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Genetics is proud to present "Week-by-Week:
Your Baby's Development." Please use this
utility to follow your baby's development throughout the weeks.
Week-by-Week: Your Baby's Development:
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TRIMESTER 3 :::
Week 27:
Congratulations you have made it to the third trimester!
You may start putting on some additional weight in the weeks
to come but that is normal for you and a healthy baby. There
is less and less room for your stomach even though you may
be feeling hungrier. Continue eating many small meals a day
and expect to feel indigestion, flatulence, and heartburn.
Frequent bathroom trips will continue. Remember to stay hydrated
and get a little exercise each day (walking and swimming are
great low impact activities) to improve circulation and relieve
stress.
Consider visiting the hospital where you plan on giving birth
to familiarize yourself with the facilities. Begin thinking
about your birthing plan. Will you take medications? A child
birth class can be informative at this time and provide additional
information to help you think about these important decisions.
Although from the outside baby looks normal, the brain and
lungs are still growing and the baby’s length increases
by an inch this week! As the retinas develop the eyelids open
more and baby continues to take small breaths.
Baby now measures 14.4 inches (36.6 cm) and weighs 875 grams
(about two pounds!).
Week 28:
If you are Rh negative your doctor may give you your Rhogam
[wiki link] shot this week. Have you begun thinking about
baby names? There are many great resources online to explore
names. Some sites help you figure out whether people with
a given name were teased often, or whether the name is easy
to pronounce in other languages.
Baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes are now apparent and
hair on top of the head is growing. The skin is smoothing
as the body gets chubbier and muscle tone is gained. The lungs
are breathing more regularly now although they will not breathe
air until birth. Your baby can recognize your voice now and
move his or her head side to side.
Baby measures 14.8 inches (37.6 cm) and weighs 2.2 pounds
(1005 grams).
Week 29:
Some things to consider this week are whether you plan on
breast feeding or using formula. You may notice that you are
leaking a clearish liquid. This premilk is full of antibodies,
fat, and nutrients and is perfect for a newborn baby who can
digest it very easily. When baby is born they will eat about
every 2 hours. 3-5 days after birth your milk will come in.
Your milk is perfect for baby (no measurements or temperature
checks required) and the contents of your milk changes along
with baby’s growth.
Nursing results in release of the hormone oxytocin which
helps cause your uterus to be pulled back into place. You
may feel cramping while this occurs. Nursing also burns a
lot of calories and may help you use up fat stores accumulated
during pregnancy. Nursing takes practice as does using a breast
pump. You may consider signing up for a breast feeding class.
Other questions to consider include consideration of perineal
massage [wiki link] to possibly help reduce risk of episiotomy
[wiki link] or tearing during birthing. Also, if you are having
a male will he be circumcised?
Fat accumulation continues and the brain can now control
body temperature. Baby is also very mobile, moving from side
to side. At this point the head is probably still upward but
soon baby will switch to a head down birthing position.
Baby measures 15.2 inches (38.6 cm) and weighs 2.54 pounds
(1153 grams).
Week 30:
Remember to have good posture even as your center of gravity
changes. Your baby will stop growing as much but will gain
on average 4 additional pounds in the remaining weeks. You
can probably distinguish between hand and foot movement now.
You may be feeling a lot of discomfort and be unable to bend
over.
Baby’s head gets larger to accommodate baby’s
growing brain. Baby is able to follow a light source with
their eyes and can tell if it is dark or light outside of
the uterus. There is 1.5 pints of amniotic fluid present now.
Toenails are in their final growth stage and the fine hair
called lanugo is disappearing. The baby’s bone marrow
is producing red blood cells. Baby has gained the ability
to cry this week. Most women carrying quadruplets will have
delivered by now.
Baby measures approximately 15.7 inches (39.9 cm) and weighs
1319 grams (3 pounds!).
Week 31:
If you feel breathless after walking or other exertion it
will not harm baby. Baby will still get just the right amount
of oxygen from the placenta. A feeling of waddling is common
as your ligaments loosen around your pelvis in preparation
for birth.
Ask your doctor how many contractions per hour warrant a
call to the doctor. Many doctors will request you come in
if you are experiencing 6 contractions per hour. When you
lose your mucus plug, which seals the cervix to decrease risk
of infection, this is a good sign that labor will happen soon
but for some women it falls out two weeks before birth. Another
sign that labor is approaching is when your water breaks.
This is sometimes difficult to tell however since it is often
only a trickle of amniotic fluid and there is a lot of other
vaginal discharge during this time. Do not worry about making
trips to the hospital before it is really time. It is better
to err on the side of caution.
Consider what type of pain medications you want. According
to the American Pregnancy Association (APA) more than half
of women delivering in hospitals in the US now use epidurals.
Fathers or birthing partners may want to plan a route to
the hospital and think about how much gas the car has and
where the keys are left. If possible, partners should take
time off from work to bond with their new family member and
take care of mom.
