Seventh and Eighth Months of Pregnancy

It seems now like you may never stop growing! Your stomach just keeps on expanding. You are trying to avoid stretch marks at all costs, but outside of rubbing cocoa butter lotion on your belly, little can be done. This is the start of your last trimester. It is all down hill from here.

The Baby

The baby continues to mature and has been developing fat that will help him control body heat when she is born. Baby’s bones are continuing to grow and harden. Your little one can hear noises through the uterus and may even respond. Do not be surprised to feel her jump as if startled at a loud noise. At this point it is fun for your mate to talk to the baby or read to her. Your baby can also distinguish light and dark through your stomach wall.

During the eighth month the baby is picking up weight rapidly. She should weigh between three and four pounds by now. If she is going to have lots of hair she already does. Her fingernails have grown over her fingers. Her skin is slightly wrinkled from being in all that water.

Mom

You will want to make sure you talk to your doctor or midwife about the signs of premature labor. Babies born during this time frame can often survive. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to early labor. Bathroom trips are still frequent. The fun part now is not only can you feel the baby move, but others can too, if they place their hand on your tummy.

Make sure you are still eating right and getting plenty of exercise. Naps are often needed, especially since sleeping at night is getting harder.

During the eighth month your body is definitely starting to prepare for labor and delivery. Your baby may “drop” or descend downwards into the pelvic area, although with first babies this does not usually happen just yet. The little one inside you is still pretty active.

Your doctor will probably move your prenatal check-ups to every two weeks at this point. If you have not picked names for your baby, now is a good time.

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