Home :: Third trimester

Welcome to week 28

28 Week Old Fetus

Your baby: Seeing is believing

By now, your baby is approximately 15-16 inches long to (35 cm) and weighs about 2 pounds 4 ounces (1100g) - just a tad over 1 kilo! You can see changes in your baby from head to toe. At this time, the baby's brain is developing more fully with additional brain tissue and the forming of the grooves on its surface. Hair on your baby's head is growing more and more and your baby is truly looking like a baby now!

If you're carrying a boy, his testicles are on the move, making their way toward the kidneys via the groin en route to the scrotum. In a girl, you can make out the clitoris, but the labia aren't yet big enough to cover it.

Your body: Counting down to your due date

Welcome to the third trimester, which goes from week 28 to 40 -- or until you give birth. By now, you may be feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension as you come to the end of your pregnancy. Some women sail through the whole nine months symptom-free, while others watch their bodies grow and change in ways they never thought possible. On the other hand, some women may have some discomforts that may creep up during this trimester. Some of those discomforts may include:

To top it off, you may have a 10-mile long to-do list that includes finding a pediatrician, buying baby gear, preparing a birth plan, registering at the hospital and packing your bag, among others. No matter how you feel, however, remember this is a special time for you and your partner. So try to enjoy as you begin the final countdown and wait for the day when you and your baby finally meet face-to-face!

On a different note:  Prenatal tests revisited

Around the 35-week mark, your health care provider will test you for Group B streptococcus, which is a type of bacteria that may be carried by pregnant women. To learn more about Group B streptococcus and how you can treat it, click here.

Weekly tip

Depending on how much weight you're carrying and how flexible you are, you might be feeling like you just can't lean down anymore. Some moms we know highly recommend wearing strapless shoes - for example, mules, clogs or thongs - so you can slip your feet in and out without having to bend over your belly all the time. Whatever you wear, though, make sure that they have good support.

Welcome to week 29

29 Week Old Fetus

Your baby: The inside story

Your baby is growing taller and fatter by the day. This week, he measures over 16.7 inches tall and weighs about 2 pounds 7 ounces (1250 g).

Amazingly enough, your baby's organs are beginning to self-regulate. The baby is filling out with layers of fat and everything is growing and maturing. Over the next three months, the baby will double in size, so this is when the baby will have a big growth spurt!

At this late date, you may feel a change in fetal activity as your baby's movements become smaller due to the increasingly cramped conditions. The kind of movement isn't as important as the frequency: You should feel your baby move at some point everyday. If you have noticed a decrease in fetal movements, especially after a long busy day, don't panic. Do fetal kick counts. After dinner, lie down in a quiet place and count the number of fetal movements in one hour. You should be able to count 10 fetal movements in one hour, usually between 7pm and 11pm. Call your doctor if you continue to perceive a decrease in fetal activity, or if you are unable to obtain 10 counts of fetal movements in one hour.

Your body: Problems sleeping?

For some women, falling – and staying – asleep at night can be a real challenge. Between the leg cramps, the anxiety, the extra weight, and the occasional kicking, it's no wonder you feel like an insomniac. But rather than lie in bed awake and fret about losing precious sleep, you might want to consider some of these suggestions to make nighttime dreamy:

Sleep positions: Generally, pregnant women find it much more comfortable to sleep on their side once they are further along in their pregnancy. This helps to take pressure off your back and also helps to relieve pressure from your uterus on the main vein that brings the blood back to the heart from your legs and your feet. Consider putting a pillow between your legs and under your abdomen for support.

Relaxation Techniques: Some women seem to have their wheels spinning all night thinking about labor and delivery, and all the new things that are getting ready to happen. You can start using some of the tips on breathing and relaxation from your childbirth classes. Not only will it serve as good practice, but it will also help you to relax and get some sleep.

On a different note: The ins and outs of preeclampsia

Six to eight percent of all pregnant women develop a pregnancy-induced disease called preeclampsia. If left untreated, this common condition can lead to complications -- in you and your baby. To ensure that you and your little one stay safe and healthy, learn all you need to know about preeclampsia here.

Weekly tip

If a baby shower is in the making, now is the time to register for all the itty-bitty clothes and basic baby necessities you've ever dreamed of – stroller, bouncer chair, car seat, high chair, bathtub, play mat, and more. The best way to begin is by asking friends and family with kids what you do and do not need and what does and doesn't work. Then simply stroll down the aisles of a few of your favorite stores – be it the exclusive local children's boutique, Target, or Babies 'R Us – to see the real thing and choose where you want to register.

