What’s your baby up to?
Your baby now weighs around 2.1kg and measures around 45cm from head to toe. Your baby’s skin is increasingly smooth as he continues to gain weight. He is getting ready for his exit from your cozy womb. His lungs continue to mature for the outside world, with the production of surfactants escalating at this time. The digestive system is also maturing in preparation for processing mom’s breast milk (or formula).
Your little nugget’s brain is also undergoing rapid development as your baby sleeps frequently and in the REM cycle. The REM sleep is said to be good for brain development.
For a baby boy, his testicles may have descended to the final position (scrotum); though in a few babies this journey might still take a longer time. It’s all normal. For either a boy or a girl, a lot of  sex hormones are being produced by this time.
How are you doing?
By now, your uterus has reached about five inches above your belly button. You are lugging around a lot of weight, which may increase your discomfort in moving around, sitting, and lying down.
You may be getting increasingly tired, and that is very understandable. Constipation, hemorrhoids, and the frequent need to pee continue to plague you.
The painless tightening and relaxation of your uterus, known as Braxton Hicks contractions may be becoming more frequent these days as your body prepares for labour.
Pregnancy insomnia is far too common at this stage of pregnancy.
You may also be experiencing some vision changes because pregnancy hormones can leave your eyes dry and irritated. Vision problems can also be a sign of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, so be sure to mention any vision changes to your doctor.
Also, your breasts may be leaking colostrum by now. It’s also normal if your breast are not leaking at all, it doesn’t mean you won’t go on to have a successful breastfeeding.
If you are having triplets, they are due this week.
What should you do this week?
If you haven’t taken your maternity leave yet, you really should this week. As your due date approaches, you need to get some well deserved rest, and prepare for the arrival of your baby. Perhaps, there are some unfinished things you need to get to. Maybe a childbirth class? Decorating the nursery? Shopping for your little one?
You may also want to start practising breathing and relaxation techniques and positions for labour and birth. Speaking of relaxation, playing soft and soothing music can be very relaxing for both you and your baby. It’s one way to fight pregnancy insomnia, in addition to a warm bath before bed and a large glass of milk. It is also said that babies can recognize the music they heard while in the womb after they are born. So, let the music play!
If you are Rhesus negative, you will be getting the second dose of anti-D around now.
Massaging your perineum can help to prevent a tear during the delivery. Also, applying Vaseline to your nipples can soften them and clear the milk ducts for breastfeeding.
Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.
