Week 31

Don’t worry if baby moves less. There is far less room in there now and his or her movements are limited. Get used to the new amounts of movement so that you know what to expect. Baby will be pressing up against your diaphragm which will make you feel breathless so take things slowly and don’t expect too much of yourself. Your breasts may have started to leak colostrums or discharge it if squeezed. This is the nutrient rich milk that baby will need in it’s first few days of life. Don’t worry about running out. There is more where that came from!

Week 32

Baby weighs a healthy 4 pounds and is around 19 inches long. You have a lot more blood in your body now to help support baby so don’t be overly concerned if you get bleeding gums but if accompanied by anything else such as toothache or bad breath do check it out with your dentist. You may also be getting Braxton- Hicks (practice contractions).

Week 33

Your baby is probably now beginning to move into the position he or she will be in for the birth. In most cases this is head down. Oedema/ water retention may be making you feel bloated and may be causing your hands, feet and face to swell slightly. Be prepared to have to buy bigger shoes and remove rings from your fingers. Try to keep drinking lots of water to help alleviate this. If you haven’t already done it now is the time to prepare baby’s nursery and pack your hospital bag.

Week 34

Baby is around 20 inches long and if born now would have some difficulties (e.g. not able to breastfeed straight away and a touch of jaundice) but would be unlikely to have the serious complications associated with much younger preemies. You are probably uncomfortable, struggling to sleep through the night and beginning to worry about the birth. Around now your baby will drop down a little in preparation for baby’s head engaging. This may reduce any indigestion or heartburn you have been suffering and will make it easier to breathe. The down side is that you may feel increased pressure, pain or numbness on your pelvic joints or in your vagina. This is natural and nothing to worry about unless the feelings are severe in which case just have a chat to your doctor.

Week 35

Babies born at 35 weeks should have little trouble with breastfeeding or breathing although you may need to take greater care in keeping them warm as they will have missed out on that final 5 weeks in the womb of building up body fat. Baby weighs around 5 pounds. You are probably worrying more but also wishing for the big day to hurry up. Force yourself to relax and do the “me time” things and couple’s dates that you won’t have chance to do when baby arrives. If you are restless cook some meals to freeze to help save time and energy in the tiring first few weeks of baby.