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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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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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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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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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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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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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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. calendar
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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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. calendar
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. calendar
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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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. calendar
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. calendar |
