long (34 Cm) and weighs 2 pounds (0.9 Kg) with the ability to open and close their eyelids as well as growing more hair and adding baby fat.

Week 27: Your baby is now the size of a head of lettuce with developing lungs that allow your baby to inhale and exhale amniotic fluid which is practice for breathing.

Week 28: Your baby is now 15 inches long (38 Cm) weighs 2.7 pounds (1.2 Kg) with eyelashes and smoother skin with the ability to see light that filters in through the womb.

Week 29: Your baby is now 15.3 inches long (39 Cm) and weighs 3 pounds (1.4 Kg) and with muscles growing stronger the kicks and punches are getting stronger.

Week 30: Your baby is now 15.5 inches long (39.4 Cm) and weighs 3.4 pounds (1.54 Kg) with a growing brain and the ability to grasp.

Week 31: Your baby is now 16.4 inches long (41.7 Cm) and weighs 3.9 pounds (1.77 Kg) and is experiencing major nerve and brain development and all their senses are now working.

Week 32: Your baby is now 16.8 inches long (42.7 Cm) and weighs 4.3 pounds (1.95 Kg) and is beginning to store body fat and now in the heads down position.

Week 33: Your baby is now 17.3 inches long (44 Cm) and weighs 4.8 pounds (2.18 Kg) and is practicing breathing, suckling, and swallowing that will be essential for survival outside of the womb.

Week 34: Your baby is now 17.8 inches long (45.2 Cm) and weighs 5.2 pounds (2.36 Kg) with a maturing central nervous system and lungs.

Week 35: Your baby is now the size of a pineapple with fully developed hearing and the ability to react and respond to noises.

Week 36: Your baby is now 18.6 inches long (47.2 Cm) and weighs 6.2 pounds (2.72 Kg) and is gaining about 1 ounce of weight a day with smooth skin and functioning liver and kidneys.

Week 37: Your baby is now 19.1 inches long (48.5 Cm) and weighs 6.7 pounds (3 Kg) and is practicing skills they will need to survive outside the womb like sucking, blinking, gripping, as well as inhaling and exhaling to simulate respiration.

Week 38: Your baby is now 19.5 inches long (49.5 Cm) and weighs 7.1 pounds (3.22 Kg) and may already have an inch or more of hair on its head.

Week 39: Your baby is now 19.8 inches long (50 Cm) and weighs 7.6 pounds (3.45 Kg) and is considered full term so you can go into labor at anytime now.

Week 40: Your baby is now 20.2 inches long (51.3 Cm) and weighs 8 pounds (3.62 Kg) and the size of a pumpkin.

Week 41: Your baby is now 20.5 inches long (52.7 Cm) and weighs 8.3 pounds (3.76 Kg) and although it is nice and cozy inside your womb if you have not started labor yet your doctor may have you induced.

Conclusion

Congratulations you have made it full term and now you are ready to hold your little bundle of joy on the outside!

Make sure you are keeping up with your doctor appointments and you have everything ready for your baby’s arrival.

You will need to pack a bag for the hospital and make sure you have an infant car seat and clothing for your baby to wear when you are discharged from the hospital.

Although you may be uncomfortable try to get as much rest as you can before your baby arrives to ensure that you have the energy and stamina to go through childbirth and take care of your baby afterwards.

More Reading: How to Be the Best Mom Ever