CHANGES TO MUM
What Makes Pregnancy and Labour All Worthwhile
During your third trimester you will be getting bigger and bigger. Your uterus is now approximately half-way between your belly button and your breasts, measuring about 28cms tall.
Typically you will gain about 5kgs during this last stage of pregnancy. Due to your size and the length of time you have been pregnant, you may be feeling like you want it to be all over. But don’t worry, you are on the home stretch and before you know it you will be holding your little bundle of joy in your arms!
During this month you may suffer from leg cramps, itchy skin, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, swelling, heartburn, indigestion and other aches and pains. However, you will also experience labour this trimester, and once it is all over you will have your baby! Stay positive and start thinking more about your birthing plan. Antenatal classes will help you to understand what your choices are and help you to make an informed decision.
Start Thinking About Your Birthing Plan and Become Informed of Your Options
Everyone has their own way of doing things and labour is no different. Just remember to still be flexible in your own mind, sometimes things do not go to plan. You have to be prepared for anything and sometimes move away from your birthing plan.
Labour can certainly throw you a curve ball and complications do occur. The best thing you can do for you and your baby is to be well researched and well informed before the big day!
You may notice a change in your blood pressure during the third trimester. Most likely it will rise at this stage however there is no need for alarm, it should not become too high and no need for concern. Your blood pressure will soon return to what it was prior to pregnancy.
If You Tested Rh-negative at the Start of Your Pregnancy, Your Doctor May Give You A RhoGAM Injection at this Stage of Pregnancy
Your obstetrician will probably want to see you every two weeks from now on, they will monitor not only your blood pressure but the development of you and your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions or concerns you might have, your obstetrician is there to help and make you feel at ease.
During week 28 of pregnancy your doctor may give you your RhoGAM injection if you tested Rh-negative at the beginning of your pregnancy. Being Rh-negative means that you and your baby’s blood type are different. This one injection will prevent your body from becoming sensitised if your baby’s blood mixes with yours during labour, protecting you through the delivery.
Colostrum will Provide Your Baby with His/Her First Few Meals Before Your Milk Comes Through
At 28 weeks of your pregnancy you may notice that your breasts begin to leak colostrum, a sweet, watery fluid which is less rich than breast milk and easier to digest.
Don’t worry if they don’t, you will still be able to choose breastfeeding if you decide this is right for you. Colostrum provides your baby with the first few meals before your milk comes through after birth.
Many studies show that there are a lot of positive affects of breastfeeding for you and your baby, however it is like anything: an individual choice. Research your options and make the choice that is best for you and your baby.
Don’t think that your third trimester is all bad with a list of symptoms as big as your belly! If you haven’t already, now is a great time to have a baby shower.
Celebrating Pregnancy with a Baby Shower
Not only is it a chance to get together with friends and family to celebrate your pregnancy and your baby but you will be showered with gifts to help you prepare for the arrival of your little one.
You may have been waiting to prepare the nursery until you have your baby shower, soon enough you can make those necessary changes to your baby’s room. Sure enough you will have a great time doing this as your maternal instincts kick in and you begin to nest!
CHANGES TO BUB
Your baby may be measuring about 38cms from head to toe and weighing a little over 1kg! White fat layers are forming, building up under the skin and even muscle tone is developing as your baby prepares for the welcoming to the outside world. As the fat layers continue to form your baby’s skin will eventually smooth out and become less wrinkled.
With Eyes Open Your Baby is Even Sensitive to Bright Light from the Outside of the Womb
Even at this stage or pregnancy your baby is very aware of what is going on outside the womb, he/she recognises your voice and has fully formed eyelids.
The membranes that once sealed and protected your baby’s eyes while they were growing have now fulfilled their function. The eyelids now separate and allow the eyes to open as they are fully formed and can now focus. They are also sensitive to bright light from the outside of the womb.
The little person inside you sure is becoming a unique individual as eyebrows and eyelashes are present, and hair continues to grow on your baby’s head, however some do remain bald until weeks after birth.
Your baby’s brain up until now has been smooth, this week of pregnancy it will develop further, forming ridges and grooves as it matures and brain tissue grows.
If you have a baby boy, his testes descend first into the groin and then into the scrotum. Premature baby boys will usually have undescended testicles. If expecting a baby girl, her clitoris will be quite prominent due to it not being covered by the still-small labia which grows in the last few weeks prior to birth.
