Your body
What to expect
You are getting aware of the tightening sensations or Braxton Hicks contractions that keep coming. You may not feel like going to your antenatal appointment because it’s such an effort, but make sure you do as it is very important! At your antenatal appointment your doctor will check on your blood pressure, urine, and the size of your bump. You must be wondering or even anxious about what will happen on the day of delivery. Find out from your doctor! Interestingly, you might feel this urgent need to keep everything tidy, organise the house and clean up. Its normal feelings in preparation for baby to arrive. But don’t overdo it!
Baby size
What to expect
Your baby is the length of Lettuce leaves (roughly 46 cms long and nearly 2.5 Kg in weight)
Your baby
What to expect
Baby’s digestive system is fully formed. He or she can suck and digest your breast milk. Baby’s lungs are also fully formed and ready to take the first breath of air. Your baby’s ears are extra sharp and he or she has started recognising your voice and the songs you sing. Overall, your baby’s growth has started slowing down. Baby looks like an infant with puffy ankles and chubby little legs!
Taking care
Tips
- Make sure you attend your antenatal appointment with your doctor.
- Do some pelvic exercises and keep your hips elevated to help with lower back pain. You can also apply warm compress to your lower back.
- Take frequent rests between doing domestic chores and as many naps as you can in preparation for the big day.
- Recognise the signs of labour. Contractions becoming longer, stronger and more frequent can be a sign that labour is starting. When contractions are a regular pattern, coming every 5 minutes and lasting at least 60 seconds, it’s time to go to the hospital!
Ask your doctor
Questions to ask
- What are the signs of early labour?
- Is my baby in the right position?
- Do I need to have a Vitamin K injection just after giving birth?
- I get contractions. Am I going into labour?
- What are my options for pain relief during pregnancy?
- What can I do in preparation so that I can breast feed?
Your to do list
Actions
- Take your iron supplement and prenatal vitamins.
- Book an antenatal appointment with your doctor and visit your doctor with a family member for your antenatal appointment.
- Find out about breast feeding from your doctor.
- Check if your hospital bag is packed and ready.