Week 31: A Busy Brain

Your baby’s brain is rapidly forming connections, with billions of them being made every day. They’re also spending more time in REM sleep, the drowsy phase. If you want to wake your little one up, try eating or drinking something sugary — it’ll get them moving!

Week 32: Organ Development and Growth

Your baby's major organs are now fully formed, with the lungs still finishing up. In fact, if born this week, they would likely thrive. Meanwhile, your baby practices breathing amniotic fluid and their skin is becoming less transparent, adding to their growing complexity.

Week 33: Gaining Weight and Preparing

Your baby’s skull remains flexible for birth, and they’re drinking up to a pint of amniotic fluid daily to support their digestive system. With a weight gain of about half a pound per week, your baby is rapidly growing and preparing for the big day ahead.

Week 34: Sleep and Skin Changes

Your baby’s sleep schedule is settling into a rhythm, with distinct periods of sleep and wakefulness. The thickening of vernix, the waxy coating on their skin, begins, and you may start seeing tiny hands and feet poking through your belly as they continue to grow. 

Organ Development

By the eighth month, your baby’s organs are nearly fully developed. Their lungs are maturing and practising breathing movements. Their brain is developing rapidly, and their senses, like hearing, are well-developed.

Physical Features

Your baby is gaining fat to help regulate body temperature after birth. They’re looking more like a newborn, with less wrinkled skin and soft lanugo. Fingernails extend beyond fingertips, and the fine hair may start falling out soon.

Weight of the Foetus

By the end of the eighth month, your baby could weigh 2–2.5 kg and be about 17–18 inches long. Over the next few weeks, they will continue to gain weight rapidly, preparing for birth.

Baby Movement

Your baby’s movements are more powerful and frequent as space decreases. You’ll feel more kicks, stretches, and jabs. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s a reassuring sign of an active, healthy baby. 

Growing Belly

Your bump is now quite large, making movement and finding comfortable positions for sitting or sleeping harder. Stretch marks may also appear as your skin stretches further.

Breathing Difficulties

As your uterus grows, it presses on your diaphragm and lungs, making deep breaths harder. Sit up straight and take slow, deep breaths to ease the discomfort.

Frequent Urination

Your baby’s position and expanding uterus put pressure on your bladder, leading to frequent bathroom trips, especially at night, which can disrupt sleep.

Back and Pelvic Pain

Your growing belly strains your back and pelvis, causing pain or pressure. Rest when needed, and consider a support belt or pregnancy pillow to ease discomfort.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Practice contractions may become more frequent now. These irregular contractions help prepare your body for labour and usually ease with movement or hydration.

Foods to Eat:

• Iron: Boost blood volume and prevent anaemia with iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, red meat, and beans.
• Calcium: Support baby’s bones and teeth with milk, cheese, yoghurt, and leafy greens.
• Protein: Aid growth and muscle strength with eggs, chicken, tofu, fish, or beans.
• Healthy Fats: Promote brain development with avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
• Whole Grains: Maintain energy and stabilise blood sugar with oats, brown rice, and wheat.
• Fibre: Prevent constipation with fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Foods to Avoid:

• High-Mercury Fish: Avoid fish like swordfish, mackerel, and shark. Choose lower-mercury options like salmon to protect your baby’s development.
• Raw or Undercooked Meat: Raw meat and seafood may contain harmful bacteria. Ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked to avoid risks during pregnancy.
• High-Caffeine Drinks: Limit caffeine to safeguard your baby’s brain and nervous system. Opt for coconut water, lemon water, or fresh juices for hydration.

Safe Exercises to Do:

• Walking: Walking is a great, low-impact exercise that helps keep your blood circulation flowing and your energy levels up.
• Swimming: Swimming or water aerobics is excellent for relieving joint pain and swelling while also providing a good cardiovascular workout.
• Prenatal Yoga: Yoga helps with flexibility, relaxation, and balance. It can also ease the discomforts of pregnancy and prepare your body for labour.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegels are especially important as they help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which will support you during delivery and help with post-birth recovery.

Exercises to Avoid:

• High-Impact Activities: Avoid running, jumping, or any exercises that could cause strain or injury.
• Heavy Weightlifting: Lifting heavy weights can place too much strain on your back and abdomen.
• Contact Sports: Steer clear of contact sports like basketball or soccer, as there’s an increased risk of injury.

Weight and Blood Pressure Check

Your weight gain is monitored to ensure a healthy pregnancy, while your blood pressure is checked to detect conditions like preeclampsia, which can lead to complications if left untreated.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound may be advised to assess your baby’s position, estimate their weight, check amniotic fluid levels, and evaluate the placenta’s health. This scan helps ensure your baby is in an optimal position for birth.

Cervical Exam

Your doctor will check if your cervix has begun to dilate (open) or efface (thin out), which are key signs that your body is preparing for labour. They may also assess how far the head has descended into the pelvis.

Group B strep test

If not done yet, your doctor will perform a quick vaginal and rectal swab to check for Group B Strep (GBS), a bacteria that can pass to the baby during birth. If positive, antibiotics will be given during labour.

Nonstress test (NST)

This test checks if your baby usually responds to movement, showing it’s getting enough oxygen. It’s recommended in high-risk pregnancies or if you’re past your due date.

Contraction stress test

This test uses a small dose of pitocin to trigger mild contractions and assess how your baby’s heart rate responds. It’s usually done in late pregnancy if concerns arise from other tests, if the mother has risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, or if the pregnancy is post-term.

Labour Signs

Your doctor will discuss the signs of labour, including contractions, water breaking, and when to go to the hospital. They may also address any questions or last-minute concerns.

Mental Health

In month 8, as your due date approaches, it’s normal to feel excited yet anxious. Focus on self-care, stay active, and lean on loved ones for support. If anxiety grows, consult your doctor for reassurance and guidance.