All about baby
This week, your baby’s toenails have reached the end of her toes and will continue to grow. Don't be surprised if her finger and toe nails need trimming after birth!
Within your baby’s intestines, a mass of meconium is accumulating. This dark green substance is the first stool a baby passes and will be expelled soon after (or during) birth. It is made of cells and waste products from your baby’s liver, pancreas, and gall bladder, which have built up during your pregnancy.
As she settles into the pelvis, you may notice a few twinges as her head hits your nerves. These can feel like electrical buzzes down your legs and inside your vagina.
- Measures about 34cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 6lbs 7oz
Over to you
Around this time, you may notice a bloody 'show' when you go to the loo. This is the mucus plug that sealed off the opening of your uterus to help protect your baby from infections. Its texture will be jelly-like or stringy, and it can be white, yellowish, or slightly brownish with flecks of blood. It can indicate that labour will start immediately, or it could simply mean that labour will occur within the next week or two. Whatever the case, it’s still exciting evidence that you will soon be giving birth. Be sure to inform your midwife at your next appointment.
It’s not surprising that you’re very tired and uncomfortable by now. Sleep may be difficult because of your bump and more frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions - and maybe a bit of nervous energy as your due date draws near! - so enjoy any rest you can get. When you do have surges of energy, try not to just stay at home. Go for a walk (or a waddle) as exercise can help speed up your labour.
In the know
A good night’s sleep
Pregnancy is definitely getting tiresome - just when you need all the sleep you can get, you're probably finding it hardest to drop off! At night, every twinge and ache seem to be magnified tenfold. Added to that, a mother's sleep/wake patterns can align themselves with those of their unborn babies in the last weeks of pregnancy - possibly nature’s way of preparing you for all those night feeds? But don't give up, here are some hints for getting a better night's sleep:
- Avoid large evening meals that only increase your uncomfortable sense of fullness and heartburn. Stick to something light and easy to digest.
- Do a few simple stretching exercises before bed. Stretch each leg behind you to lengthen your calf muscles. Raise your arms over your head and then extend them at shoulder level and circle them - anything to get the kinks out and improve circulation.
- Take a warm (but not steamy hot) shower or soak in the bath before bed, asking your partner to help you get in and out.
- Drink lots of water in the daytime, but avoid caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee and cola after noon. A warm, milky drink in the evening can help send you off.
- Sleep on your left side to take the pressure off major arteries and organs, and use pillows to prop you up and support you. Try various combinations, like two to three extra firm, king-sized pillows to support your back and one between your knees to help relieve pressure.
- Don't make a habit of watching TV in bed. Close your curtains and turn off all lights so it's truly dark inside when it's time to sleep.
- Relax with music. Use a CD player with earphones to listen to pregnancy hypnosis CDs or peaceful music. These same tapes may help you relax during labour, too.
- Make sure the bedroom temperature is so comfortable you don't notice it. Being too chilly or too hot will only make you more restless.
- Practice the deep relaxation and breathing techniques you learned in your childbirth course to calm your mind and help you drift off.
- Sometimes a simple change of environment can help you relax and fall asleep. Try a different bed or moving to the sofa or a comfy armchair with a pillow and blanket.
- Don't toss and turn. If you're struggling to fall asleep, turn on the light and read for a while to get your mind off your worries.
- If you don't get enough sleep and wake up tired in the morning, try taking a brief nap during the day.
Make the most of it - your sleeping patterns now may seem luxurious compared with your first month of life with a demanding, night-owl baby!
Go to next week's article: Pregnancy Week 39
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.
