MONTH 9: weeks 32-36
Possible Physical Changes
See Months 7 and 8. In addition, strong regular fetal activity, increasingly heavy vaginal discharge, leaking urine, increased constipation, lower-back pain, shortness of breath, more intense and/or frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Possible Emotional Changes
Anxiety over you and your baby's safety during delivery, excitement that birth is near, "nesting instincts" increase-you may be spending more time shopping for baby items, at this point, you might also be wondering whether the pregnancy will ever end.

Possible Appetite Changes
See Month 8.

The Inside Story
Fetus is about 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds. Brain growth accelerates, fetus should be able to see and hear. Most other systems are well-developed, although lungs may be immature. Fetus has an excellent chance of survival outside womb.

Sleep/Stamina Irregularities
See Month 8. You may be unable to sleep now due to shortness of breath. Prop pillows around you, or think about getting a special pregnancy pillow.

Rx for Stress
Walking and gentle exercise , childbirth classes, increased intimacy with partner. To ease Braxton-Hicks contractions, lie down and relax, or get up and walk around. Soak in a warm (not hot!) tub. Firm up hospital plans, complete work projects.

Special Risks
PIH, premature labor, "placenta previa" (placenta either close to or covering cervical opening), "abruptio placenta" (placenta separates from the uterus).

Symptoms That Say "Call Your Doctor"
See Months 7 and 8. Painless vaginal bleeding or severe contractions may indicate complications, severe headaches and visual changes, especially if blood pressure has been a problem.

MONTH 10: weeks 36-40
Possible Physical Changes
More Braxton-Hicks contractions (up to two or three times an hour), frequent urination, easier breathing, heavy vaginal discharge, decrease in fetal kicking, but increase in rolling, stretching and quiet periods.

Possible Emotional Changes
Intense excitement, anxiety, absentmindedness, irritability, apprehension, over sensitivity, restlessness, dreaming about baby and motherhood, fear of missing or misinterpreting the signs of labor.

Possible Appetite Changes
Increase or decrease in appetite, feeling full due to crowded stomach, cravings change or abate.

The Inside Story
Fetus is 20 inches long, weighs about 7/l pounds and has mature lungs. Excellent chance of survival outside womb.

Sleep/Stamina Irregularities
See Months 8 and 9.

Rx for Stress
Pack your overnight bag, including a few familiar items to help you feel more at home in the hospital: hairbrush, perfume, sanitary napkins, this magazine, low fat munchies for post delivery (to supplement hospital fare), going-home clothes for you and Baby. Continue gentle exercise , water workouts are especially good.

Special Risks:
See Month 9. Plus, not getting to hospital on time.

Symptoms That Say "Call Your Doctor"
(Quick!) Breaking water before labor (occurs in less than 15 percent of pregnancies), increasingly more frequent and intense contractions that are not relieved by changing position, lower-back pain spreading to abdomen and legs, nausea, diarrhea, pink or blood streaked mucus leaking from vagina, contractions that last 45 seconds and occur more frequently than every five minutes.