Welcome to week 30

30 Week Old Fetus

Your baby: Filling out

Your baby continues to grow taller and fill out as you near the end of your pregnancy. By now, he weighs approximately 3 pounds (1400 g) and measures about 17 inches (38 cm) in total length. Your baby is continuing to grow rapidly now. In preparation for the journey to the new world, the baby is making movements that represent breathing even though the breathing inside remains the amniotic fluid. Sometimes at this point the baby may get hiccups and you may feel that happen!

Your body:  What's better – breast or bottle?

Chances are you have a lot on your mind as you settle into the last trimester. And like most pregnant women, you're probably pondering what's best for your baby food wise: breast or bottle? Truth be told, there is no one, right answer to that question. It's a personal decision that depends on you and your baby. Some mothers choose to breastfeed exclusively, while others are convinced the bottle is the only way to go. The most important thing is to be open-minded, take cues from your baby, and know the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Breastfeeding

Pluses

Minuses

Bottlefeeding

Pluses

Minuses

You may also consider having a plan that includes both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Some women choose to breastfeed for a short amount of time and then change over to bottle-feeding. Others will breastfeed some, but also bottle-feed as a supplement to the breast milk. There are many options including using a breast pump if you decide to breastfeed so that you may not need to be there even if breastfeeding. Talk it over with your doctor and your partner and come up with a plan that seems the most reasonable for you, your baby, and your partner.

On a different note: The inner sanction

Get a glimpse inside your swelling belly and see how babies grow and change with this ultrasound identifier visual tool. These dynamic images will show you what a fetus looks like at 17, 19, and 30 weeks. Just roll the curser over the different body parts, and presto!

Weekly tip

If getting comfortable in bed at night is getting more and more difficult, bring on the pillows and props. You can put a maternity pillow (really any pillow will do) between your legs, under your belly, and behind your back. To relieve pressure on your hips from lying on your side, tuck a piece of soft egg-crate foam on top of your mattress and under the sheet, and to ease fluid retention in your legs and ankles, place a folded blanket under your feet to keep them elevated while you sleep.

Welcome to week 31

31 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Eye-opening developments

The third trimester is a time of rapid growth -- for you and your baby. You might gain a great deal of weight -- and for good reason. Only 31 weeks, your baby weighs in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces (1590 g), and measures over 18 inches (46 cm) tall. Thanks to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin, the baby's color is changing from red to pink. At this point, the baby's irises dilate and contract in response to light, and his fingernails may extend to the end of the hands.

The organs are also in a growth period. Don't worry: Even if your lungs (and heart) make you feel breathless when you climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block, your womb mate is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.

Your body:  Planning for the birth

Most first-time moms have mixed emotions and endless questions when it comes to labor and delivery. You may wonder how you know when you're having a contraction? When should you go to the hospital? Or, what can you take for the pain? One of the easiest ways to get answers and ease your fears is to arm yourself with knowledge: Read books on childbirth, take notes during your childbirth education class, consult your health care practitioner, and ask friends and family to share their experiences.

So what's included in a birthing plan? The following are some of the key issues to think about what your preferences are, then ask your practitioner or talk to the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.

On a different note:  Every bite counts

To ensure that you and your little one are strong and stay healthy, follow the guidelines of this Nutritional Food Pyramid for Pregnancy. It will help you feel good and your baby grow great!

Weekly tip

A lot of moms and dads-to-be wonder if and when they will bond with their baby. An easy way to welcome and connect with your future arrival is to write a letter beforehand. Share your feelings about the pregnancy and about becoming a parent. Regale him with things friends or family have said or done, what you would do the same or differently if you could do it all over again. You can use it as a time to reflect on the past seven plus months and to relish the time left.

Welcome to week 32

32 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Nearing the finish line

By the eighth month, your baby is becoming her own little person. The baby weighs around 4 pounds (1800 g) and measuring about 16 inches long (40 cm). She is almost ready to make an appearance. The baby has red, wrinkled skin but would likely survive outside the uterus at this point in time. The baby will still continue to grow inside your uterus with every body part still maturing.

Your body:  Tips and tricks to get through the workday

It's a toss up as to what wears on you more – being pregnant or working nine to five. It's no wonder that when you put the two together, you're worn out by noon and ready for bed by 7 p.m. If your bulging belly is affecting your ability to work, you may consider some of the following suggestions to help cope with your day a little better:

On a different note:  The ABCs of delivery

Are you anxious about labor and delivery? Are you eager to learn as much as you can about it ahead of time? If so, click here for a great starting point, where you can read about different positions, diagnoses, and treatments.

