First, it is actually very difficult to tell the size of a baby before birth. Some providers will make an estimate merely by putting their hands on your abdomen and guessing by what they feel. Others use ultrasound measurements, but these measurements may be off, in either direction, sometimes by 15% or more. This can mean a highly inaccurate weight estimate. A lot of what plays a part in the baby’s birth has to do with the pregnant person’s body, which changes in labor due to the hormones, opening and moving, as well as the molding of the baby’s bones which change shape to fit through the pelvis, being molded by the force of labor. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that you should not plan a C-section unless the baby is estimated to weigh at least 5,000 grams (11 pounds), or 4,500 grams (9.9 pounds) in pregnant people with diabetes. If your baby’s weight is below these limits, letting labor start on its own will give your baby the best chance to be born vaginally and safely. In fact, a bath in pregnancy can help you feel better and alleviate many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Just be sure to keep your bath water to 100 degrees or less. Do not use a hot tub, and monitor your body temperature when bathing to make sure you are not overheating. While sex is generally safe during pregnancy, it’s generally recommended to avoid vaginal penetration if the pregnant person is experiencing vaginal bleeding, preterm labor, cervical incompetence, problems with their placenta, and or their water has broken. Ask your doctor or midwife if you have any risk factors that would preclude sex in pregnancy. A study published in 2007 found a slight increase in deliveries in Japan when the barometric pressure was below average.
