Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 27

Take a deep breath; you’re on the home stretch. Only 13 weeks (or less) to go! You may notice that your abdomen periodically tightens and releases, these are Braxton-Hicks contractions. Don’t worry - they are your body’s way of preparing for the real event. But just in case you should understand the difference between Braxton-Hicks and real contractions, which can be a sign of early labour.
Baby is almost fully developed, and if born now would have an 85% chance of surviving. If your little nugget is a body then his testicles have descended. He now is about 14 ½ inches long and weighs over 2 pounds!

Tip

Unfortunately stretch marks are starting to appear on your stomach, breasts, thighs, and hips so invest in some good stretch mark cream and start using it. Another good tip is to increase your intake of dairy products as you might get leg cramps from lack of calcium.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 28

If you are Rh negative and your partner is Rh positive, to ensure that any future babies don’t have any complications, you may need an Anti D injection. If you hit your tummy, have bleeding or fall over consult your doctor.

You may need to take a gestational diabetes test. All you have to do is fast from midnight the night before the test, drink lucozade, and then have your blood tested about an hour later to see how your body is processing the sugar. It’s all to keep you and baby as healthy as possible.
Baby weighs between 2 and 3 pounds now, and her eyes are open (and wondering, where am I?). At 15 inches long baby is starting to max out on room inside the uterus, making for some interesting movements.

Tip

Its hard work having a baby! Pick up some mommy pampering kits, lotions, bath products, and whatever else you think you’ll need to get through those first few weeks of being a new mom. Or go one better by asking your friends and family to get them for you.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 29

Swelling much? It’s called edema, or water retention, and it affects nearly all pregnant women in some fashion. For you it may mean that your 3-inch heels have been traded in for fuzzy bunny slippers, or that your hands look like they belong to someone else. While edema is normal, if you notice extreme, sudden swelling at any time you should contact your doctor, as this may be an indication of preeclampsia.

If your baby were born now she would have a 90% chance of survival, that’s pretty good! Meanwhile her brain is developed enough to control breathing and body temperature. As she gains weight the wrinkled skin will be fuller and fatter, more like those cute babies you see everywhere! Likely you’ll be feeling and increase in movement as she tones her muscles, so forgive the punches and kicks in your neither regions – she’s in training! Baby is 15 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.

Tip

Soon you will be nursing, or at least lactating. It’s important that you have everything you need to keep comfortable in this area: nursing bras, breast soothers, nursing pads and Nipple Nurture Balm to start. By having everything on hand before baby is born you can avoid the pending baby “do I have it”? panic and just relax.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 30

Are you sitting down? Does it hurt? Congratulations, you have another fun pregnancy symptom: hemorrhoids! Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. This is another reason to get yourself a pregnancy pillow, or get some Bottom Balm to calm the area. Just remember to talk to your doctor before using any type of medication.

Baby’s brain is growing rapidly, and so are toenails and fingernails! Better put a nail cutter on your must buy list, as well as a nice natural lotion to keep that baby soft skin. She’s been spending some time looking around and wondering “where am I?”, while you are wonder “where are you?” Likely you’ve noticed distinct awake and asleep patterns for your baby, and these may continue when she’s born. Baby is 3 pounds and 15 ½ inches long.

Tip

If you plan on going back to work at some point after baby is born, now would be a good time to check out crèches and nannies. While it may seem ridiculously early, odds are that the place you choose will have a hefty wait list. Of course, you could always ask your family to look after junior!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 31

Woohoo, nine weeks to go! Likely you are thinking “what’s the wait, let’s get this out now”, but baby’s not quite ready yet. Your Braxton-Hicks contractions seem to be increasing in length, duration, and intensity, and they may be slightly uncomfortable. Usually going for a walk or relaxing in the bath can help. Besides, isn’t it time to pick up some more luxurious bath products?

Baby is now up to 3 ½ pounds and 16 inches long, and is starting to feel the cramp of tight quarters, meaning you’ll see elbows, hands and feet stick out of your belly as he tries to get comfortable. All five senses have developed, so baby can tell you exactly what he thinks of your homemade meatloaf, except he can’t talk!

Tip

Find a new mom group in your area that you can attend. Many communities have one, and it’s a good way to meet moms with babies the same age as yours. Usually these groups have access to all sorts of resources: nutritionists, doctors, etc so they are good to have around!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 32

In less than two months it’s going to be baby time! Take deep breaths. Usually about now you’ll start seeing your doctor every two weeks instead of every month, and since baby brain is imminent you should keep a notepad close by to jot down any questions you may have.

“Did my stomach just jump?” – if you’re asking this, then you’re little fella may have the hiccups! Although it may seem cute the first time, if you find that fetus hiccups are keeping you from sleeping try changing positions, taking a short walk (like, around the living room) or drinking a glass of water.

You may have noticed more feet in the ribs, that’s because baby is turning head-down, and settling in for the finale. From here on in baby will be gaining a half a pound per week or more – yikes! At 17 inches long it’s no wonder he’s feeling cramped, and is taking it out on your organs!

Tip

It’s time to tie up loose ends – like filling out paperwork for maternity leave, buying last minute baby items, etc. Even if you go to term, likely over the next weeks you won’t feel like doing much of anything. By being prepared for everything you can relax and enjoy(?) the last few weeks of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 33

Are you ready yet? Even if you think you can’t go another single day with this watermelon-sized tummy, you may be feeling a bit anxious about the impending birth. However, you can do a lot to relieve the tension by reading up on giving birth. You should make sure you have things to ease the pain of birth such as birthing balls, relaxation cd’s, and a Tens machine.

Baby is now a respectable 4 ½ pounds, 17 ½ inches long and his or her lungs have almost completely matured. Babies born from this point forward have an extremely good chance of survival, so don’t freak out the next time you feel Braxton-Hicks, as the real thing may be right around the corner!

Tip

If you haven’t already, put together a labour bag. Actually you need two – one for the labour, and one for you and baby’s stay at the hospital. It’s a good idea to have some sweets in your labour bag; it prevents dry mouth and can provide essential calories to keep your strength up during long labours. Which of course yours won’t be.