PREGNANCY CALENDAR - PREGNANCY THIRD TRIMESTER

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PREGNANCY CALENDAR

3. Third Trimester: (Week 27 – Week 40)

Week 27
The beginning of the third trimester, the baby now looks similar to what it will look like at birth. Baby now weighs around 2 pounds and is about 9.6” (240mm) from crown to rump. Hands are active and muscle coordination is such that he can get his thumb into his mouth. Thumb-sucking calms the baby and strengthens his cheek and jaw muscles. Baby’s lungs are now producing a substance called surfactant which helps keep the little air sacs in the lungs open when he breathes air. You can start considering about the delivery. At this stage advise from expert on how far apart the contractions should be before going to the hospital or birth center and how to predict labor etc.

Week 28
Baby weighs between 2 and 2.5 pounds this week, with a crown to rump length of 10” (250mm) and a standing height of around 13-14 inches. Brain waves show rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means your baby may be dreaming. Little eyes are opening this week. Branches of lungs are developing, so there's a good chance that baby would survive if born prematurely now. Get your glucose tolerance test to ensure you blood sugar level is normal. If your blood sugar levels are high, you will likely have to undergo a more lengthy blood glucose test and may be referred to a nutritionist and/or endocrinologist to help you get your blood sugars within a normal range.

Week 29
Your baby measures about 10.4” from crown to rump, or a total length of about 16.7” from head to toe, and weighs about 2.7 pounds. At this stage a fetus's eyes are almost always blue and can distinguish bright sunlight or artificial light through the uterine wall. Baby is performing fewer acrobatics as conditions in the womb become more cramped, but still doing a lot of kicking and stretching. The survivor chances of your baby if the baby is born now are 70% with expert medical care. But the baby could possibly have disabilities or health problems associated with being born prematurely. Your uterus is about 3.5 to 4” above your navel. Weight gain is probably between 19 and 25 pounds. At this stage, protein and calories the most important mineral, therefore, make sure you eat enough protein and get enough calories overall. This is to ensure your baby getting enough food to rapidly putting on their weight. Low protein diet may cause premature labor, high blood pressure, and swelling.

Week 30
At over 17” long, the baby begins learning to breathe by rhythmically moving the diaphragm. The baby could even get the hiccups if it accidentally inhales amniotic fluid. Skin may still be slightly wrinkled, but your baby is getting fatter, and soon the wrinkles will be gone. Eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed, and hair on the head is getting thicker. Head and body are now proportioned like a newborn's. Hands are now fully formed and fingernails are growing. Your uterus is about four” above your navel, and it's hard to believe you still have about 10 weeks to go as baby continues to push on your ribs. You may be feeling more discomfort in your pelvis and abdomen. You'll probably be gaining about a pound a week. Labor is getting nearer and nearer each day, if you haven't already attended nor have a childbirth class scheduled or read at least one book about childbirth. It is time you start doing that or you can tour the hospital's labor and delivery ward to get used to them.

Week 31
At this point, your baby measures are about 18” long from head to toe and weigh about 3.5 pounds. His crown-rump length is between 10.8” and 11.2” (275-280mm) and standing height ranges from 14.5” to 18”. Little feet are over two” long now with visible toenails. Mom-to-be: Your uterus now fills a large part of your abdomen, and you've probably gaining between 21 and 27 pounds. You're probably feeling increasing excitement and anxiousness about the birth -- it won't be long now. Practice your breathing and relaxation exercises. A glucose screen may be repeated in the next few weeks.

Week 32
Your baby measures about 18.9” long from head to toe and weighs almost 4 pounds. All the spaces in your uterus are filled with it. A layer of fat is forming underneath the thin, wrinkly skin. Baby is practicing how to open his eyes and breathing. You may continue to get backaches and leg cramps. You may also notice colostrums leaking from your breasts, a yellowish fluid that precedes milk production.

Week 33
Your baby measures about 19.4” from head to toe and weight about 4.4 pounds. The next few weeks will mark lots of growth in the baby. Your baby is going to be gaining weight rapidly, so eat well. Baby begins to move less now as it runs out of room and curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest and arms and legs crossed because as he/she gets bigger, your womb gets more crowded. Sleeping much of the time, the baby may even dream. Start planning for yourself, the new-comer and family as your life is going to change very soon.

