Eighth month of pregnancy: when does it start and what to expect?
When you reach the eighth month of pregnancy you have the sensation of exploding at any moment. On the other hand it is normal, considering that the happy event is now near. This is why working women stay at home for their maternity leave, so that they can rest and enjoy not only the post-natal convalescence, but also the first months of the baby's life. When exactly does the eighth month of pregnancy begin, and what are the sensations and symptoms that an expectant mother feels?
When does the eighth month of pregnancy begin?
A pregnant woman enters the eighth month of pregnancy when she reaches 30 weeks + 5 days. The eighth month then ends at exactly 35 weeks. The 35 weeks + 1 day mark the entry into the ninth month of pregnancy. At that point, if all went well, the birth is near, and the future mother prepares for the most important event of her life. Before this, the weeks of the eighth month are also important for the exams to be done.
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The development of the fetus month by month
In this video, you can find out how the baby develops, from the moment of conception to that of delivery. From a group of cells, the fertilized egg gradually becomes a fetus, until it becomes a real baby. Discover the miracle of life in a one-minute video!
The exams to be done in the eighth month for mum and baby
During the eighth month of pregnancy, between the 30th and 34th week, the third and last ultrasound of the fetus is performed. The fetal well-being is mainly checked, its position in the belly, allowing for predictions. For example, the baby could be begin to turn around, placing yourself in the cephalic position, with the head down, ready to be born with the natural birth. even a caesarean section. As for the other tests, we continue with the routine checks, ie urine and blood tests. The latter must also include a coagulation test, which is important in anticipation of childbirth. After the 32nd week we undergo fetal flowmetry, an examination similar to ultrasound, which verifies the correct blood circulation of the baby.
The growth of the fetus in the eighth month
During the eighth month, the growth of the fetus continues. The skin thickens and stretches, becoming less wrinkled, and is then able to better control body temperature thanks to the increase in fat under the skin, which gives the fetus a more rounded. In case of premature birth, a baby in the eighth month would run less risk than a born in the seventh month of pregnancy, thanks to these changes. The two hemispheres of the brain begin to coordinate and work together. they open and begin to react to what they see. External stimuli are very important, and also determine the baby's perceptual state: sudden sounds scare him, music or the mother's voice relax him. In these weeks, the fetus becomes on average 45 centimeters long, and weighs 2.5 kilos.
The changes in your body
Weight gain during pregnancy is one of the most obvious signs of changes in the mother's body. The belly has grown further and the navel begins to smooth out. A dark line appears on the abdomen which joins the navel to the pubis. Meanwhile, colostrum, the first breast milk, continues to come out of the nipples. Be prepared for the idea that the pain in the abdomen and back will increase. Maximum rest is recommended, alternating with some light exercise to rebalance the muscular system. Furthermore, the preparation course can help not only prepare for the moment of birth, but also to feel better physically.
The power to observe
Eating during pregnancy is always important, especially in the first months of pregnancy. Even at the end of the course, however, it is important to eat in a healthy and balanced way.During the last few months you often suffer from constipation, which can be resolved by consuming a lot of fiber and vitamins, especially through fruits and vegetables. Walking a lot, playing sports and taking a course to prepare for childbirth can help a lot. It is also necessary to drink a lot of water, take a lot of mineral salts and folic acid, and limit foods that are too salty or raw foods. Excess salt could cause hypertension, which must be kept under control during pregnancy. Raw foods, on the other hand, are often responsible for toxoplasmosis, a disease that often occurs during the first trimester.
For more useful information on the eighth month of pregnancy, you can visit the Humanitas website.
