How your baby is growing this week
Honeydew melon size — 18.2 inches, 5.3 lbs. Gaining 0.5 lb per week from now until delivery. Fat deposits smoothing out wrinkles. Kidneys fully developed. Liver processing waste. Almost done cooking.
What your partner is going through
Clumsiness from shifted center of gravity — she bumps into things, drops items, trips on flat surfaces. Relaxin hormone loosening all joints, including ankles and wrists. Carpal tunnel worsening.
What to focus on this week, dad
- 01Car Seat Base: install it in your car this week if you have not already. Watch the manufacturer's installation video. Get it inspected at a fire station or NHTSA-certified technician
- 02Hospital Bag Check: both bags packed and in the trunk, not by the door — if labor starts while you're out, you don't want to swing home first. Hers: robe, nursing bra, lip balm, going-home outfit, phone charger, toiletries. Yours: snacks, charger, change of clothes, pillow, cash for vending
Connect with your partner
Encourage rest aggressively. She has a marathon coming — labor averages 12-24 hours for first births. Every hour of sleep banked now is an investment. Take over evening chores so she can go to bed early.
Source: NHTSA
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