By this time, you are approaching the beginning of the end of your pregnancy with few weeks remaining towards your delivery. The baby should now adopt the breech position, with the head facing towards your cervix, to facilitate natural birth. However, if the baby does not achieve this position, you can still deliver healthily through the C-Section.
Week 28: The baby should be about 4 pounds and measuring 16 inches long, being plump with continued fat buildup under the skin. He or she is developing endocrinological and the enzyme system, as the lungs continue to develop. A thalamocortical complex, believed to influence the consciousness of the baby also begins to be functional. As the third trimester kicks in, you will note more frequent punches and kicks from your baby. Month 7
Week 29: As the baby continues to kick and move, you may experience severe pain at the ribs, pelvic and sometimes leaking of urine. The development of your baby’s brain system continue to progress, together with the lungs and the muscles. The skin now starts to smooth out as your baby builds up more fat. The waxy white substance (vernix) that initially grew on the skin for protection now begins to disappear, same as the soft downy lanugo hair.
Week 30: The baby is now around 4 pounds, measuring about 17 inches. You can experience flutters as the baby continues with the breathing experiments, as the diaphragm moves upwards and outwards. The baby’s size has increased so much that it’s occupying the entire uterine cavity. Various body systems, such as the digestive and the brain system, are fully developed and functional. For instance, the brain can now send signals to the lungs, eyes and muscles and even monitor their performance.
Week 31: By now, your breasts may start leaking colostrum (a sticky and yellowish substance) in preparation for lactation/breastfeeding. The baby is about 15 inches long and measuring 3 ½ pounds, being about half of the size to be during birth. The baby should be swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid to ensure that gastrointestinal problems do not occur. Little amniotic fluid could mean the baby doesn’t urinate properly, which may cause placenta or kidney problem.
Week 32: You are now gaining about a pound in weight every week, with the blood volume increasing to 150 percent. Measuring about 16-17 inches long and weighing 4 ½ pounds, your baby may appear calmer now as the uterus is fully occupied. The baby adopts a sleeping pattern of about 20-40 minutes at a time, which may disrupt your sleeping patterns. The umbilical cord is covered by a gelatinous substance, which protects the baby from injury during its movements. Month 8
Week 33: The baby now weighs about 4-5 pounds, measuring about 17 inches in length. Most of the bone hardens except for the skull, as fat layer continue to build up under the skin. The baby should also adopt the head-down position (this may take more time for some women). The amount of the amniotic fluid is now decreasing with continued growth of your baby, meaning that the baby’s kicks may appear sharper than before.
Week 34: The baby measures between 15 ½ and 17 ½ inches, weighing about 5 pounds. You should note a reduction in pressure on your chest and lungs as the baby moves into the pelvic area. Almost all organs are fully functional except from the lungs, that will become fully functional after birth. Your baby may still experience hiccups.
Week 35: Your baby is getting to 18 inches in length, and should weigh about 6 pounds by now, though growth and development continues up to delivery. The baby’s liver is fully functional and the kidneys are functioning well. Lanugo hair is disappearing fast and vellus hair growing in place of it. You may still experience more kicking as the amniotic sac decreases.
Week 36: The baby is about 19 inches in length, weighing around 6 pounds. At this time, the circulation and immune systems are working perfectly. You may experience urinary tract infections, or UTIs, which are normally caused by hemorrhoids or frequent urination (this doesn’t happen to all women). Episodes of high blood pressure coupled with heightened sugar levels (spikes) will also be common but these will disappear with time. The baby is now almost done with growing, apart from the buildup of fat under the skin, which causes body parts to be plump. During this week, the baby will start absorbing some amniotic fluid that is surrounding them. This week marks the last period when your baby is considered immature if delivered. Month 9
Week 37: The baby is now at full term and delivery may take place between this week and the 39th week through natural delivery. The growth rate of the baby reduces to about ½ ounce a day. The skin that had been wrinkly and loose is now smooth as fat is deposited under the skin. The baby weighs about 6 ½ -7 pounds, and measures about 19 inches. As the lungs of your baby continue to develop, the breathing process is smoother and frequent. If the baby is born during this week, lanugo or vernix hairs are still evident on the skin.
Week 38: The baby is now in position with the pelvic bone, with little growth to reach about 20 inches. The baby now starts to develop the tear duct that forms tears after birth, and the sex organs are fully grown. The baby is clenching fists and reacting to various sounds. The eyes may still appear bluish due to lack of pigment, though this should turn green or brown after birth.
Week 39: This week forms the healthiest time for delivery as most organs are fully developed including the tear duct. The lungs are also mature waiting for delivery to start functioning. If you give birth during this week, the baby should weigh about 7 pounds. The baby should remain active throughout this time; contact your healthcare provider (midwife) if you note otherwise.
Week 40: The baby should by now have developed immunity needed to survive after birth. If you haven’t given birth by now, your baby may weigh up to 10 pounds and measure 21 inches. All the bones are hard enough apart from the skull. In case your due date has elapsed, you may have to attend an ultrasound scan to know how your baby or the placenta is. The placenta may deteriorate if the delivery date is past overdue. Beyond 40 weeks If you fail to deliver even after 40 weeks of pregnancy, contact an obstetrician immediately. The health officer should offer you with a membrane sweep to induce labor, or recommend other suitable methods.
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