Weekly tip

With your due date fast approaching, you should start shopping around for a few infant essentials. For starters, you'll need a car seat to transport your baby home from the hospital. Once home, you should have a crib or a bassinet for your baby to sleep. Other immediate must-haves include diapers - cloth or disposable - and a layette (sleepers, booties or socks, hats, blankets, and some one-piece outfits). For the rest, keep your fingers crossed that your family, friends, and colleagues will shower you with gifts.

Welcome to week 33

33 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Floating in fluid

With less than two months to go, your baby weighs about 4.4 pounds (1996 grams) and is 18 inches (46 cm) long. If your baby is a boy, this is time when his testicles move into the scrotum. The baby has gotten big enough now that you may even be able to tell what part of the baby is moving or kicking such as foot, arm, and knee! There is just not as much room to move around now.

Your body:  Reducing the risk of preterm labor

Labor that begins before the end of the 37th week is considered "preterm" or "premature." Approximately 1 out of every 10 babies born in the United States is born preterm. No one knows the exact cause of preterm labor, but certain situations increase the odds for it. Those include the following:

Other possible culprits include vaginal infections, poor nutrition, stress, depression, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse.

Warning signs for preterm labor include:

If you have any of those signs before Week 37, you should contact your healthcare provider.

On that note:  Signs from inside

Many first-time moms wonder what a real contraction feels like, and how it differs from Braxton Hicks. Some even question how they will know when "it's time." For answers to these questions and more, check out signs of labor.

Weekly tip

When the going gets tough, go to the movies. Many pregnant women we know enjoy taking an afternoon off and heading to a matinee. It's a great way to spend quiet time and to lose yourself. Be sure to see something light - a romantic comedy or family feature - and avoid the sappy or scary stuff. The last thing you want to do is end up in tears or have nightmares!

Welcome to week 34

34 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Preparing for arrival

Your baby gets bigger and bigger as each day passes. As of week 34, the baby weighs almost 5 pounds (2268 g), and is between 19 and 20 inches long (roughly 49 cm). There are lots of new developments in progress. The baby's skin is starting to be less wrinkled and while the hair covering the baby's skin (lanugo) is decreasing, the vernix white coating is getting thicker in preparation for the delivery.

If you've seen or felt something drip from your breasts, you're not imagining things. Pre-milk substance (colostrum) is in the making, thanks to the hormones from the placenta.

Your body:  Coping with bed rest

Sometimes, for reasons still unknown, some women end up on total or partial bed rest during their pregnancy. They may be at high risk for preterm labor or other complications requiring them to reduce their activity level, stay away from stressful situations, and keep the baby inside as long as possible. If your health care provider orders a dose of bed rest for you -- whether it's for one day or for the duration of your pregnancy -- you might try these coping strategies to help accept the restrictions and set realistic expectations.

On a different note:  A spinal tap of sorts

Some women swear by the epidural block, an anesthesia inserted in the spine to decrease or eliminate discomfort during labor. Others are a little more hesitant when it comes to this type of intervention. If you're still unsure of where you stand, read Pain relief during labor and delivery. Or, if you want to see how and where it's administered, check out this 6-step epidural presentation.

Welcome to week 35

35 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  The final touches

Nearing the ninth month, your baby weighs approximately 5 1/2 pounds (roughly 2495 g), and measures approximately 20 inches from head ttoe. The baby will continue to grow, putting on about a half a pound per week until delivery.

Over the next few weeks, the organs (which are all present), are just putting on the final touches before birth.

Your body:  Picking a pediatrician

Now that you're in your last trimester with only a few weeks to spare, you should choose a medical caregiver for your baby-to-be (unless you go to a family physician who can provide the care). If this is your first baby, you need to understand the importance of this decision. A good pediatrician is more than a person to call when your baby has a fever. It is someone who will chart your child's development, address your concerns, and answer your questions about your child's health. And it is someone you will see regularly for sick and for well checkups.

The best place to begin looking for a pediatrician is with your family physician, obstetrician, family, friends, and colleagues. Ask them for recommendations and start gathering a list of names. After you collect a few numbers, write up some questions and call to set up interviews. When you interview a physician, you should take into account:

On a different note:  Passing your child's first test

Immediately after you deliver your baby – and often before you actually get to see or hold her – you will see the doctors and nurses whisk her away to weigh, measure, and bathe her. She will also undergo her first test, called the APGAR, to assess her color, heart rate, muscle tone, respiration, and reflexes at one minute and five minutes after birth. To learn more about APGAR, click here.