Baby is mainly gaining weight, not increasing in length.
Fat continues to accumulate and bones grow and harden. Baby’s
skin is changing to a pinkish color. The brain grows and lungs
finish developing. Baby may move to the rhythm of music.
Baby measures 16.2 inches (41.1 cm) and weighs 3.3 pounds
(1502 grams).
Week 32:
Many women are worried about the health of their baby in
between doctor visits. One way to monitor baby while at home
is to pick a time during the day that baby is usually active.
Write down the current time and then count the number of times
baby kicks, twists, punches, or turns, but do not count hiccups.
As soon as you reach 10 events, write down the current time
again. If there are less than 10 events in 4 hours contact
your doctor.
Swelling is normal but if you experience facial swelling
or severe headaches you may be experiencing preeclampsia [wiki
link] and should contact your doctor.
Consider researching pediatricians.
A baby shower may be thrown for you soon. Think about the
things you might like to have to prepare for baby’s
birth. Onesies are great for baby’s first clothes. Do
you have a car seat for the ride home from the hospital with
your new son or daughter?
Most hospitals allow one additional person to be present
besides your husband. Consider if there is anyone else you
would like to be present. Doulas can assist in helping you
through any pain you may experience if you choose a natural
birth.
There is less and less room available for movement. Baby
may have a full head of hair by now. Baby experiences rapid
eye movement (REM) sleep now. Babies born now and/or babies
weighing less than 1500 grams may have difficulty sucking
or nursing. Sucking is a sign of neuromuscular maturity. Baby
is most likely in a head-down birthing position by now. If
your child is born today survival chances are very good and
a long hospital stay may not even be necessary. Women with
triplets have most likely delivered by now.
Baby is 16.7 inches (42.4 cm) long and weighs 3.75 pounds
(1702 grams).
Week 33:
Learn about postpartum issues. Some women are at risk for
postpartum depression. To combat symptoms make sure you have
a postpartum plan. Take care of yourself and allow others
to help make things easier for you.
Keep your cell phones on and charged as the big day approaches.
Pack a bag for the hospital trip. You don’t want to
forget your camera or video recorder. It is nice to have a
pillow from home and some socks or slippers as well. Develop
a phone tree so you don’t have to call every person
on your list to share the big news.
The amniotic fluid levels are at their highest. The head
grows and neurons and synapses form. The skull is still pliable.
Baby is now able to take full deep breathes of amniotic fluid.
If baby is a boy his testicles are moving into place. Baby
is storing iron in the liver.
Baby is approximately 17.2 inches (43.7 cm) in length and
weighs 1918 grams (about four pounds!).
Week 34:
Make sure you are familiar with hospital parking and how
to check in. Check if you can fill out some preadmission forms
a few weeks beforehand. Call your health insurance provider
to find out what costs will be covered like private rooms.
Also will you be charged extra to use the hospital room phone
or TV? Let your health insurance plan know that you will be
adding a new family member soon. Make sure you call soon after
birth. Bring the name and contact information of your pediatrician.
They may want to visit you before you leave the hospital.
Baby is now awake with eyes open and asleep with eyes closed.
Blinking is normal and the fingernails reach the end of the
finger tips. Baby is most likely in a head-down birthing position
now. You are transferring antibodies to baby this week. Baby’s
muscles continue to strengthen and the head can be held up
and moved from side to side now.
Baby is 17.7 inches (45 cm) long and weighs 4.7 pounds (2146
grams).
Week 35:
Learn as much as you can about breast feeding. It takes practice!
Some women have inverted nipples which means they do not protrude
outwards from the areola (darker area around the nipple).
When your baby sucks onto your nipple it is called latching.
At first baby may only latch onto your nipple but this can
cause discomfort so it is important to practice relatching
until baby latches onto the nipple and areola.
Think about how your family will handle visitors in the weeks
after birth. Sometimes a week of personal time is important.
If you do have visitors make sure they are healthy and consider
things they might be able to assist you with during your recovery.
Prepare older siblings for a newborn. Make sure you spend
time letting them know how special they are to you and how
much you will appreciate their help with their new sibling.
A toy or doll that they can care for can help with the adjustment.
The baby can hear your internal organs working as well as
external voices. Talk and read to baby often. There is very
little room left in your uterus by now.
Baby is 18.2 inches (46.2 cm) long and weighs 2383 grams
(almost 5.5 pounds!). These numbers are approximations as
weights vary more towards the end of pregnancy than they did
at the beginning. Baby gains about half a pound each week
towards the end.
Week 36:
During your final month of pregnancy, visits to the doctor
will be weekly. Your cervix will open (dilate) and be measured
at each visit. When it is 10 cm wide you are ready for delivery.
You may notice some blood either from the mucus plug coming
apart or from ruptured capillaries as your cervix thins to
make more room for baby.
Some women have bursts of energy in the final weeks in which
they feel like preparing the house for baby’s arrival.
Do not do anything too strenuous! Consider stocking your freezer
with food as you will be very busy in the days following baby’s
birth.
