All about baby
By now, the volume of amniotic fluid in your uterus has reached its maximum level – about two pints in total. After this point the baby will take over most of the space. By the time your baby is born, there will be between 2-6 cups of fluid in the amniotic sac.
Almost fully mature, your baby's lungs are coated with surfactant to help with breathing. The hearing and speech centres of your baby’s brain are maturing, so your baby can recognise your voice at birth.
Now that your baby is laying down fat, the skin is pink and smooth and your baby's body looks much plumper. A store of glycogen is also building in the liver, providing an energy reserve for during labour and until feeding is established.
- Measures about 29cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 4lbs 5 oz
Over to you
Your baby's movements are now quite distinct and may provide you with entertainment for several weeks to come! Sometimes you may be able to feel the tiny curve of a small fist or foot poking from your abdomen and you can probably distinguish the baby's knees and elbows, even though the movements are smaller. You may also notice small bumps that move rhythmically across your belly, probably caused by your baby’s hiccups.
As the birth draws nearer, your breasts will continue to change, with the nipples becoming even larger and darker, making it easier for your baby to find them.
If you begin to feel tired, breathless or woozy and get palpitations, you could be anaemic - deficient in iron - as your baby is drawing on your iron reserves and leaving not enough to go round. It's important to keep up with your blood tests during pregnancy, which will keep an eye out for anaemia. It's also a good idea to up your intake of iron rich foods such as spinach and dried fruit, and talk to your midwife about take an iron supplement.
In the know
From now on your midwife will keep a close eye on the position of your baby inside your uterus, in particular, feeling your bump to discover your baby’s ‘presentation’ - which part is closest to the cervix - ready for birth. This will most likely be recorded in your antenatal notes at every visit. At this stage, about 15% of babies are still in breech position/presentation – feet or bottom first.
Babies generally settle head down - into the cephalic position - before week 36, although some turn even later. About 3% of babies remain in breech position, with their bottom or feet downwards, right until birth. This means they would be delivered bottom or feet first. Vaginal breech births can be difficult, so a caesarean may be recommended if your baby is in the breech position.
If you find out that your baby is still in breech position during the last weeks of your pregnancy, you can encourage your baby to turn head down by tilting - lying on your back with your bottom propped on cushions about nine to 12 inches off the floor. By doing this for twenty minutes, two to three times a day, you may find that your baby flips around naturally. Stop if it makes you feel dizzy though.
After 37 weeks, your doctor may perform an external cephalic version (ECV) if your baby is still in breech position. This involves placing their hands on your womb and guiding your baby through a forward somersault, and is successful in half of all procedures. Although it may be uncomfortable, shouldn’t be too painful. It’s also relatively safe and your baby will be monitored before and after to check all is well.
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 34
Please note that the contents of this section are for information only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute to your doctor's advice. For medical care and advice, you should consult your doctor on a regular basis. If you have any problem which concerns you, consult your doctor immediately.
