The fetus is essentially ready to meet reality soon. You are preparing for the final touches on the big change you are facing as new parents. The final development has kicked in for the little one, and perhaps you are starting to look forward to the pregnancy being a thing of the past?
The birth is approaching, and the body shows it too
Besides the big belly and the discomforts you may have experienced as a pregnant woman, you will typically also notice several changes here in the final stretch.
Stretch marks, which you may not have had before, can spread quite wildly, and your belly skin feels like it’s about to burst. You may also notice that your breasts are preparing to provide nourishment to a little one soon.
It is also completely normal at this stage to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. How to describe them is very difficult, as it is quite individual. However, it is the term for contractions of the uterus, which indicate that it is practicing for the real contractions.
They say you won't be in doubt when it’s real contractions because they are regular, very painful, and cannot be compared to Braxton Hicks contractions. If you have any doubts, you can and should always consult professionals. They are there for your sake, and there are no stupid questions.
What is happening in the belly?
The still-growing baby will have less and less space inside the belly. The weekly increase in both length and weight can seem quite wild, but even when the little one has arrived on the other side, it will grow rapidly at first.
In fact, one typically sees a weekly weight gain of between 175-200 grams for the little one, depending on gender and some other factors.
The fetus's immune system is still supported by the mother's antibodies, which are transferred through the placenta. It is also these antibodies that will protect the little one from various diseases in the early days on earth.
Although the fetus has already started to develop its own antibodies and thus develop its own immunity, it will still be fragile in the beginning. This is completely normal and something that is, of course, monitored by doctors and other professionals.
In Denmark, there is also the option to get the childhood vaccination program, which starts quite early in the child's life. Many people accept this, and it further protects the little one against diseases.
Size of the fetus
We are now moving up to a baby that measures about 47 centimeters. The weight is also increasing, and it will average around 2800 grams now.
Advice for the partner
Here at the end, you might feel extra much like a practical pig. Your pregnant partner is heavy and clumsy, and it is a great gift if you take over most of the household tasks.
Besides the household chores, you can also take care of some practical preparations for the birth. Have you packed the hospital bag? Bought some snacks to bring when it happens? Checked the fastest route to the birthplace?
All such questions can also be something you take a little control over, so you are completely updated when the moment comes. No matter the birth process, it is filled with emotions and often great pain, which does not positively affect the pregnant person's judgment. Therefore, it is particularly good if you have everything under control beforehand.
