What’s happening to the mother?
Your lung capacity now starts to increase to ensure that both you and your baby receive enough oxygen. Your heart beats faster to compensate for the increase in your body’s needs.
The womb takes up a lot of space, leaving less space to fill up the lungs with air. It is common to feel breathless, even during minimal exertion. Extra water in your body is not uncommon, and you may notice it most through swollen legs.
Many women find they become constipated more easily. The reason for this may be less physical activity or hormones that affect digestion. It can also be due to a lack of dietary fibre or insufficient fluid intake.
Development of the fetus
The fetus now resembles a newborn baby and may have settled head first in the pelvis. Many women feel pressure downwards towards the pelvic floor.
The baby will be around 40 centimetres long and weigh between 1,600 and 2,000 grams.