So much dreaming, planning and waiting. Now the big day is almost here. It's hard not to watch the calendar, counting down the days to your due date. You may wish you could turn the clocks forward. But your baby is on her own schedule, just as she'll be when she's born.

Throughout this month, important things are happening inside you. Your body and your baby are working together to get ready for labor and delivery. You may breathe more easily after your baby "drops," meaning after she settles into a head–down position, with her arms and legs pulled tightly against her chest. Your baby is now considered full term. In these last weeks, she's gaining immunities from you to protect against disease and infection at birth. She probably weighs between six and nine pounds and is 18 to 21 inches long.

Carrying such a big little person is hard work. Take it easy this month and conserve your strength for the special event ahead. And focus your energy on the important things. Like packing for the hospital.