Do not worry if the baby is in a breech (head up) position.
Often they will turn before birthing. If not your doctor may
consider an external cephalic version (ECV) where the baby
is manually turned. If you begin contractions now your doctor
will probably not stop your labor. Your lungs gain a little
space as the baby moves down towards your pelvis but your
bladder has even less space. Frequent bathroom trips continue!
Baby is most likely ready for birth and in a head-down position
with their behind up against your ribs.
The lungs are in their final stage of maturation. Baby is
still accumulating fat to provide insulation once they enter
the extrauterine environment. The skin becomes less wrinkly
and smoother as fat increases. Baby’s gums become more
rigid.
Baby measures 18.66 inches (47.4 cm) and weighs 5.78 pounds
(2622 grams).
Week 37:
You can go into labor safely any day now. Consider addressing
birth announcement cards in advance. You will be busy after
your infant is born! Arrange for your first diaper service
delivery if you have planned to use a diaper service.
Consider donating the cord blood after birth to a public
cord blood bank instead of discarding it. Cord blood contains
stem cells and can be used to treat other people with diseases
like leukemia and immune disorders.
After birth you should receive some products from the hospital
to help take care of yourself. Peri-bottles allow you to squirt
water on your perineum after using the bathroom since toilet
paper is not comfortable yet. You will be instructed to use
an ice pack on your perineum during the 24 hours after birth
but you can do so at the end of a long day as well. Request
a sample or prescription for Proctofoam which you can spray
on your maxipad to help sooth your perineum. Warm baths will
also feel good. Vaginal bleeding will continue for the next
few weeks and then gradually subside. It will begin again
if you are overactive. Take it easy!
Baby is now full term and continues to practice breathing.
Their grasp is becoming firmer and they turn toward light
outside of the uterus. You may recognize daily activity cycles.
Baby measures approximately 19.1 inches (48.6 cm) and weighs
6.3 pounds (2859 grams).
Week 38:
After the birth realize that you will need time to recover.
Do not worry if you let the household chores go for a while.
Relax and recuperate after a job well done!
It will be amazing how quickly you learn to distinguish the
meaning of baby’s different cries. Dad will learn this
too!
Baby’s intestines are full of meconium. This will be
passed as the baby’s first bowel movement. In a few
cases it is passed before birth. In this case you may be induced
since it is better if baby is not breathing meconium along
with amniotic fluid. The head and abdomen circumference are
comparable.
Baby measures 19.6 inches (49.8 cm) long and weighs 6.8 pounds
(3083 grams).
Week 39:
If you lose your mucus plug with a lot of blood it is called
the “bloody show” and is indicative that labor
will begin within the next day.
Birthing is not just tough on the mother but also on baby!
Baby has been squished in the birthing canal and may be swollen
or have bruises on the face. The head may be cone shaped to
fit through the birth canal as the skull has not finishing
hardening yet and will round out after birth. Remember that
hair and eye colors often change after birth. Sometimes it
takes two months to see the true eye color!
All of the fine hair is gone and baby is covered in slimy
vernix to protect the skin from the amniotic fluid. Lungs
are breathing amniotic fluid regularly and are ready for the
first breath of air. Fat continues to accumulate and baby
has little room left to move arms or legs.
Baby is 19.9 inches (50.7 cm) long and weighs 7.25 pounds
(3288 grams).
Week 40:
Any day now! Only 2% of women give birth on their due date.
98% give birth 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the due date.
Labor is divided into three stages. Early labor consists
of the beginning of contractions and slow dilation of the
cervix. On average it takes a woman in her first pregnancy
6 hours to become fully dilated. The second stage of labor
includes the pushing and birth of your child. This can take
anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The final stage
is the separation and delivery of the placenta. This generally
occurs 5-30 minutes after the baby’s birth.
After birth the baby will be given an Apgar test which is
based on skin color, heart rate, and other measurements of
vitals. A score of 10 means baby is in excellent health.
Baby now has 15% fat content and 60-75% water content. Baby’s
chest juts out more and breast buds are formed. The hair and
nails continue to grow longer.
Baby is 20.2 inches (51.2 cm) long and weighs 7.6 pounds
(3462 grams).
Week 41:
Fourth trimester!? Don’t worry the average first time
mom goes 4 days past her due date. The due date is mostly
a guess anyways. Your doctor will continue to monitor you
and baby. Unless your doctor recommends induction consider
this option carefully because it can increase the risks to
mom and baby.
Week 42:
Still pregnant!? Enjoy your last few days of pregnancy and
relax while you can. Take time to write down your thoughts
and feelings in a journal and make sure your overnight hospital
bag is packed for you and baby. For vaginal birth you will
most likely stay at least one night in the hospital and for
C-section longer.
After Pregnancy:
Expect to bleed from 2-6 weeks afterwards. This bleeding
is called lochia and starts out very red before turning pink
and then whitish colored and finally disappearing.
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