All about baby
Your baby is now around 32cm from crown to rump and weighs about five pounds, nine ounces, although babies vary a lot at this stage. Your midwife may palpate (feel through your abdomen) to estimate the weight of your baby, but this is really only a good guess. As your baby gets more confined by space,he or she may squirm vigorously to get comfortable.
During this final period of your baby’s development, fat is being laid down under the surface of the skin, which can be used as energy and which will help to maintain an even body temperature. Your baby's growth has slowed, but he or she is still gaining about half a pound a week. As these fat deposits are laid down, your baby gets dimples at the elbows and knees and creases at the wrists and neck.
- Measures about 32cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 5lbs 9oz
Over to you
Welcome to your last month of pregnancy – it could feel like a long one! From now on, you'll see your midwife or GP every week until you give birth, who will check to see whether your baby has dropped and its head engaged.
You may have begun your maternity leave by now and could be wondering how to spend your time. It’s likely that your energy levels will be fluctuating wildly. Use burst of energy to stock up the freezer with meals for after the baby arrives. But don't overdo it - you'll also feel horribly fatigued and fed up with the whole thing at times, so take the opportunity to rest whenever you can.
Now that your baby’s iron stores are almost complete, you may find that your haemoglobin level begins to rise again. If you are feeling uncomfortably heavy by now, water may be the easiest way to relieve the pressure, so try going for a swim or having a warm bath. Not only will swimming give you a feeling of weightlessness, but the gentle exercise will help build fitness for labour. For advice on pregnancy swimming from our fitness expert, click here.
In the know
Packing for hospital
Although you can’t predict when you go into labour, now’s as good a time as any to think about packing your hospital bag. There’s no hurry of course. The average first-time labour lasts about 12 to 15 hours – and there may be days of starts and stops – but it's good to get some basic things together so you don't have to scramble around between waves of labour contractions.
Birth essentials
For you:
- Your birth plan and maternity notes
- Any hospital forms that you've filled out in advance
- Nightie or big t-shirt to give birth in
- Nightie or pjs with front openings for nursing, bathrobe, socks and slippers
- Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste, flannel, moisturiser, lip balm. And extras like make-up, shower gel and shampoo for after the birth.
- Heavy-flow sanitary towels and disposable breast pads
- Maternity underwear (the hospital may supply disposables, but you may find your own more comfortable)
- A list of phone numbers of relatives and friends to be notified
- Comfortable (loose) clothes to come home in
For your baby:
- Vests and sleepsuits (at least 3 of each)
- Baby blanket
- Huggies® Newborn size 1 nappies with umbilical cord cut out - up to 8 for each day you're in hospital - and a pack of Huggies® Pure Wipes.
- Cotton wool and a towel
- Going home outfit for your baby with a hat and shawl. If the weather’s chilly, remember an outdoor jacket or extra blankets and mittens.
- Rear facing baby car seat - you won't be allowed to drive home with your baby from hospital without a properly installed car seat
Optional extras:
- Labour devices such as a TENS machine, birthing ball or back massage tools
- A lightweight blanket for you or your partner
- Relaxing essential oils
- A portable music player with your favourite songs
- Camera and/or video camera
- Healthy snacks
- Bottled water
- Extra change for vending machines
- Books or magazines
Before you get too carried away, bear in mind that most hospitals have a limit on how much 'luggage' patients can bring with them!
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 37
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.
