What Is The Final Week Of Pregnancy

                                                           What is the final week of pregnancy?

Pregnancy is typically divided into three trimesters, each lasting roughly 13 weeks. However, due to the variability of human development, pinpointing a specific "final week" is not entirely accurate.

Medically, a full-term pregnancy is considered to be between 37 and 42 weeks. So, any week within this range could be the one where a baby is born naturally. Additionally, some pregnancies go beyond 42 weeks, requiring medical intervention to induce labor for the safety of both mother and baby.

Therefore, it's more accurate to say the "final weeks" of pregnancy encompass the period between 37 and 42 weeks rather than a single week. During this time, the baby is considered fully developed and ready for birth, and the mother's body prepares for labor and delivery. 
Image of Third trimester pregnancyOpens in a new window
cherokeewomenshealth.com
Third trimester pregnancy

Here are some key things to happen during the final weeks of pregnancy :

• The baby continues to gain weight and grow in length.

• The lungs mature and become ready for breathing outside the womb.

• The baby's head may "engage" (drop lower into the pelvis) in preparation for birth.

• The mother may experience increased Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions).

• The cervix begins to soften and dilate in preparation for delivery.

It's important for pregnant women to attend regular prenatal appointments during these final weeks to monitor the health of both mother and baby and ensure a smooth delivery.