35 Weeks of Pregnancy (The Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
Fetal size: crown-rump 33cm (13.2 inches), crown-toe 45cm (20.25 inches). Fetal weight: 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds).
Fat has continued to build up under your baby's skin, and is responsible for providing energy and regulating body temperature. These fat deposits have also changed the appearance of the skin, making it pinker (rather than red) and less wrinkled.
Fingernails are developed on the fingers, but may still be growing on the toes. Eyelids can be opened and closed and blinking is possible. The irises are also now light sensitive, and will dilate and contract depending on exposure to light.
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
By week 35 your weight gain should be approximately 9-13 kilos (20-29 pounds).
Labour and birth can seem quite daunting, so it's only natural that you and your partner may start to get a little bit nervous as Week 40 draws closer! You may experience mood swings (possibly as a result of discomfort or anxiety), and irritability. It's important for you and your partner to recognise that this can be a stressful time in your lives, and to keep things in perspective. Make sure you take the time to talk to one another, reassure each other and spend some time relaxing together. Things will change once you have a newborn in the house
Remember to write down any last minute questions for your visits to your healthcare practitioner or antenatal class instructor.
Another sign of labour is the show. This is when the mucus plug that seals your cervix during pregnancy is dislodged and passes out through the vagina. Having a show doesn't necessarily mean your labour is about to start - your cervix may simply have stretched a little. The show doesn't present any danger for you or your baby, but you should contact your health care professional immediately to advise them that you have had a show.
36 Weeks of Pregnancy (The Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
Fetal size: crown-rump 34 cm (13.5 inches), crown-toe 46cm (20.7 inches). Fetal weight: 2.75 kilos (6 pounds).
How is the baby lying?
From about 24 weeks it is possible for your health care professional to determine what position your baby is in. This may change quite a few times as the baby grows, until some time between 32-36 weeks, when the baby runs out of room. A baby usually lies in the cephalic position, that is head down and legs curled up towards your ribs. This is an ideal position, as a baby's head is larger than the rest of its body, so if the head fits through your pelvis then the rest of the body will have no trouble.
On less frequent occasions the baby can be in a breech position, where its head is under your ribs and the feet are pointing towards your pelvis. If the baby is in the breech position during birth, this can present health care professionals with a problem. Your health care professional will discuss your care if your baby is in a breech position. Another rare position is transverse, where the baby lies across your body. This is more common in women that have had at least one child and there is a more room for the baby to move. The baby usually turns before labour commences.
Engagement
This is when the baby's head has entered the pelvis. It usually occurs at around week 36 for a first time mother, and later if you have already had a child. You may notice a change in your abdomen, in that the baby does not sit as high under your ribs, or that your belly is protruding a little further. This may happen gradually or quickly. Some women are unaware of any changes, but will be informed by their health care professional. It is a good indication that everything is going to plan and that your pelvis is a good size for the baby.
What should I do now?
Birth Plan
This is usually a written plan of the way that you would like your labour and birth to be managed. It can be developed in consultation with your partner and/or health care professional. It is recommended that at the very least, you discuss all aspects of your care prior to the onset of established labour, as once labour establishes you may not be able to think clearly or have the time to discuss important issues. A birth plan is used as a guide only. You can never be too sure of what is going to happen during childbirth and is important to remain flexible. Take a look at the Essential Baby Birth Plan information to get some ideas.
37 Weeks of Pregnancy (The Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
Fetal size: crown-rump 35cm (14 inches), crown-toe 47cm (18.5 inches). Fetal weight: 3 kilos (6.5 pounds).
The average size of a healthy full term baby in Australia is 3.5 kilos. There are many variations on this figure, and the size of your baby is linked to both parents' birth weight and their adult height.
Your baby is still growing and gaining weight!
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
By Week 37, you should have reached your peak for weight gain during your pregnancy. Your total pregnancy weight gain should be between 9 and 13.5 kilos (20-30 pounds).
This week your health care practitioner may do a pelvic examination. Things he/she will evaluate include:
- Condition of the cervix - how soft, firm or thin it is (the cervix thins out and softens during labour),and whether there is any dilation
- Amniotic Fluid (intact or leaking)
- Presentation of your baby (head or breech) and how far your baby has advanced into the birth canal
- Your pelvic bones and their shape
Signs of Labour
The first signs of labour can be missed, but when labour is establishing the signs are definite:
Show
This is the protective plug of mucous and old blood that comes away from the neck of the uterus and passes into the vagina. The show generally indicates that labour will start within a few days. If a lot of blood is passed it is advisable to contact your health care professional.
Contractions
These are the regular painful tightenings of the uterus that occur throughout labour. They may be far apart to begin with, but will gradually become longer, stronger and closer together. Contractions initially feel like period pain coming and going, and last for about 20 seconds. Once they are regular and more painful, it is a sign that labour has started. Backache and even sore legs can accompany contractions. It is important to be aware that the birth can take up to 18 hours to occur from the start of painful regular contractions.
Waters breaking
This is when the membranes of the amniotic sac break. It can either be a slow trickle or a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina. This can happen when labour starts, or during labour or sometimes even hours before labour commences. Your health care professional should be notified if you think that your waters have broken and you should take note of the colour of the fluid.
38 Weeks of Pregnancy (The Baby & Pregnancy)
How big is my baby?
Fetal size: crown-rump 35 cm (14 inches), crown-toe 47cm (21 inches). Fetal weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 pounds).
What pregnancy symptoms will I be experiencing?
Although many women don't get any bigger during the last few weeks of pregnancy, you may still grow a little bit. By now you could be feeling very uncomfortable and wanting to get the baby out!
You should have an antenatal card on which your health care professional records notes during your antenatal visits. Each visit should have an entry. You will need to take this card with you when you go to hospital, so remember to pack it in your hospital bag.
In the past, having an enema was a routine part of early labour. These days it is probably not a routine procedure at your hospital, and if you think you would like one, you will probably need to ask. An enema during early labour may help if your bowels are full and you are unable to go to the toilet in the onset of labour. If you are unable to go to the toilet before or during labour, you may lose whatever is in your rectum when the baby's head comes through the birth canal. An enema before birth may help to make you more comfortable during labour and birth, and will minimise the possibility of contamination from faeces during birth. If you have an episiotomy, you may also be more comfortable if you don't have to empty your bowels too soon after birth. The choice is entirely up to you!
At this stage of your pregnancy you will be feeling quite uncomfortable. A common complaint around this time of pregnancy is the feeling that the baby might fall out. This feeling occurs because the baby has moved lower into the birth canal and you will feel the pressure associated with this move. You probably have nothing to worry about, but if you need reassurance that everything is OK, see your health care professional.
You may also experience pins and needles, numbness or tingling in the pelvis. This is also a result of the added pressure of your baby, and is a common complaint at this time. Again, if you are at all concerned, see your health care practitioner for reassurance.
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