Fetal Movement

Week 28:

Mother:
Your breasts may start to leak colostrum. From now on, you will have fortnightly antenatal checks until the 36th week when your doctor or midwife will advise weekly visits until your baby is born. You may want to start antenatal and labour preparation classes. The beginning of the third trimester - (or should I say the beginning of itchy skin, leg cramps, heartburn, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, aches and pains, swelling, and indigestion), marks the period of your baby's arrival.

Baby:
Baby can hear, smell and taste. Tremendous changes are taking place in your baby's nervous system and her sense of hearing is stimulated by music, singing and speech - especially your voice. The baby is now covered with vernix - a cheese-like substance - which acts as a kind of barrier cream to protect his skin and prevent it from becoming waterlogged. The baby is now about 36,5cm long and weighs about 907g.

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Week 29:

Mother:
You are probably feeling pressure on your stomach and diaphragm and may be beginning to find it difficult to eat large meals as the uterus grows and takes up some of the room your stomach used to have! Heartburn is not uncommon at this stage.

Baby:
Your baby's head is beginning to look in proportion with the rest of its body. The brain now controls primitive breathing, and fat continues to accumulate under the skin.
 

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Week 30:

Mother:
Pregnancy hormones have softened your ligaments and you are probably experiencing backache. Try and maintain good posture when you are standing and sitting.

Baby:
is growing plumper so the skin which was quite wrinkled before is now smoother. Both the vernix and lanugo begin to disappear. The bone marrow is now responsible for red blood cell production, and the eyelids can open and close.
 

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Week 31:

Mother:
Gentle exercise like walking, swimming or yoga is good for most mothers during pregnancy. You may feel breathless after physical activity so balance your exercise with rest and relaxation.

Baby:
Additional fat cells have accumulated under your baby's skin. "Room in the womb" is becoming restricted.

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Week 32:

Mother:
You will probably have gained between 9 and 12.5kgs. Drink lots of water to ease and prevent constipation and eat frequent small meals to help the heartburn and indigestion.

Baby:
Your baby's fat cells are increasing but the fat stores are insufficient to keep her warm. Although he's getting fatter, his body and limbs are still quite thin and fragile looking. Your baby would need to be nursed in an incubator if he was born now. All five senses are functional.
 

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Week 33:

Mother:
You are carrying alot of weight up front. Your blood volume is increasing rapidly to meet the needs of your uterus, placenta and baby. The confined space restricts your baby's movements somewhat so activity may not feel as intense, but should be as frequent.

Baby:
Your baby's foot, fist or elbow will sometimes make a distinct bulge on your tummy. If the baby has hiccups, you will also notice these as regular rhythmical movements.
 

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Week 34:

Mother:
Your sleep may be interrupted by anticipation, anxiety, fetal movements or muscle cramps.

Baby:
Your baby is usually lying head downwards ready for birth. If your baby is lying breech there is still time for a turn around. The baby may bump its head uncomfortably into your bladder or stick its bottom under your ribs.
 

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Week 35:

Mother:
You will have chosen your birth venue (hospital, clinic or home). It may be a good idea for you and your partner to tour the maternity ward and labour room. Discuss options with your doctor or midwife and book in at 36 weeks.

Baby:
Your baby's lungs have developed to almost full maturity and your baby will weigh approximately 2 - 2.5kgs.
 

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Week 36:

Mother:
You will have a weekly antenatal check from now until your baby is born. You will probably be feeling emotional and concerned about labour. Discuss your anxieties with your doctor or midwife.

Baby:
The baby is almost fully mature but every day he spends in the womb prepares him better for independent life. Your baby's head may move down into the pelvis and is said to be "engaged". If, however, it doesn't engage during the 36th week, there's no need for concern. Many babies' heads do not engage until the 40th week or the onset of labour.

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Week 37:

Mother:
Your weight gain will have slowed down. After engagement, you will feel more comfortable because there is less pressure on your lungs and stomach.

Baby:
may be rehearsing breathing movements although there is no air in its lungs. This can cause amniotic fluid to pass into the trachea giving your baby hiccups.
 

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Week 38:

Mother:
You will have gained 11.25 - 13.5kgs. You may be feeling tired and weary of pregnancy. Your bladder may need emptying very frequently and you may find your legs swelling by the end of the day. Some moms experience a burst of energy and activity known as the "nesting instinct".

Baby:
Your baby's finger and toe nails are surprisingly long at this stage. Baby continues to gain weight, as much as 28g a day.
 

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Week 39:

Mother:
You may experience a strange feeling inside your vagina caused by your baby's head moving against your pelvic-floor muscles. Your cervix will soften up and ripen.

Baby:
is all ready to survive outside your womb.
 

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Week 40:

Mother:
You are ready for labour day. It won't be long before you are holding your baby in your arms.

Baby:
The long wait is nearly over ! The lanugo (fine, white, downy hair) has disappeared, or almost disappeared, from the body, but may still be present over the shoulders, arms and legs. The body, except for the mouth and eyes, is entirely coated with vernix. This is particularly thick on the skin creases of the groin and elbows, as well as round the neck, under the armpits and behind the knees.
The sclera (white part of the eye) is fairly white in colour and the iris is blue. Babies are nearly always born with blue eyes, although, sometimes, the colour may change within minutes of delivery.
 

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