Final answer:
As expecting parents prepare for the arrival of their baby, a fetus at nine months is almost ready for birth with fully-developed organ systems. Parents face many decisions, such as breastfeeding and work arrangements leading up to the labor, which is the process of childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arrival of a newborn baby prompts many preparations and prompts numerous questions for expecting parents. A fetus nearing nine months of pregnancy signifies a period of exciting anticipation, as evidenced by the movements, growth, and development detected through ultrasound imaging. In the weeks leading up to birth, the fetus approaches readiness for life outside the womb, having developed organ systems and achieved significant weight and length. Expectant parents face decisions, from whether the mother will breastfeed or use formula to selecting sleeping arrangements. Cultural contexts influence these choices, as some women may discontinue working before delivery, while others continue until labor commences. The term 'labor' itself refers to the intense process of childbirth, which follows the remarkable journey of gestation and the evolution from embryo to a fully developed fetus.