Welcome to your last phase of pregnancy! Your checkups will be once every 2 weeks till 36 weeks, then weekly till the delivery which is around 40 weeks. During the 3rd trimester, your baby develops, grows, and changes position to get ready for birth. Your baby’s brain triples in weight, and the cerebrum develops deep, convoluted groves that provide extra surface area without taking up more room in the skull.

Week 28

Your baby’s size is of a large eggplant.

Your baby’s eyes partially open.

The eye lashes form.

The Central nervous system can direct rhythmic breathing movement and control body temperature.

Highlights of week 28

Your baby is very active now. You might experience discomfort in finding the best position to sleep. Sleeping on the side and “almost-back sleep” could be very helpful using pillows, and blankets to support your back, neck, and growing belly.

Week 29

Your baby’s size is of a butternut squash.

This month is characterized by the respiratory sacs at the tips of your baby’s lung branches making a substance called surfactant. If the baby is to be born this week, the lungs would be capable of functioning despite being immature.

Your baby continues to kick and stretch.

Week 30

Your baby’s size is of a large cabbage.

The pigment called melanin that gives your baby’s skin its color is made at this stage. This continues until after birth.

Your baby’s hair grows.

Red blood cell is forming in bone marrow.

Highlights of week 30:

One and a half pints of amniotic fluid (water around your baby) cushion your baby, but that will change as your growing baby occupies more space in your uterus.

Many women feel irregular, infrequent, and painless contractions called Braxton Hicks.

Frequent contractions are a sign of preterm labor, so if you experience them, call your healthcare provider, or seek our emergency room.

Week 31

Your baby’s size is of a coconut.

Rapid weight gain begins.

Your baby’s pupils can constrict and expand

At this stage, it is a good idea to book for our Antenatal Classes that will be followed by a Maternity Tour to visit the labor and delivery room where you can meet the midwife/ Ob nurse who will look after you in labor if possible.

Week 32

You are at your eighth month

Your baby is the size of large jicama

Your baby’s toenails and fingernails are visible

Your baby practices breathing at this

Week 33

Your baby is the size of a pineapple.

Your baby detects light by stimulus. He/she can change the pupils’ size.

The bones are hardening and the bones in your baby’s skull overlap and compress into the shape of a bullet to fit through the birth canal.

Week 34

Your baby is the size of a cantaloupe.

Your baby’s fingernails keep on growing.

The central nervous system is getting more mature, and the lungs too.

If you have been anxious about the delivery during this week or any time before 37 weeks, you will be more relaxed to know that babies at this stage of pregnancy with no health issues generally do well. They may need a short stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Week 35

Your baby is the size of a honeydew melon.

Your baby’s skin is smooth.

His/her limbs have chubby appearance.

His/her kidneys are fully developed, the liver can process some waste products. The basic physical development is almost complete.

You will feel the need to pee very often as your baby gets ready to drop and descend into your pelvis. You may be dealing with heartburn thanks to your womb that might have reached up under your rib cage by now.

Week 36

Hurray! You have reached your ninth month

Your baby is the size of a head of romaine lettuce.

You’ll feel probably lots of stretch rolls, and wiggles.

Your baby takes up most of the amniotic fluid.

The closer you get to your due date; Braxton Hicks can get stronger and can make you feel you are in labor. Timing of these contractions is very important.

Things to consider at 36 weeks:

• Be sure that you review the signs of labor and When to Come to the Hospital
• Your doctor will check you for Group B Streptococcus
• You might need to write your birth preferences. Make sure that you discuss your preferences with your doctor/midwife to get feedback. Make copies of your Birth Plan and keep in your Hospital Bag.