Baby's Development

Mothers's Development

Things to do

Tips

Baby's Development

Measurements at the end of this month

Length : 50 cm (20 inches)
Weight : 2.7-4 Kg (6-9 lbs)

 

• Your Baby is fully developed by the end of this month.
   
• His eye colour is dark gray, but this will change in the weeks after birth.
   
• He gains weight at about an ounce a day during this last month. His skin becomes less transparent as he puts on fat.
   
• The vernix which covered his skin is starting to disappear.
   
• He or She is ready to be born.

Mother's Development

• You are probably going for a check-up every day now.
   
• Your uterus drops down in preparation for the birth. This can put a lot of pressure on your bladder, resulting in frequent trips to the loo.
   
• You will tire easily and want the pregnancy to finish soon.
   
• Sleeping becomes more difficult, as it becomes harder to find a comfortable position.
   
• Eventhough you have planned everything according to your due-date, only 5% of women deliver on their due date.

Things To Do

• You should be prepared to leave at any moment. Have your bag packed, know how you are going to get to the hospital and have important phone numbers close to hand.
   
• This is a good time to pick a name if you have not already done so. Try our baby name tool.
   
• Be aware of the signs of labour. Have a look at our list of signs and symptoms of labour.

Tips

• Keep a list of important numbers close to hand at all times - Your partners, the hospital etc.
   
• Have everything ready for when the baby comes home -
  • Have a car seat to bring the baby home in.
  • Decide where the baby is going to sleep and set up his cot/moses basket.
  • Make sure you have nappies, clothes, milk and other essentails. You may have time after he is born to do this, but you may not have the energy.
  
   
• Every labour is different and every woman is different, so don't listen to labour horror stories from other women.
   
• If you haven't discussed your pain relief options with your doctor, do so now.