How your baby is growing this week
About the size of a papaya — roughly 18.7 inches, 5.8 lbs. Baby is dropping into the pelvis (lightening) and settling head-down for the exit. Fat pads out the cheeks and shoulders; most systems are ready, so baby is mainly gaining weight now. Keep counting kicks daily.
What your partner is going through
With baby dropped, the lungs get room back — breathing eases and so does heartburn. The trade-off is downward pressure: constant bathroom trips, a heavier waddle, and sharp 'lightning crotch' jolts in the pelvis. The pelvic joints ache as they loosen for delivery.
What to focus on this week, dad
- 01Install infant car seat — LATCH or seatbelt, check level indicator
- 02Confirm the pediatrician: call the practice, tell them your due date and hospital, and confirm they're taking newborns. The hospital needs the name at discharge for the records transfer, and the first follow-up visit lands 3-5 days after you get home
Connect with your partner
Discuss your labor support role. She needs to know exactly what you'll do — advocate, hold her hand, manage visitors, or stay quiet.
Source: ACOG
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