The Eighth Month of Pregnancy

Week 32

How is baby developing?

Your baby is still growing. As of this week, they weigh half of what they will weigh at birth, and still has a few more centimetres to go as well. Meanwhile, they will start to get into the position they will have at the time of delivery: 95 % of pregnancies are delivered with the baby upside down, top of the head forward. This is called the "presentation" and may be determined at the next ultrasound.

How is your body changing?

If you are surprised by the size of your breasts, remember that your body is getting ready to breastfeed. The big moment is coming closer! Don’t be surprised if you find yellow flecks on your blouse or T-shirt occasionally: that is “pre-milk,” or colostrum. Though surprising, it is a good sign. It means your breasts are ready for feeding your child. The colostrum you give your baby in the first few days contains antibodies that boost your child’s immune system. Not every woman produces pre-milk at this point. If you are one of them, you can protect your clothing with a nursing bra and breast pads from any baby accessories store.

Week 33

How is baby developing?

Your little resident is running out of space inside you. Good thing they’re getting ready to come out soon! Most will be starting to get into position by placing their head in the narrowest part of the uterus. 95% of babies are born with their heads down and tilted back towards the left. By now, your baby has swallowed a lot of amniotic fluid. Their intestine gradually fills with meconium because of it, a thick, viscous greenish or blackish material made from solid particles and various bits and bobs suspended in the amniotic liquid (things like cell debris and fat vernix). This meconium will make up your baby’s first bowel movement at birth. Just in case you were wondering!

How is your body changing?

Have you got that funny line going down the front of your belly? During the last trimester a line forms down the middle of your belly, seeming to divide it into two halves. This is known as the linea nigra, which becomes darker as pigmentation increases. It can be seen most clearly right after the birth. A few weeks later, it will have completely disappeared. A further change is that, because the uterus needs all the room it can get, it presses the navel gently outwards. It can be unpleasant for many women: the soft skin of the navel can chafe on clothing. One small consolation is that, after the birth, the navel returns to its old position.

Week 34

How is baby developing?

Your baby continues to grow but will especially become fatter. The brain will develop at a frenzied pace, and it is now ready to carry out the functions of the vital systems outside the uterus: it can control the respiration rate, coordinate the contractions of the digestive tract and regulate its body temperature. As baby prepares for its future exit, its eyelids are uncovered, and its ears are fully functioning. It already understands the notion of sleep and you may even start to recognise some sleep patterns developing.

How is your body changing? 

In the last few weeks before the birth you should stay near your doctor or your hospital. You never know when your little darling will suddenly lose patience! Your body knows what it needs to do. For most, your baby will naturally start to move into place as your pelvis begins to widen. Does the baby feel particularly heavy? Your pelvic joints are loosening up, pulling on your ligaments. It can be highly uncomfortable. Your baby may have already started to go down into your pelvis, they won’t get completely in place until a few days or even hours before the beginning contractions of childbirth.

Week 35

How is baby developing?

The lungs of your baby are ready, and not only for that first post-birth cry! The substance that lines the inner surface of the ends of the bronchial alveoli is present in sufficient quantities to ensure their flexibility and prevent them from collapsing. Exchanges between you and the placenta continue. That’s what maintains the volume of amniotic fluid, contained in what is called the amniotic sac. When your little one’s appearance is imminent, it sometimes will break – your “water will break” – your sign to call your doctor!

How is your body changing?

From one day to the next, you’re breathing more freely, and the indigestion is not so bad. What’s going on? It’s simple: your baby is doing what it needs to do. Nature is amazing, your little one has moved their head downwards into your pelvis. Perhaps you noticed a slight pain or pressure in your abdomen beforehand. That would have been contractions pressing your uterus downwards, giving your lungs and stomach a bit more space. In the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you may have the feeling that your body is beginning to prepare for your little love’s birth.