First Trimester | Second Trimester | Third Trimester

YOUR PREGNANCY

What is happening in your body and when.

Week 27 Latest measurements

The fetus measures about 34cm and weighs around 800g.

Week 28 Check for Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling caused by fluid retention. Research suggests it may be linked to an immune reaction to the fetus or the placenta. If the condition is serious women may be advised to take drugs to lower their blood pressure. Women with Rhesus negative blood will also be tested for antibodies.

Week 29 Restless Leg Syndrome

If you experience sensations such as crawling, tingling or even cramps and burning inside the foot or leg, don’t worry. Many expectant mothers experience this, often in the evening and disturbing sleep at night because they feel the need to get up and walk around. No-one knows what causes this irritating condition, but it is harmless.

Week 30 Braxton Hicks Contractions

These are irregular, painless practice contractions which don’t usually hurt, but feel like a squeezing sensation near the top of the uterus. If they become painful or occur four times an hour or more, give the doctor a call a doctor just in case you are in early labour.

Week 31 Milk production begins

Around this time, your breasts will start to produce colostrum which is the high- calorie milk you will feed your baby for the first few days after birth before normal milk starts.

At this stage, the fetus can now see and tell light from dark.

Week 32 Another antenatal appointment

The fetus is about 42cm and weighs around 2.2kg and we recommend that women see their midwives around this time for a check up.

Week 33 Assuming the position

From now the baby should become settled in a head downwards position. A midwife can help to move it if necessary.

Week 34 Loss of appetite

You may find it more difficult to eat full meals as your expanded uterus presses on your stomach.

Week 35 - 36 Engaged

The baby’s head may engage in the pelvis any time now.

Week 37 Weight Gain

You may think that you have got bigger, but the final weeks in the womb are for your baby to put on weight. Your baby’s lungs are practically mature now and it can survive unaided

Week 38 Ready

Babies born from this week onward are not considered early.

Week 39 Steady

Your baby will be at full size and weight by now.

Week 40 Go!

In theory the baby should be born this week. Your cervix will prepare for the birth by softening.

Week 41 Fashionably late

First babies are often up to a week late but if there are signs of distress to mother or child, the birth will be induced.