All about baby
Your baby is really starting to pile on the ounces, putting on about 7oz a week at the moment. From now on, he or she is mature enough to live outside the womb, if born prematurely.
As well as the immunities you have provided , your baby is beginning to develop immune reaction to mild infections itself. Your baby's sucking reflex is getting better and it will be practicing on tiny fingers and thumbs whenever possible.
Your baby continues to urinate nearly a pint a day. This and other fluids from the baby help to make up the amniotic fluid, which replenishes itself every three hours.
- Measures about 30cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 4lbs 11oz
Over to you
You’re now into your last six weeks of pregnancy – the countdown has truly begun! The hormones from the placenta are starting to activate the milk in your breasts and, as your body gets ready for labour, you may notice that you have more and more contractions that seem less like practice.
With labour looming, you may be getting a bit nervous by now, but try to relax and be positive as this will help you to have an easier labour. As nervous and excited as you may be, you’re probably longing for pregnancy to be over, as your bump seems to take over entirely.
Increased pregnancy hormones are softening up the connective tissue in your body. This causes the joints between the bones of your pelvis to become more relaxed, which can cause chronic hip pain. Along with the lower back pain and a heavy uterus of late pregnancy, this isn't a comfortable time for most women!
In the know
Creating a Birth Plan
You've probably heard birth plans mentioned quite a bit by now, but if you haven't started to think about yours now's a good time to do so.
Essentially, a birth plan is a written outline of your wishes regarding how you would like to be treated during birth. It’s not a legally binding document that your midwife is required to follow, but it’s a good starting point for communication between you, your partner and your midwife – both before labour and when you are admitted.
Use it to let your midwife know where you stand on procedures such as induction, epidurals, pain relief, episiotomy, monitoring, forceps and ventouse delivery, as well as whether you would like to be free to move around the room or give birth in water.
The plan can also specify what's to happen to the baby during and immediately after birth. For example, it may say that your partner wishes to catch the baby or cut the cord, or express your intentions regarding tests, vaccines and whether or not you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed.
Be realistic with your wishes - a plan that's too long and detailed can become rigid and unachievable, as you’ll need to be flexible and listen to advice as your labour progresses. Talk through your options and wishes with your midwife. In truth, having a good midwife by your side is the best birth plan you could possibly have.
However, having a birth plan can enable your birth partner to help you get the birth you want when you’re vulnerable and foggy in the midst of your labour. Thinking about what you want (and don't want) can also help you to get a better sense about the realities of birth in a hospital.
Finally, don’t be surprised if labour is rather different to your perfectly outlined plan – it’s a wish list, not a contract!
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 35
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.
