Smartmoms: Month-by-Month

The Growth and Development of Your Baby

Your baby's body continues to grow quickly. The bones are getting stronger, limbs are fatter, and the skin has a healthy glow. The brain is now forming its different regions. The brain and nerves are directing bodily functions. Taste buds are developing. Your baby may now hiccup, cry, taste sweet and sour, and respond to pain, light, and sound. If you are having a boy, his testicles have dropped from his abdomen where they will then descend into his scrotum.

Your baby will be about 16 to 18 inches long and will weigh about 4 pounds at the end of this month.

What is Happening With You
After your 32nd week, your health care provider will probably want you to come in every two weeks so that your pregnancy can be more closely monitored. He or she will assess the health of you and your baby by checking your weight, blood pressure, urine, fetal heartbeat, fundal height, size and position of the fetus, edema, varicose veins, and other symptoms. Discuss your birthing plan with your provider and pain management during labor and delivery. Come to your appointments prepared with a list of questions and problems you want to discuss.

You will be feeling strong, regular fetal activity. Your baby's kicks are strong and your may be able to see the outline of a small heel or elbow against your abdomen. Many of the discomforts you have been experiencing the last few months with constipation and shortness of breath are becoming more of a problem. Braxton Hicks contractions will increase. Your navel will begin to stick out if it doesn't already.

Eagerness to have the pregnancy over and apprehension about the baby's health and labor and delivery are probably increasing. You will also be more clumsy and absentminded. You don't have much longer to wait!

What is Happening With Your Partner
Couvade, the occurrence of pregnancy-like symptoms in expecting fathers, may return in your partner. He may be feeling depressed and tired and may gain weight. Increased communication can help him with these feelings. Attend childbirth preparation classes together.

While it is important for you and your partner to be discussing your baby and the plans for your growing family, it is also a good idea to take a break from all of this childbirth and baby planning so that you and your partner can experience some romance again. Once a week, try to make a date to do something together that is fun, romantic, and has nothing to do with babies. Taking a break for romance won't make the wonderful event any less special but it will do wonders for the relationship between the two of you.

Discomforts and Remedies
Visit the Common Discomforts section if you are experiencing any discomforts. You may or may not experience some of these discomforts and be sure to talk to your health care provider about them if you have any questions.