Third Trimester
33 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 17.5 inches long and weighs around 4.5 pounds, about the size of a pineapple. Baby may grow up to a full inch this week! Baby is keeping his eyes open while awake. Baby’s also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Baby’s bones are hardening and major brain development is also occurring.
34 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 17.5 inches long and weighs around 5 pounds, about the size of a cantaloupe melon.
Common pregnancy symptoms during these weeks include:
Your metabolic rate is rising rapidly, which may leave you feeling overheated.
Headaches, due to hormone fluctuations, stress or dehydration.
Edema (swelling due to water retention) in your feet, ankles, and hands, often worse in warm weather and later in the day. Drinking plenty of water will help.
Forgetfulness and clumsiness, also known as baby brain. This is normal.
What you should do:
By now, your baby is probably head down in your uterus. Most babies are head-down at this point, though some continue to change position. Pay attention if you feel like baby is moving or flipping more than usual. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and clear fluids to stay hydrated. Rest as much as you can and elevate your legs when possible.
35 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 18 inches long and weighs around 5.5 pounds. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Although your baby's central nervous system is still maturing, her lungs and digestive system are nearly fully developed by now. Baby can also recognize and react to sounds and simple songs. He's also urinating about a pint a day.
36 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 19 inches and weighs around 6 pounds.
Common pregnancy symptoms during these weeks include:
Dizziness. If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.
Tingling sensation, numbness, or pain in the pelvic region. This may be caused by the pelvic joints loosening in preparation ready for labor. Regular chiropractic adjustments will help.
The need to urinate frequently. If the baby has dropped lower in your pelvis, this causes more pressure on your bladder.
Third Trimester – 37 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 19 inches and weighs around 6-7 pounds. He is gaining around ½ ounce each day. Baby’s head is about the same circumference as her abdomen. She may have a full inch of hair. Baby is slowly shedding the white coating of vernix caseosa that acts as a protectant and moisturizer on her skin, but she may still have some at birth. She can grasp firmly with her fingers. Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Common pregnancy symptoms during these weeks include:
The baby “drops” down into your pelvis
Pubic pain. As baby bumps against nerves in your pelvis, you might feel shooting sensations down your legs and even inside your vagina.
38 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 19 inches and weighs around 7 pounds. He is gaining about ½ ounce each day.
39 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 20 inches long and weighs around 7-8 pounds. He is gaining about ½ ounce each day. Baby may have an inch of hair. He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth.
40 Weeks
How your baby is growing:
Baby measures about 21 inches long and weighs around 7-9 pounds. He is gaining about ½ ounce each day.
Common pregnancy symptoms during these weeks include:
The baby “drops” down into your pelvis
Pubic pain. As baby bumps against nerves in your pelvis, you might feel shooting sensations down your legs and even inside your vagina.
Diarrhea
Difficulty sleeping as your body starts preparing to be awake more for a nursing baby
Disappointment that you are still pregnant. Try to relax and remember your baby will tell your body when it’s time. Consider planning a date night or do something fun on your “due date”.
Call us if you experience:
Leaking fluid, which may indicate your water has fully or partially ruptured
Experiencing contractions that are every 4 minutes lasting a full minute for at least an hour (or earlier if previously discussed)
Have a decrease in fetal movement
Period like bleeding
A severe headache that won’t go away, vision disturbances or sudden swelling that does not resolve