Weekly tip

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you should pack your hospital bag and put it by the front door so that you're ready to go – carefree and calm. Aside from your personal items, make room for these must-haves: a watch with a second hand to time the contractions, a video recorder or camera, toiletries, and an outfit to wear home – for you and your baby. And don't forget food and drinks for Dad (or at least small change for the vending machines)!

Welcome to week 36

36 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Dropping into the birth canal

Your little one weighs about 5 1/2 pounds (a tad over 2 kilograms) and measures approximately 17 inches or 45 centimeters tall. He has filled out so much that fat is forming creases in the neck and wrists and dimpling on the elbows and knees. That said, the closer you get to your due date, the greater the size differences in babies. To get a better idea of your baby's weight, ask your doctor to feel around your abdomen (to palpate) and approximate it.

You may have less difficulty breathing – and more of an urge to urinate – as your baby settles down into your pelvis, getting ready to descend into the birth canal at any time.

Your body:  Changes in fetal movement

As you start your ninth month and look down at your burgeoning belly, you might notice a passing leg or arm poke out or punch you. But sometimes, you might sense a quietness that makes you wonder just what is going on inside. By this time, your baby has become so big and takes up so much room in your uterus that he has little room to perform those amazing acrobatic stunts of months gone by.

Despite the cramped conditions, it is important to continue monitoring your baby's activity and make sure that he is moving on a daily basis. An absence of fetal activity may indicate fetal distress, or it may not mean anything more than a tired baby. The best way to be sure is to track your baby's goings-on twice daily – in the morning when activity is slower and in the evening when it speeds up. Keep one eye on the clock and the other on your belly to count movements. Any kind counts – rolls, punches, kicks, swishes or flutters. Stop counting when you've felt 10 movements, and note the time. Some women will feel 10 movements within 10 minutes, but it may take longer. If you haven't felt 10 movements by the end of an hour, eat something, lie down, relax and continue counting. If you still don't feel those movements by the end of two hours, however, call your doctor immediately.

Note: If you do not feel your baby's movements at all or suddenly sense frantic activity, call your doctor without delay.

On a different note:  Checking it off your list

If you still haven't packed your bag for the hospital and wonder what you need, print out this checklist for ideas. It's detailed and in-depth, and it even tells you what to bring for your baby, your labor coach, and the hospital staff!

Weekly tip

If you're planning on breastfeeding, now is the time to buy nursing bras. Your milk isn't in yet, but your breasts are at their fullest and a good indication of what's to come. Ask for help from a sales person who is knowledgeable about nursing so you are properly fitted. You might want to get one for the day that has extra support and one to wear at night -- without under wire.

Welcome to week 37

37 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Growing everyday

Just a few weeks before your due date, your baby averages around 6 1/2 pounds and measures anywhere from 18-21 inches long. During these last days inside the uterus, your baby continues to grow and mature. The fine touches are taking place now in preparation for the journey out into the new world!

As anxious as you may be to meet your baby face-to-face, you still have a little time left to feel him flutter about inside you. Each time he kicks or jabs you with an elbow, stop for a second and put your hand on your stomach to memorize the movement and record it in your head. It's a precious time, and who knows if and when it will happen again?

Your body:  Gearing up for delivery

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may start noticing signs and feeling symptoms of false labor. They can set in one month or one day before you actually give birth – only time will tell. The question is, how will you know when it's real – and when it's not?

Generally, your health-care provider will be able to tell if you are in labor by looking at your cervix to determine if you are effaced and dilated. Often, it can be difficult to tell whether you are in true labor or having false labor. The following are some tips that may help you to distinguish true labor from false labor:

The real thing (true labor)

False start (false labor)

Remember the list above includes the most common findings between true and false labor, but every woman and baby are different. You may still be unclear whether you are in true labor, and it always better to call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital for guidance.

On note: On a scale of 1 to 10

If your friends continually regale you with the details of their deliveries and you have yet to experience it firsthand, this Cervical Changes During Labor simulator is a must-see. Dynamic and detailed, the two images show a cross-section of female reproductive system and a frontal view of a woman-s cervix. As you move the bar at the bottom of the scale, you will see how a cervix dilates from 1 to 10 centimeters.

Weekly tip

Having a baby is one of the most intimate and private experiences for a couple. That said, there are probably plenty of people in the waiting room or across the world who are anxiously awaiting to hear the good news. While your mind is clear and your hands are free, prepare a list of friends and family you want to call from the hospital so that you and your spouse don't have to go hunting for numbers. Plus, you should start collecting change to use in the pay phone if you can't make calls from your room.

