Third Trimester

Week 27

Your baby weighs over 2 pounds and is about 9.5 inches from crown to rump.  You are now in the third trimester! You are 2/3 of the way through your pregnancy. Your baby is getting more plump everyday and his eyebrows and eyelashes may be present by now. You will probably be feeling regular movement by now. Its important after the 28th week to feel a bit of movement everyday. The best way to check for fetal movement is to have a snack or a glass of juice and lay down on your side, some place quiet. Often when we are busy and moving around a lot the baby is rocked soundly to sleep and no movement will be felt. Also, if you are busy during the day you may not notice movement as much as you would sitting or laying down. Every baby is different though and they all have their active and quiet days. Do not be alarmed if some days, baby seems more active than others.  

Week 28

Your baby weighs close to 2.5 pounds and is close to 10 inches crown to rump! Your baby will likely gain about half a pound a week from this point on. Your baby's brain continues to develop and during this week forms the grooves and indentations on the surface referred to as gyri and sulci. You are now in your third trimester and may find yourself growing uncomfortable, especially when you sleep. If heartburn is a problem, consult your doctor or pharmacist on which over the counter antacids are safe for you to take.

Week 29

Your baby weighs close to 3 pounds now and is 10.4 inches long! Your baby can hear your voice and the sound of music while in the womb! Talk with your baby, dance, enjoy music and any other sounds you would want you baby to hear. During this stage of pregnancy, women often enjoy swimming. The exercise is good for mom emotionally and physically as well as the fact that many expecting moms enjoy the break from gravity! Continue to eat well and exercise throughout your pregnancy. A walk around the block is good for you and your baby.

Week 30

Your baby weighs a little over 3 pounds now and is close to 11 inches crown to rump. Your belly is probably quite big by now and fills most of your abdomen. You may find that after the 30th week, you begin to grow outwards as well as upwards. You only have 10 weeks to go now! Now is a good time to start getting all your baby's needs ready if you haven't yet. A baby is considered full term at 37 weeks and most women will deliver between 38-42 weeks!

Week 31

Your baby weighs a little over 3.5 pounds and is over 11 inches long! At the end of 31 weeks a baby's chance of survival if born prematurely goes up to 90%. Complications during the third trimester can arise. Pre-eclampsia and Toxemia can be very serious if gone untreated. Symptoms include, high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine. Your doctor will check you for these symptoms at your appointments, which after this week will probably be bi-weekly rather than monthly.

Week 32

Your baby weighs about 4 pounds and is over 11.5 inches crown to rump. Your baby continues to grow now and has quite a bit of fat stored. If born now your baby has a very good survival rate (over 90%) with a far less likelihood of the development of special needs. Your baby's lungs are maturing but probably wont be fully matured until around the 35-36th week. If you go into premature labour at this point, your doctor will likely try to postpone it as long as possible or at least until they can give you a shot of steroid to help the baby's lungs to mature.

Week 33

Your baby weighs about 4.5 pounds now and is around 12 inches crown to rump. You are likely feeling ready to have the baby soon but are you? There are a few things you will need to keep you and baby comfortable during those first few weeks. You can look at the list that we have compiled here for a quick check to make sure you have all that you will need. Its never to early to prepare for the birth of your baby, it sometimes happens sooner than we think!

Week 34

Your baby weighs about 5 pounds now and is now probably well over 12.5 inches long! You are probably feeling a lot of movement these days and may even be able to see your baby kicking your belly. You may also begin experiencing something that I have heard other moms to be describe as "stabbing crotch pains". Basically, when you are walking, sometimes the baby kicks or punches down around your cervix and that, coupled with the pressure from the baby itself give you a painful, stabbing sensation in your pelvic floor. Do not be alarmed if you experience this, it is pretty common in pregnancy. However, if you experience and bleeding or a gush of fluid then it is important to contact your doctor right away. 

Week 35

Your baby weighs close to 6 pounds and is over 13 inches long crown to rump! Your baby's lungs are almost fully developed and if born at this time may not need the help of a ventilator. Braxton hicks contractions are pretty common at this stage of pregnancy and although sometimes bothersome, are not to be mistaken for labour. A braxton hicks contraction will feel like a really hard tightening and although there may be some minor discomfort, they are not usually painful. Braxton hicks contractions are also quite irregular. Its your body's way of preparing your uterus for the real thing (labour!). If you are experiencing contractions that are painful and that seem to come in regular intervals, contact your doctor right away!

Week 36

Your baby weighs close to 6 pounds now and is over 13.5 inches long. You may feel like you really want everything in order now. Many women go through something that is referred to as nesting around this time and before labour. You may feel as though you have an urgent need to get everything ready for baby and many women begin to feel quite emotional around this time. Don't be alarmed if you are feeling anxious or out of character during these last few weeks. Your body is preparing itself for the birth of your baby and is going through all kinds of hormonal shifts. Try to relax and enjoy these last few weeks before the baby comes!

Week 37

Your baby weighs over 6.5 pounds and is 14 inches long from crown to rump (that's 21 inches from head to toe!) You are now considered to be FULL TERM! Your baby can be safely born anytime now! You may be feeling quite uncomfortable. Water exercises or even simply relaxing in a bath can make you feel more comfortable during these last few weeks. Walking is also a good way to get your spirits up... its also a good way to get labour going!. 

Week 38

Your baby weighs about 7 pounds now and is over 21 inches long. Most babies are born between 38-42 weeks! You are likely awaiting the arrival of your new baby and are probably very excited to meet him! There are many in which you can try to induce labour but most of the time your baby will come when they are good and ready!