8th Month
week 32 to 36
Your BabyYour baby gains about 2 pounds this month; by the end of the month it will weigh about 5 1/2 pounds and will be about 18 inches long
All body systems and organs are now mature enough by the end of this month that your baby should be all right if it should be born early but still needs that extra time of growing in your uterus
Its skin is smooth as fat begins to fill out the wrinkles
Its eyes are open
The soft downy hair gradually disappears
It is still active with noticeable patterns of sleep and wakefulness
It may settle down into the position for birth
Your BodyThe top of your uterus is now up near your rib cage
You may have trouble breathing when the baby pushes up against your lungs
Your heartburn may increase
You may have trouble sitting or lying comfortably for long periods of time
You may have trouble with hemorrhoids
You can feel the parts of the baby through your abdominal wall
You begin to tire easily
You may find this month your most uncomfortable on physically
Your vaginal secretions increase
You may sweat more easily
You may need to urinate frequently day and night as the baby's head crowds your bladderYour Responsibility
Plan to get a prenatal check-up every two weeks this month
Eat a balanced diet or small frequent meals
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day
Continue your exercises learned in your childbirth education class
Make financial arrangements with the hospital
Begin to make plans for someone to help you around the house after the birth
Request another hemoglobin or hematocrit test to check for anemia
Make arrangements with a pediatrician, family doctor, or clinic for baby's health care after birth
Practice relaxation techniques during Braxton-Hicks contractions (normal tightening and releasing of the muscles of uterus)
Review what activities will take place during labor and delivery
Discuss names for the baby with your partner
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