What to expect in your seventh month of pregnancy

Congratulations on being seven months pregnant! This is a big milestone in your pregnancy journey. Your seventh month of pregnancy is an exciting time. You’re getting closer and closer to meeting your little one!

What happens to your baby week by week

Week 28

Baby’s skill of the week: blinking. He or she will continue adding fat and refining motor skills in the weeks to come. With the countdown to your due date under way, you’re probably getting more and more impatient to meet your baby. Dreaming about your baby? Baby may be dreaming about you, too, courtesy of the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep he or she has started getting. But this little dreamer isn’t ready for birth day just yet. Though his or her lungs are nearly fully mature by now, your baby still has a lot of growing to do. 

Week 29

As your baby’s eyelids continue to fuse shut this week, the eyes are also moving closer together and assume their final position. The pupils, irises, and eyelashes are fully formed and the eyes are open for about half the time they’re awake.

Your baby’s immune system is also gaining strength, and exposure to your vaginal bacteria helps colonies of beneficial bacteria (known as flora) to take hold in the intestines. These friendly bacteria help protect your baby from harmful bacteria and also aid in digestion.

Week 30

Every day, your baby’s brain is growing and developing, making connections and forming new pathways. All of this growth is essential for your baby’s future development and success.  Your baby will start shedding lanugo, the downy, soft body hair that has been keeping him or her warm up to this point. Which means that by the time your baby is born, he or she probably won’t be fuzzy anymore.

Week 31

Your baby is quickly approaching his or her birth length. Your baby is capable of giving that complex web of brain connections a good use, processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all senses.

Baby is now able to swallow and digest food, and their digestive system is continuing to mature. Baby’s lungs are also continuing to develop, and they may even practice “breathing” motions.

You may notice that the baby is more active now, and may even have a favourite “sleep position.” 

What YOU may be feeling

As the baby continues to grow and develop, you may notice changes in your own body. You may feel more tired, and your breasts may feel larger and heavier. You may also have more back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

Physically

– Rib pain: As your baby grows, they may start to push up against your ribs, which can be uncomfortable. Try sleeping on your side or using a pregnancy pillow to help support your back and belly.

– Shortness of breath: This is caused by the extra weight of your baby and the increased amount of blood in your body. You may find it difficult to take deep breaths. Try to take slow, deep breaths and avoid strenuous activity.

– Heartburn: Many pregnant women experience heartburn, which is caused by the stomach acid rising up into the throat.Try eating smaller meals more often and avoid spicy, fatty, and greasy foods.

– Swelling: This is caused by the extra fluid in your body and can lead to problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and wear supportive shoes.

– Braxton Hicks contractions: These are practice contractions that can start in the second trimester. They may become more frequent in the seventh month as your body prepares for labour.

Other symptoms you may have

• Varicose veins of the legs
• Hemorrhoids
• Itchy abdomen
• Constipation
• Occasional headaches, faintness, or dizziness
• Nasal congestion and occasional nosebleeds; ear stuffiness
• Sensitive gums that may bleed when you brush
• Leg cramps
• Backache
• Stronger and more frequent fetal activity
• Increasing vaginal discharge

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor or midwife. They can help you find ways to manage them and keep you and your baby healthy.

Emotionally

• Increasing excitement and apprehension  (the baby’s coming soon!)
• Strange and vivid dreams

What to Expect During Your Seventh month’s check up

At your seventh month checkup, your doctor will probably do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam to check your baby’s position. You will also likely have a vaginal ultrasound to get a better look at your baby and see how they are developing.

Your doctor will also ask you how your pregnancy is going, how you are feeling, and if you have any concerns or questions. Be sure to mention any concerns you have or any new symptoms you’ve been experiencing. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the last few weeks of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Here’s what to expect at your next checkup:

• Weight and blood pressure
• Urine, for sugar and protein
• Fetal heartbeat
• Height of the fundus (top of uterus)
• External palpation 
• Feet and hands for swelling and legs for protruding varicose veins
• Glucose screening test
• Blood test for anemia

Tips for your Seventh month of pregnancy

It is important to continue to care for yourself during this time, as your body is going through many changes.

Make sure to:

– Get plenty of rest. This is important for both you and your baby.

– Eat a healthy diet. This will help you to maintain your energy levels and keep your baby healthy.

– Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep you hydrated and will also help to prevent constipation.

– Avoid strenuous activity. If you must be active, make sure to take plenty of breaks.

– Be aware of the signs of preterm labor. If you experience any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.

Following these tips will help to make the seventh month of your pregnancy a little easier. However, if you are still finding things difficult, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or midwife.

The seventh month of pregnancy is an exciting time for both you and your baby. Keep up the good work, mama!

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