Baby's Development

Mothers's Development

Things to do

Tips

Baby's Development

Measurements at the end of this month

Length : 28-35cm (11-14 inches)
Weight : 450-680g (1-1.5 lbs)

 

• Your Baby is covered in a fine hair called lanugo and a white substance called vernix.

   

• Your Baby can suck her thumb and you may feel gerky movements at regular intervals if your baby has the hiccups.
   
• Her brain is developing very quickly now.
   
• Your baby's first stool is developing, it's called meconium and she will pass it shortly after birth.
   
• Baby girls will develop eggs in their ovaries this month.
   
• She is almost fully formed, but her organs need to develop some more. Her lungs could not developed enough for her to breathe by herself. If she was born at this stage, she would need specialised care.

Mother's Development

• You should start to notice your baby moving now. She is getting bigger and stronger.
   
• You may feel overheated and sweaty as your blood supply increases.
   
• Your heart and lungs have to work 50% harder than normal.
   
• You may notice that you become short of breath. Your baby is getting bigger and pushes up against your ribcage.
   
• Because your uterus is moving up and putting pressure on your ribcage, you may urinate less frequently as the pressure on your bladder decreases.
   
• The skin on your abdomen may feel itchy.
   
• Stretch marks may appear on your legs, breasts and abdomen. These marks may fade after the birth, but they may not disappear completely.
   
• You may experience practise contractions - Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are preparing you for labour.

Things To Do

• You must inform your employer in writing of your intention to take maternity leave six weeks before your leave starts. Noe would be a good time to do that.
   
• Decide on whether you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby. Talk it over with other mothers and you health nurse/doctor.

Tips

• If you have 4 or more Braxton Hicks contractions in an hour contact your doctor.
   
• Take rest when you need it and try lying on your left side when resting.
   
• Your partner is also probably anxious. Share your feelings about becoming a parent and how it will affect your life.
   
• Attend childbirth and parenting classes together to get ready for your new baby. Allow your partner to feel the baby moving and kicking inside of you