The final month of pregnancy is so exciting. In just a few short weeks, you’ll be holding your little one and pregnancy will start to become a vague memory. Honest! Here’s what you can expect:

• Many women express a desire to meet the little one, and tiredness with being pregnant.

• You tire easily and often feel drowsy.

• Your abdomen is getting bigger. It may look lopsided when the baby moves. Your uterus lowers as the baby drops toward the birth canal. This is called lightening.

• Your hands and feet may swell.

• You may feel pressure low in your pelvis as the baby settles into birth position.

• Braxton-Hicks contractions are more frequent. If you have four or more contractions in one hour, call your health care professional.

• Your sleep may be disturbed. It can be difficult to get comfortable in these final weeks of pregnancy. Find tips for sleeping.

Your little one has grown so much; his cozy home now is crowded. He’s ready to see his mama. Here’s what he’s doing:

• By the end of this month, your baby will be fully developed.

• The bones of his head will be soft and flexible for delivery. In most instances, when babies are ready to be born, they will turn head-down toward the cervical opening, with their feet up under mom's ribs.

• His eye color is dark gray. This may change after birth.

• His fingernails become complete and may grow long.

• He may seem quieter because he has less space to move.

• He has periods of sleep and activity.

• His organs are maturing so that he will be ready to breathe and grow on his own after birth.

• About one quart of amniotic fluid surrounds him.

• His skin is smooth; he is 20 to 22 inches long; and he weighs about 6 or 7 pounds.

Your health care professional will check the following:

• Blood tests

  • Hematocrit/hemoglobin (to check for anemia or low iron)

• Blood pressure

• Weight

• Urine

• Height of the fundus

• Fetal heart tones

• Abdomen, for baby's position and size

• Cultures taken to check for vaginal infections

• Pelvic exam, for changes in your cervix that indicate labor may be starting soon. Your health care professional will be checking for dilation (or opening of the cervix) and effacement (thinning of the cervix), which can be normal as your body begins readying for birth. It’s also normal for this to not be happening. Your practitioner also will check the position of the baby, who has probably dropped into a head-down position getting ready for birth.

Many pregnant women need extra sleep, but find it difficult to get. If shortness of breath interferes with your sleep, lie on your left side (to improve blood flow) with your head and shoulders propped up with pillows. Place a pillow under your belly and another between your legs. Ask your partner or a relative to help with chores so you can rest.

A brisk walk outdoors followed by warm milk and a warm sponge bath or shower may help you relax and sleep more easily. If none of these suggestions work, you might try sleeping while sitting up in a recliner. Don't take any sleeping medicine without consulting your health care professional first.

You’ll want to have your bags packed at least a week before your due date, in case your little one decides to arrive early. Here's a checklist for packing your bags. For Your Bag:

• A robe and a couple of nightgowns that button in the front, or nursing gowns if you plan to breastfeed

• Warm socks, in case your feet get cold during labor

• Comfortable slippers

• Bras or nursing bras. Be sure to visit a maternity store and ask for fitting help.

• Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, hairbrush, deodorant, shampoo, hair conditioner or rinse, hair dryer, shower soap, and other personal essentials that make you feel good

• Hard candy to keep your mouth moist

• Glasses and reading material

• An item to use as a focal point or concentration aid during labor. Pick something you really, really like. Moms recommend anything from a fuzzy teddy bear to a beautiful vase of flowers.

• Your pillow from home is highly recommended. Hospital pillows usually are not the most comfortable. 

• A comfortable going-home outfit. Bring a maternity outfit from month five to seven. Pre-pregnancy clothes probably will not fit. (And if they do, resist the urge to tell your friends who have had children!)

• Digital watch or one with a second hand for timing contractions

• Insurance card and forms. Try to preregister to keep the admitting process as brief as possible.

• Labor aids, such as a tennis ball in a sock for a lower-back massage

• List of phone numbers of friends and family to call when the baby is born

• Your pediatrician’s name and phone number

• Lots of change for snack machines and healthy snacks for mom and the coach. Try ZonePerfect® Bars or a small cooler with ice-cold Ensure® Shakes.

• Camera, CD player, or video equipment. Check to see what type of equipment the hospital allows.

• A small pack of diapers (two diaper clips for cloth diapers)

• Undershirt

• Nightgown and socks or booties

• Cap

• Receiving blankets

• Going-home outfit

• Blankets or outerwear, depending on the weather

Be sure your infant car seat — required by law in every state — is installed and ready to go. Always place your baby’s car seat facing the rear for the first six months when she is riding in the car. The hospital will verify that you have a seat before you leave the hospital.