You are now entering the final stages of one of the most beautiful periods of your life. Your desire to hold your baby in your arms is probably increasing day by day. During these last few weeks, many amazing changes are happening inside your body and your baby. So let's take a look at what is happening to you and your baby during these 31st, 32nd, 33rd, and 34th weeks.
Week 31: Baby now recognizes your voice!
Imagine, your baby can now hear you talking and the songs you listen to clearly from inside the womb. Isn't that amazing? By now, almost all of the baby's major organs have developed. But the lungs are not yet fully developed . That will take some time. During this time, the baby's weight starts to increase very rapidly.
Speaking of you, your uterus is now taking up a lot of space in your belly. You've probably gained about 9-12 kilos by now. Stretch marks , which are caused by the stretching of the skin as your belly grows, are now a bit more visible, especially around your belly button. Don't worry about it, it's normal for most mothers. You might be a little impatient because the baby will be coming out in a few days.
A little tip for you this week: Start practicing breathing and relaxation exercises . This will help you cope with the pain during labor.
Week 32: The baby is now so big that there is not enough space at home!
By this week, your baby is about 19 inches long and weighs about 4.5 pounds. This is when your baby is growing very quickly. The space in your uterus is almost completely taken up by your baby. But there is still some room for him to move around. A layer of fat is also starting to form under his skin during this time. He is also learning how to open and close his eyes and breathe.
For your part, you may continue to gain about a pound (about 450 grams) a week these days. From now until the last month, you will have to see the doctor every two weeks . In the last month, you will have to go once a week. You may still have back pain, leg pain, etc.
You may also notice a thick, yellow fluid coming out of your breasts. This is called colostrum . This is the first milk your baby gets and is very nutritious. Don't worry about this, it's your body's way of preparing to make milk for your baby.
A little advice for you this week:The shape and size of your belly may be different from other mothers. It depends on the size of the baby, its position, and your body type. To feel comfortable, drink plenty of water, keep your legs slightly elevated when sitting, sleep on your left side, and wear support stockings if necessary.
Week 33: The time when the baby gains weight the fastest!
The next few weeks are a crucial time in your baby's development. Your baby will gain more than half of their birth weight in the last 7 weeks. Isn't that amazing? Your baby's brain can now regulate their body temperature. Your baby's movements may be a little less because there's less room in the womb. But you should feel your baby move at least ten times in two hours . If you don't feel it, call your doctor right away. Your baby will now prefer to curl up with his knees bent, chin tucked into his chest, and legs crossed.
You've probably gained between 10 and 13 kilos by now. Half of your weekly weight gain is due to your baby. As your uterus grows, it's easier to eat small meals rather than large meals at once.
A little tip for you this week: It's still safe to have sex with your partner during this time, if you're comfortable and have no problems. But if you feel uncomfortable, talk to him about it. You can strengthen the bond between you in other ways, such as stroking your back or massaging your legs.
Week 34: Baby is getting ready for the big day!
Your baby is now almost 20 inches long and weighs about 2.3 kilograms. As more fat is added to his body, he looks fuller. Most of the time, he is in a head -down position . But this may not be the final position yet. Almost all of his organs, except for his lungs, are now fully developed. His skin is less red and has turned a pinkish color. His fingernails are growing all the way to his fingertips.
For your part, you may feel your uterus tightening and contracting. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions . They are like a rehearsal for labor. Not everyone may feel them. You may also feel your pelvis expanding, especially in the back. Your ribs may hurt as your uterus presses against your ribs, and your belly button may be pushed out as your stomach expands. These are all normal.
A little tip for you this week: Start thinking about breastfeeding your baby now. It's worth seeking advice from a lactation expert, or talking to your friends and relatives about their experiences.
A brief summary of these 4 weeks
To help you remember, let's look at the main things that happened in these four weeks in a table.
| Week | Baby changes | What a mother feels |
|---|---|---|
| Week 31 | The sound is clearly audible. The weight is increasing rapidly. | The uterus is getting bigger, stretch marks are visible. |
| 32 weeks | Fat builds up under the skin. Breathing becomes a habit. | Colostrum may leak. Back pain. |
| 33 weeks | Half of the birth weight is gained during this time. Movements may decrease. | It feels better to eat small amounts of food. |
| 34 weeks | Often in a head -down position. Organs are paralyzed except for the lungs. | Braxton Hicks contractions may be felt. |
Take-Home Message
- Your pregnancy is unique. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone's body and experience is different.
- Keep an eye on your baby's movements. If you feel less than 10 movements in two hours or if you feel them less than usual, contact your doctor or hospital immediately.
- Back pain, leg pain, and difficulty breathing are common during this time. But if you have any doubts or concerns, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods, and be happy. Your mental health is very important for you and your baby.
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