MONTH SEVEN

Week Twenty-eight

Your Baby
Your baby is now completely formed and their eyelashes and eyebrows are now visible. They now have about 2-3% body fat and they are around two-thirds of their birth size. Your baby's lungs are now capable of breathing air and if born now they would have about a 95% chance of survival., They would still require some support to breath as their systems are still very immature.

You
You are now entering your third trimester! This will not be all smooth sailing as you head towards the birth though, with most women experiencing leg cramps, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, indigestion, heartburn, back pain, swelling, and general aches and pains!

Week Twenty-nine

Your Baby
Your baby's brain can now control areas of breathing and body temperature control. Their eyes can now focus and move around in their sockets and they will become sensitive to light, sound, smell and taste.

You
You may be feeling a little bit of discomfort at this time, but remember the positives! From this time on your breasts my increase by up to a third of their usual size.

Week Thirty

Your Baby
Your baby is now around 1.3 kilograms and this is now limiting their movement inside your womb. Your voice will now be the sound that they recognise most. They continue to build up their fat deposits under their skin and the lanugo (fine hairs) are now disappearing. Red blood cell production is now fully underway through the bone marrow.

You
You will need to start taking extra care when moving around as your joints and spine are becoming softer to prepare your body for birth. You will also be making frequent trips to the toilet now as your uterus pushes on your bladder. You may be experiencing trouble sleeping now and there are a few things to consider that may help alleviate this: try sleeping on your left hand side as this puts less pressure on your aorta and allows for greater blood flow through the body; a maternity pillow might also help you get comfortable; try sleeping in a recliner chair if your heartburn becomes too intense.

Week Thirty-one

Your Baby
Your baby's lungs still haven't matured although the rest of their body systems are now fully developed. If you are having a boy, your baby's testes will begin the decent to the scrotum. Your baby's taste buds have now developed.

You
As your uterus continues to stretch you may experience pain or discomfort through your abdomen. Only nine weeks to go... Have you picked a name yet?

THE BIRTH PLAN

You may want to prepare a birth plan so that your caregiver is familiar with the type of birth you would like. The main step in preparing this document is to inform yourself about all your options and write a list of your 'wishes' for your birth. Try to keep it simple and short. Remember to always be flexible and to not let little things bother you. Most things are negotiable. Share your birth plan with your partner and anyone who will be attending the birth, and give a copy to your caregiver. Make sure you keep a copy in your labour bag.

A formal birth plan can be an effective way of communicating your wishes and decisions to your caregiver(s) when you are having your baby. This is especially so if you do not know who will be with you throughout your labour. Your birth plan can save you having to re-explain your wishes to new staff after a shift change.

It is important to keep an open mind during labour. Your circumstances can change rapidly, making your preferred options, outlined in your birth plan, no longer feasible. Having some knowledge about various options available can help you be more relaxed and accommodating with any event that may unfold.

Remmber that a birth plan is a guide only and plans may change. Flexibility is the key. Take your time and let the plan grow and change. A birth plan should not be rigid and you have the right to withdraw any of your wishes or requests on the day.

THE BABY ROOM

It is a good idea to prepare your baby's room before he or she arrives, keeping both safety and comfort for you and the baby in mind. When you arrange your baby's change table remember to keep nappies and other accessories in a convenient, easy to reach place. Use open shelving so you can see with ease everything that you need and withdraw items without creating hazards. Never leave your baby alone on a change table or raised surface for any length of time as injury could result from a fall.

Make sure you keep powders, creams and medications out of the reach of the child. There should be no obstructions between items in the room. Make sure you can walk around freely without furniture, electrical cords or lamps in the way.

Place a comfortable, easy to get in and out of, chair that supports your back in the baby's room for night feeds.

Ensure that all electrical items and cords are out of reach of your baby and that childproof covers are on power sockets. Make sure you don't overheat the room and if using a heater that nothing is placed on top. You may also choose to put safety catches on all cupboards and drawers, especially in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Cots, car seats and prams should adhere to current Australian safety standards.

Month Eight