Your baby’s lungs and brain are beginning to mature and if you had a peak inside, you’d be able to detect some brain activity. It’ll keep getting more complex every day. Your brain is probably also working overtime, with so many thoughts playing on your mind – how will the labour go? Will I be a good mom? How will I know what to do? Will I be able to afford everything? This anxiety is completely normal, but try and take time out to process your thoughts. Also take a moment to appreciate that if your baby was to be born this week, it would have a good chance of survival (although it would require a considerable amount of time in the neonatal intensive care unit).
Your Baby
Your baby is the size of a sweet potato, weighs in at approximately 880 grams and is about is about 37cm long from top to toe. Your little button is now sleeping and waking at regular intervals, sucking her thumb and opening and closing those little eyes. You may also feel your little one hiccup occasionally. Your baby practicing their breathing techniques in preparation for the big day when they get to test those lungs for the first time.
Your Body
Just when you think no more pregnancy symptoms could possibly exist, insert leg cramps (and that’s over and above the now everyday symptoms such as heartburn, back pain, a stuffy nose, ligament pain, snoring, and itchy skin). The extra weight you’re carrying, and the growing uterus is putting pressure on your veins that return blood from your legs to your heart. Sadly, these cramps may worsen as your pregnancy progresses. They often seem to strike at night, so try and put your feet up as much as possible during the day.
Sensible Tips
- Remember to pre-register your birth with your medical aid so that you can receive a medical aid number.