Congratulations! You have made it to the eighth month of pregnancy. You are now in the home stretch and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is an exciting time, as your baby is growing and developing rapidly.
The eighth month is an important one during pregnancy. This is the month when the baby starts to gain weight and prepare for delivery. Below we let you know how the 8th month of pregnancy looks like, when the eight month starts, and why this eighth month of pregnancy is so important in your journey.
What happens to your baby in the womb during the eight month? This is a week by week guide.
Week 32
The eight month of your pregnancy starts around the 32nd week. These weeks it’s all about practice, practice, practice, as he or she hones the skills needed to survive outside the womb, from breathing to swallowing and sucking to kicking. Your baby will continue to grow and develop. They will gain weight and begin to fill out. Their bones will continue to harden and they will start to produce meconium, which is their first stool.
Week 33
This week, your baby’s senses are also continuing to develop during the eighth month of pregnancy. They will be able to hear noises from both inside and outside of the womb (these are great playlists for you to listen to during these weeks) and their sense of smell will become more developed. Your little one has been able to suck his or her thumb for a while now. Your baby’s skin is no longer translucent. As more and more fat accumulates under the skin, it’s finally opaque.
Week 34
Your baby may be as tall as 50 cm right now and weighs about 2.3 kilos. If you do, then this is the week that his testicles are making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination: his scrotum. Antibodies are also being passed from you to your baby as your little one continues to develop his or her own immune system. These antibodies will definitely come in handy on the outside and will protect your baby-to-be from many of those playground germs. The baby may be positioned head down in preparation for delivery.
What YOU may be feeling – Usual symptoms for the eight month of your pregnancy
As the eighth month of pregnancy comes to a close, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about the impending arrival of your baby. This is normal! Here’s a look at what you can expect during the eighth month of pregnancy:
Physically
- Strong, regular foetal activity
- Increasing vaginal discharge
- Increased constipation
- Heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
- Occasional headaches, faintness, or dizziness
- Sensitive gums
- Leg cramps
- Backache
- Pelvic pressure and/ or achiness
- Mild swelling of the ankles and feet and occasionally of the hands and face
- Varicose veins of the legs
- Haemorrhoids
- Itchy abdomen
- Increasing clumsiness
- Enlarged breasts
- Colostrum, leaking from nipples
Emotionally
- Increasing eagerness for the pregnancy to be over
- Apprehension about the labour and delivery
- Increasing absentmindedness
- Trepidation about becoming a parent, if it’s your first time
- Excitement at the realisation that it won’t be long now
What to expect during your eight month’s check up
You may be starting to think about labour and delivery this month. While every pregnancy is different, most women will go into labour between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your specific labour and delivery plans.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
So, what can you expect at your eighth month check-up?
- Weight and blood pressure
- Urine, for sugar and protein
- Foetal heartbeat
- Height of the fundus (top of uterus)
Tips for your eight month of pregnancy
During the eighth month of pregnancy, your baby is continuing to grow and develop. You may notice that you’re gaining weight and your belly is getting bigger. This is normal! Your body is preparing for childbirth and you may feel uncomfortable at times.
As always, eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are important for a healthy pregnancy. You may want to consider joining a pregnancy exercise class or swimming. Prenatal yoga is also a great way to stay active and relieve stress. Be sure to listen to your body and take breaks when you need to.
Remember! You are the best person to know what is right for you and your baby. Keep up the good work!