#(&"%$''!( Week 33
Baby: Your baby may now weight as much as five pounds and its lungs will have begun to secrete surfactant, which keeps the air passages open.
You: Your GP may want to keep an eye on your blood pressure from this point so he or she may ask you to come in more regularly.
Tip: If haemorrhoids (piles) have been giving you problems, clean the area with cold witch hazel pads (stick them in the freezer before using them), and then relax in a warm bath for about 20 minutes.
Week 34
Baby: Baby may now start reacting to our emotions now, as well as your voice. Also, its skin is becoming smoother and less translucent so it's more like the final skin colour.
You: You may notice a few drops of clear or yellowish fluid on your nipples - hardly surprising considering your breasts have been preparing to make milk for almost four months!
Tip: If baby's kicking is keeping you awake at night, then try going to the loo just before you go to bed. Also, if it's uncomfortable, try getting up and walking around.
Week 35
Baby:Antibodies are now passing through the placenta and these will protect baby from any illness which you have had, such as the mumps.
You:To reduce the swelling in your feet and ankles, sit down or lie down and put your feet above the level of your head as much as you can.
Tip:Try to walk a bit every day until your baby arrives, this will help reduce the swelling in your ankles.
Week 36
Baby: Baby's head may now be down low in the pelvis and can bounce up and down on your cervix giving you 'shocks', particularly if you sit down too quickly.
You: You may be getting stabbing pains or aches - similar to a 'stitch'. Tese are just the pelvic ligaments loosening up in anticipation of the birth.
Tip: If Braxton Hicks are really kicking in, then the best way to minimise the discomfort is to walk around and take deep breaths, or, if you’ve been taking a birthing class, try practising the breathing techniques you’ve learned.
Week 37
Baby: Baby's nails will have reached the tips of its fingers and toes, so it's now time to pack the scratch mittens!
You: Your breasts may now have developed a mind of their own and be leaking for no apparent reason. Tis is the colostrum, which will give your newborn protein and antibodies in the days before your milk 'comes in'.
Tip: If you're experiencing lower back pain then sleep with a pillow between your legs at night, as this will give you support. Opt for a smaller maternity pillow, which will be easier for you to manoeuvre at night.
Week 38
Baby: Your baby is now classed as 'full term' although most doctors say 40 weeks is full term too because that's the typical length of a pregnancy.
You: Your 'nesting' instinct will be at fever pitch. You'll be scrubbing beneath shelves like there's no tomorrow!
Tip:Don't be standing on chairs or stepladders - get someone else to do it!
Week 39
Baby: Baby is now three times heavier than it was eleven weeks ago and its intestine will be filled with a sticky green/black waste substance called meconium, which will fill baby's first nappy!
You: You're now in the home stretch, but may be feeling a little apprehensive. Talk to your midwife or GP about any concerns that you may have.
Tip: Regardless of whether it's your first baby or your eighth, take this time to simply enjoy feeling your baby kick and move inside of you, and to relish the special time you still have alone as a 'couple'.
Week 40
Baby:All plumped out and with smooth skin, your baby is now ready to travel down the birth canal and face the world!
You: You're ready to go, go, go! Tip: Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Spring 2016 MODERNMUM 37
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