This week, be watchful of signs of preterm labour as going into labour now is a probability. However, there are still a few days left to reach the D-day. Take enough rest now as motherhood will bring with it new stress and strains along with its share of joys.
Here is what happens to your body this week:
Fatigue: With your belly stretched to the maximum and your baby still growing, this is inevitable. You might find it difficult to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Your gait has also changed, hence moving around even inside the house could be tiring. However, keep moving around and walking, even it be at a slow pace, as it will help combat pregnancy-induced fatigue and make you feel relaxed. Here are four breathing exercises that every pregnant woman should do.
Sensitive breasts: This week your breasts might feel more sensitive than ever. They could also be leaking colostrum, a clear yellowish liquid, which is considered as your baby’s first feed. This is a sign that your breasts are preparing for lactation phase post-delivery. Here are six changes that happen to your breasts during pregnancy.
False contractions: If you haven’t experienced false contractions or Braxton Hicks yet, you might feel them this time around. However, you should be able to differentiate false contractions from signs of preterm labour. Consistent painful contractions are a sign that labour is probably starting.
Pelvic pain: Since your baby’s head would be resting on your pelvic area now, and your baby would be piling on a few kilos even now, you might experience pain in the pelvic area.
Apart from these, you might also experience backache, edema, sleeplessness, etc.
Development of your baby
Here is what happens to your baby this week:
Your baby’s brain develops: Your baby’s brain development is in its final stages now. The brain cells keep adding in a rapid speed, which will continue to be so for the first three years of your baby’s life.
Your baby puts on weight: These last few days, your baby gets enough fat deposited beneath the skin which adds to the weight gain process and also helps to keep the temperature in control.
Your baby prepares for birth: Your baby takes the head-down position by now and presses on the cervix making it soft and flexible, readying for labour.
At this point in time, your baby can weigh anywhere between 3 to 3.5 kg and measure up to 500 mm from crown to rump.
What you can do:
- Keep your maternity bag ready as you might have to reach the hospital anytime now. Here are 23 things you need to pack in your maternity bag.
- Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet. Here is why drinking water during pregnancy is important.
- Sleep as much as you can and take adequate rest. Here is how you need to sleep during your pregnancy.
- In case you notice signs like spotting, leaking or excess vaginal discharge, report it to your doctor. These could be a sign of preterm labour. Here is what you should know about spotting during the third trimester.
- Take diarrhea and vomiting seriously this week as they could also be indicative of labour.
- Practise deep-breathing and try to keep stress at bay right before labour.
Image Source: Getty Images
For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.