Month nine:

Preparing for the birth:

During the ninth month, the breasts become heavier as they prepare to feed the baby.  This increases the problems of balance for your partner.

"Braxton Hicks" contractions occur more regularly in the last month.

Before the baby drops down into the pelvic bowl, the stomach, lungs, liver etc. are all cramped up against the diaphragm and can cause heavy heartburn and shortage of breath.

The organs are under severe pressure until the baby turns around and drops into the pelvic bowl. 

The kidneys tend to work harder when she is lying on her side and the pressure is relived from the blood vessels that supply the legs.

The kidneys always work harder when lying down and this is why many pregnant women find that they need to pee every time that they try to go to sleep.

The stretched skin on the belly will appear blotched and translucent towards the time of the birth. 

After the birth:

9 months pregnant and 9 months recovery. 

A woman's body needs a long time to recover properly from a pregnancy and birth.  It can take anything up to a year for her to return to the same shape and size as before the pregnancy.

Your partner's heart rate will take about six weeks to recover to her pre-pregnancy rate.

Don't think that it's all over after the birth.  Patience and encouragement is required from you!