What’s happening to the mother?
Because the uterus is pressing on your bladder, frequent urination is common. Even if the baby has not yet been born, milk may leak from your breasts.
The uterus gradually drops and it becomes a little easier to breathe. Some women find it difficult to sleep because they cannot get comfortable when lying down.
It is normal to experience mood swings and be happy, sad and irritable. The birth is approaching and most people both dread and look forward to it at the same time.
Development of the fetus
The baby’s brain is now fully developed. The volume of amniotic fluid gradually decreases. The lungs are the last organ to mature.
The weight of the fetus increases with more subcutaneous fat and is now between 2,800 and
3,200 grams. The length of the fetus is almost what it is at birth. It will be between 45 and 50 centimetres long.
The head is usually located down towards the birth canal. If the buttocks or feet are downwards, the fetus is in a breech position.
Childbirth
Information about the different phases of childbirth, pain relief, choosing where to give birth, and possible complications.
Pregnancy weeks 39, 40 and 41
This period is characterised by waiting for the birth, and some women start to become impatient. The preparations that the body has been making recently are important.
Illustration: Irina Schmidt / Mostphotos