Week 34
Weighing five pounds and over 19.0” long from head to toe, baby is probably settling into the head-down position, although it might not be final. Organs are now almost fully mature, except for lungs, and the skin is pink and smooth. Fingernails reach to the finger tips. Baby might have lots of hair. Movements are less frequent because of the tight fit. Your uterus around 5.6” (14cm) above your belly button, or 13.6” (34cm) from the top of your pelvis, hardens and contracts as practice for labor, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, but you may not feel them yet. Your pelvis has expanded and may ache, especially at the back. Uterus is pushed hard against your lower ribs and your rib cage may be sore, and your navel is probably pushing out as a result of your abdomen being stretched.

Week 35
Your baby measures about 20.25” from head to toe and weighs more than 5.5 pounds. The baby has almost reached the size it will be at birth. Also, the baby may start moving into a head-down position. Lungs are almost fully developed, but if born now the baby would probably be put in an incubator. It still doesn't have enough fat deposits beneath its skin to keep warm outside your womb. By now your weight gain is probably between 24 and 29 pounds. Your uterus is about six” above your navel. You may be getting more uncomfortable and not sleeping very well. You also may be getting more anxious about the labor and delivery, and you may even be moodier and more irritable.

Week 36
Your baby measures about 20.7” from head to toe and weighs about 6 pounds. The baby may drop lower in your abdomen, usually assuming the head-down position after having frequently assumed other positions during early pregnancy. The brain has been developing rapidly, and your baby is practicing blinking. Your uterus has grown bigger these last few weeks and is probably up under your ribs. But you're in the home stretch; after this week you'll be seeing your doctor weekly. You may be alternating between fatigue and extra bursts of energy. You may also be experiencing increased backache and heaviness, constipation, heartburn and discomfort in your buttocks and pelvis. You may experience contraction. If the contractions become regular and longer in duration, contact your doctor.

Week 37
Your baby is about 21” from head to toe and weighs almost 6.5 pounds. The baby is now in full-term. Any day from now on could be the big day you've been waiting for. Baby is getting rounder and rounder every day, and skin is getting pinker and losing its wrinkly appearance. Baby's head is usually positioned down into the pelvis by now. Most babies, around 97%, are in a head down position before birth. If your baby is found to be bottom down or feet first, it is considered breech. However, some still may turn before labor begins. Have you discussed your birth plan with your doctor? If not, do so.

Week 38
Your baby is about 21” from head to toe and weighs about 6.8 pounds. Most of the fine hair, lanugo, surrounding the baby has disappeared. Your baby is getting its antibodies from you to protect against illness. Baby's growth is slowing, but fat cells under skin get plumper for life outside the womb. Almost ready for birth, your baby would be premature but would do well if born now. Sleeping may be more difficult and you may find yourself visiting the restroom more often. Make sure you have a bag packed. It won't be long now -- 95 percent of all babies are born within two weeks of their mother's due date. If you are planning on breastfeeding for your baby, now might be a good time to do a little refresher reading.

Week 39
Be patient, you're almost there! The baby is around 18 - 22” long this week. Genetics, your build, and your nutritional status all contribute to determining your baby's height and weight. There are always surprises though! Toenails and fingernails have grown to tips of toes and fingers. Muscles of your baby's arms and legs are strong, and he's practicing lung movements. Baby's head has dropped into the mother's pelvis if he's head-down, which allows you to breathe a little easier. You're probably feeling quite large and uncomfortable. Watch for signs of labor, but don't get too obsessed. It could happen soon or still be weeks away. Some differences between false labor and contractions: False labor begins in the lower abdomen, while the real thing typically begins in the lower back and spreads to the lower abdomen. Real labor also becomes stronger and more powerful as time passes. Be patient, it's only a matter of when he/she is coming out to meet you.

Week 40
The day you've been dreaming about is here! Maybe. Actually, only five percent of babies arrive on their due date. Don't despair; soon enough that little bundle of joy will make an appearance. At this week your baby's length is about 21.5” from head to toe and it weighs about 7.5 pounds. Boys often tend to weigh a little more than girls. Reflexes are coordinated so the baby can blink, close his eyes, turn his head, grasp firmly and respond to sounds, light and touch. More lanugo falls out, but some may remain at birth on shoulders, folds of skin and backs of ears.