What’s happening inside
Your baby’s vocal cords are fully operational now, getting ready to let out that lusty cry you’ll soon be familiar with! He will probably have the occasional series of hiccups, which may feel strangely ticklish at first, and take a while to stop. The reason why hiccups occur is because the fluid enters and exits the fetus’s lungs, causing the diaphragm to contract rapidly. Fetal hiccups are quite common, so don’t worry too much about it.
Maternal Changes
What with the hiccups and kicks, and the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling round in your head, it’s not easy for mum-to-be to have a solid night’s rest. And that’s not even including other possible symptoms such as heartburn, frequent bathroom visits, leg cramps and the general sense of heating up. Ironically, while everyone is advising you to ‘rest while you can’, you may find it’s extra challenging to find that rest these days.
A Matter of Fact
Too much food just before bed-time can cause discomfort and heartburn. On the other hand, too little food may result in midnight wakings to satisfy a rumbling tummy. Don’t eat a full dinner late in the night, but do treat yourself to a light protein snack just before bed, such as a glass of warm milk, or some fruit and cheese.
Tips for daddy
While the jury is out as to whether playing Mozart to your baby in-utero will produce a music prodigy, it’s proven that babies can begin to sense what is happening in the world outside the womb and recognize voices or songs that they hear once they come out. Make time to talk to baby. You could even make it part of your bedtime routine – to begin that special parent-child bond. If you don’t know what to say, try reading a book, poem, or simply singing a song to baby.
A quote for mummy-to-be
Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving.” ~ Penelope Leach
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This is part of our New Age Pregnancy Week By Week Pregnancy Guide!
With this guide, we hope it will help to give you some reassurance and shed some light on the changes you will come to experience for the next 40 weeks. If you are interested, you can read about our Month To Month Pregnancy Guide Here. Now, let the countdown begin ~
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind the information provided in this guide is just an approximate gauge for your pregnancy. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact your gynaecologist.
