Each baby is almost 6 pounds and still packing on the pounds at a rate of about an ounce a day; comparable to a crenshaw melon in size. (Length: more than 18 1/2 inches, head to heel.)
Each baby is still working on putting on weight during pregnancy week 36. While that may not seem very exciting, keep in mind this is her primary job from now until delivery. Round babies are healthy babies. This is probably the one time in our baby's life they can put on pounds with wild abandon. If you were to peak inside the womb, you'd probably see each baby giddy with glee.
Did you know that some researchers believe the baby actually releases a signal to trigger labor? There are actually several different theories. Some believe that when baby's brain is completely mature it sends a signal to the fetal adrenal glands. These glands then start to secrete the hormone cortisol, which may alter the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone, resulting in labor.
Other researchers have postulated that the fetal lungs secrete signals indicating they are mature, as well as enzymes that result in the release of prostaglandins, which help the cervix ripen and help the uterus to contract. This is highly likely as the body does release prostaglandins around the time of birth.
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