What’s your baby up to?
Your baby now weighs in at about 1.50kg and measures around 41cm long from head to toe.
He is moving a lot and can turn his head from side to side. Your baby’s brain continues to develop fast, creating neural connections which helps your baby coordinate his five senses.
Your little one is now growing fatter faster than he is growing taller. He gains about a half a pound of weight every week.
Your baby may have already settled into a cephalic presentation-head first position. There’s still plenty of time though, so don’t worry if he hasn’t.
How are you doing?
The space in your womb is getting cramped up for your baby as he adds fat and grows plump. His movements are much more pronounced, and you may even notice your baby’s limbs move slowly across your belly.
You may be feeling some Braxton Hicks contractions which are infrequent tightening and relaxation of your uterus, that prepares your body for labour.
Tingling sensation, aching, or numbness in your hands and fingers? This could be the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, caused by a compression of the median nerve in your hand. It is a common condition in pregnancy.
You may be feeling some pressure on your cervix if your baby’s in a cephalic presentation.
Heartburn, indigestion, breathlessness associated with your growing uterus pushing your organs. Tiredness and other pregnancy twinges are common complaints at this time.
What should you do this week?
Keep your hospital bag ready and set.
Rest when necessary, but still engage in moderate exercises, not forgetting to tone up your pelvic floor.
Count your baby’s kicks; about ten kicks an hour is what you are looking for. If your baby is not really responding, get him moving by eating something, drinking a glass of juice or cold water. If that still doesn’t shake him up, report to your doctor immediately.
Braxton hicks contractions are random and painless, you should call your doctor if you notice differences such as: more than four contractions in an hour, increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge, abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping, increase in pressure in the pelvic area.
-You go into labour at night?
-You go into labour at work (if you haven’t taken your maternity leave by then)?
-You go into labour when you are alone in the house? When your husband or driver is not around?
Be prepared for any circumstance, and be sure to call your doctor and start heading to the hospital at the first sign of labour, to avoid getting stuck in traffic (especially for those who live in Lagos).