Welcome to week 38

38 Week Old Fetus

Your baby: Reaching full-term

During the last couple weeks of pregnancy, your baby might gain a very small amount of weight or may stop gaining at all. Now considered full-term, your little one may weigh anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds and measure 18 to 21 inches long.

Your body: Getting into position

There is no right or wrong, best or worst position to give birth. It depends on where you're comfortable and what's happening. Most women do well lying on their side during labor. Others may feel better walking around, taking a shower, and pacing the hospital's hallways. Whatever the doctor's order, you should listen to your body to find the position that works best for you and helps labor progress. Always remember that, whatever position you're in, there are options:

Upright positions

It's important to breathe through each contraction and keep an open mind. If you have to be restricted to bed because of medical equipment, anesthesia or fetal monitoring, stay focused on your goal: your baby. And whether you're lying down or standing up, changing positions is key.

On a different note:  Episiotomy up close

Most first-time pregnant women feel a certain sense of panic when they think about how they're going to get that huge baby out of that small vaginal opening. Miraculously enough, some women's openings stretch out to accommodate the baby, while others end up with an episiotomy, or a surgical incision in the perineum to enlarge it. To learn more about this common procedure, click on our episiotomy article.

Weekly tip

Whether this is your first or your fourth baby, you could give birth any moment now. So it's crucial to get the logistics in place. That means knowing your spouse's every move, wearing a pager, keeping your cell phone recharged and on, sticking close to home (and the hospital), and making plans for your other children, if you have any, for when you go into labor.

Welcome to week 39

39 Week Old Fetus

Your baby:  Preparing for labor

Fully developed and ready for birth, your baby will weigh somewhere between 6 and 9 pounds and will measure between 18 and 21 inches in length. When labor starts, your baby's body shifts gears to prepare for the journey. The fluid in the lungs is absorbed, airing out the lungs in preparation for breathing. The fetal hormones are on the rise to help maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels after birth. Lastly, the baby represses his breathing movements in order to gather energy for delivery.

Your body:  Third stage of labor and beyond

Regardless of how much prep work you've done beforehand, you may not know what you're in for if this is your first baby. Immediately after birth, there are a bunch of things happening to you and your baby. In fact, those first 24 hours after delivery are full of activities you probably never thought about.

As soon as your baby has been delivered, you have to deliver the placenta, which had connected the baby to the uterus for oxygen, nutrient exchange and elimination of wastes. Usually, it's only a matter of minutes as the placenta separates from the uterine wall, but it can take up to a half hour. To help deliver the placenta and to encourage the uterus to contract - which closes off blood vessels and controls bleeding - your doctor may gently massage your lower abdomen. If it still doesn't come out, you may also have to help push it out, and in some cases, your doctor might have to reach inside to remove it by hand. While the removal of the placenta may be painful, it is an important part of the postpartum process. Your doctor will look at the placenta carefully once it is delivered to make sure it is normal.

Once the placenta is out, your doctor will clean you up and repair any damage that was done - an episiotomy, tearing, laceration, etc. If you had an episiotomy, it will take 10 to 20 minutes to close and a little longer for bigger tears. If the first anesthetic worn off, you may receive a local to numb the area before the doctor starts stitching. You may also be given ice packs to help reduce swelling and ease the pain.

After you are all cleaned up, you will be checked regularly and often, especially for the first 24 hours after delivery. Your uterus will be massaged, and you will be monitored for vaginal bleeding, infection, temperature and blood pressure. You will be encouraged to get up out of bed to help with your recovery.

In the meantime, you might be overwhelmed - and that's normal. Your body has just gone through a traumatic event, and your nine-month odyssey is finally over. Allow yourself time to heal and know that you will feel a flurry of emotions - ups, downs, good, bad, fear, excitement, and so on. The real adventure is just beginning!

On that note:  What happens after birth?

By the time you reach the end of the ninth month, you might be more focused on the baby than anything else. If your mind is racing with unanswered questions about what comes after birth, check out the Labor and Delivery section. You'll find answers to questions like what you should expect when you bring the baby home and how long it will take for your body to heal - and more.

Weekly tip

Chances are you feel like an oversized elephant by now. You probably can't bend down to put on your shoes or get out of bed gracefully. Just when you think you can't stand being pregnant one day more, do something different. Many pregnant women we know find this an opportune time to treat themselves to a manicure and pedicure. It's a great pick-me-up that will make your hands and feet feel great and will take your mind of

More information
Connect with Trinity

Trinity on Facebook  Trinity on Twitter  Trinity on Youtube  Trinity on FriendFeed   RSS feed of Trinity news
Upcoming Classes