Third Trimester

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 39

One more week one more week one more week – this is your mantra while heading to the loo for the twentieth time today. Keep in mind that less than 10 percent of women deliver on their due date, so you could go anytime. Or be overdue...

If you think you’re in labour, it’s a good idea to call the hospital or to have them check you out. Odds are that labour could take over 12 hours, but that still doesn’t mean you should wait until dad sees baby’s head before you get in the car!

Baby weighs a healthy 7 pounds and is 20 inches long. He or she is a white or blue-pink color, due to fat stores under the skin. His head may “engage” or lock itself into position in the birth canal at any time now. Feel like a brisk walk and some spicy food? Go for it, for added measure you may want to knock boots when you get home...anything to get this party started.

Tip

If your getting a contraction every 5-10 minutes, lasting for 45 seconds and strong enough to take your breath away…your probably in labour.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 40

I’m not ready, I’m not ready yet! A week ago you said you wanted it out! Don’t fret, when those contractions kick in you’ll hopefully feel in control. Just think of the end result. No matter what, you have done a terrific job and you should be proud! Celebrate with a treat, or a nap.

Is your labour bag ready? That’s all that really matters. Everything else you can sort out later. Just relax for now, you’re going to need your energy soon. Assuming that baby decides not to come on his own your doctor may recommend inducing your labour during the next 2 weeks.

Baby is READY – and about 7 to 8 pounds and 20 inches long. Cute, cuddly, chubby and waiting to meet you!

Tip

If you have the time, and the energy you can prepare your nursery. A place for baby to sleep, a place for you to feed her and a changing table is all you need to start. Nappies, wipes, creams, booties, Breast pump, sterilizer, baby monitor, soothers, bibs, babygrows will keep be enough for you to care for the little one when she gets home, and your partner can pick up anything that’s lacking. Congrats!

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 41

Hoping for labour this week again? Don’t despair, if it doesn’t happen your doctor might do a sweep to help kick start labour. You might be induced, but beware this carries a higher rate of caesarean section than spontaneous labour. You should get another ultrasound to look at the fluid surrounding baby. This is to check he’s ok but he won’t have much room to swim around at this stage.

Tip

Get a breastfeeding pillow and some nipple cream you’ll be glad you have them later.

Pregnancy Week By Week - Week 42

Time to be induced! So you’re heading into the hospital feeling nervous and excited. Labour is induced with gel to open the cervix, then your waters are broken and a drip is started to give you contractions. It can be a long day and night so bring some reading material and some snacks for your partner

Tip

Do you have the nursery ready for your little treasure? Why not get a Gro swaddle and a Gro egg to ensure your baby is safe and warm.