All about baby
Your baby is becoming increasingly chubby as more fat is deposited on the arms and legs. Babies generally gain half a pound per week from now on, although these figures are increasingly rough estimates towards the end of pregnancy.
As the uterus grows thinner, more light enters and influences your baby's waking and sleeping rhythms. The placenta has reached maturity and the volume of amniotic fluid is becoming less as he grows to fill almost all the space in your womb.
In preparation for birth, your baby is producing cortisol to help the lungs develop and is storing nutrition from you. At this stage, the digestive tract is still too immature for complete independence, which is why babies delivered around this time tend to lose more weight than a full-term baby.
- Measures about 31cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 5lbs
Over to you
By now, you're probably feeling pretty tired and heavy. If your bump aches, you could try using a support belt and avoid lifting and standing for long periods. On the plus side, as you enter the ninth month, your weight gain will probably slow down.
Some time soon, you might experience 'lightening', when your bump will appear to drop. This is your baby shifting into your pelvis in preparation for birth, and as a result you'll find it easier to breath and feel less pressure on your stomach. It can also cause a heavy dragging feeling in your pelvis, as the weight of your baby bears down and extra pressure on your bladder means even more frequent trips to the loo.
The good news is that once your baby has dropped, you probably have about two to four weeks to go – although some babies don’t drop until labour has begun, particularly if this isn't your first pregnancy.
In the know
In most societies around the world, babies aren't delivered by doctors in hospitals, but rather at home or in birth centres tended by midwives who offer continuous labour support. However, in the UK the vast majority of babies are delivered in hospitals and most of the care during labour is provided by midwives who work in shifts and care for other patients.
Research has shown that having positive social support during labour reduces a woman’s need for pain-killing drugs and the likelihood of medical interventions in labour, while helping a woman to have a more satisfying birth experience. That’s why it’s so important to have a supportive labour companion to be at your side during labour and birth. Most women choose to have their partner present during the birth, but you may want to ask a close friend or your own mum for support – or even have more than one helper.
More than just a hand to squeeze the life out of or someone to scream obscenities at when the pain becomes excruciating, your birth partner can help you breath through the contractions and ease the pain with massage. He or she can help you get into comfortable positions during labour and, most importantly, offer encouragement and reassurance when the going gets tough.
Get them ready for their role by talking them through your birth plan. They can act as your eyes and ears, interpreting your wishes and helping you to understand your midwife’s advice - especially if and when you're a little out of it. It's also good for them to know what to expect if this is their first experience of birth - the last thing you need is a terrified partner running for cover at a crucial moment or passing out at the first sight of blood.
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 36
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.
