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Suggested viewing: Childbirth - From Inside Out - Pt. 2 - Delivery and the Post-Natal
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27 wks gestation
29 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: about 26 cm crown to rump (35 cm or 13 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: approx. 1150 gm. Beginning of third trimester!
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Baby's lungs are developed enough to breathe air fairly efficiently but he or she would tire rapidly.
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Toenails now visible. Baby likes to suck thumb and is developing a layer of fat under skin.
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Suggested Reading: Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way or Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method
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Some providers recommend perineum massage daily to avoid lacerations and episiotomy.
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Your weight gain is approx. 15-20 lbs. by now. Chart your weight, waist, and emotions today. Read this before going on a diet.
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Notify your care provider of any: contractions, backache, visual disturbances, swelling, headaches.
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28 wks gestation
30 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 27 cm crown to rump (36 cm or 14 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1300 gm or 3 lbs.
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By using her hands on your belly, your provider maybe able to pinpoint baby's head, back, and buttocks for you. Ask her at your next visit.
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Sleeping with pillows under your belly and between your legs relieves back stress.
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Skin is slightly wrinkled and eyes are wide open.
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Good head of hair often present at this point. You may want a doula present with you at a hospital birth.
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14
Vaginal itching may be a sign of a yeast infection. Discuss any medications with your provider.
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No one deserves to be hurt. If you're being emotionally or physically hurt, confide in your doctor or midwife. They are trained to help and can connect you to resources.
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29 wks gestation
31 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 27.5 cm crown to rump (37.5 cm or about 14 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1500 gms. | 17
Make sure that you are pre-registered at the hospital or birthing center (even if you are planning a home birth or a birth without medication).
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Baby comforts by sucking thumb. Grasp is well developed and he may even grasp the umbilical cord at times.
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Fetuses weighing 1500 gm and 2500 gm can survive but can face respiratory distress, trouble stabilizing temperature and glucose, intracranial hemorrhage, and feeding problems.
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Begin working with your support person to prepare for labor. Realization, massage, and focus exercises can begin. Water birth is an option.
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21
Keep up the exercise regimen. Walking and swimming are good now.
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If you have gestational diabetes, seek assistance of a nutritionist, test blood sugars, and stay with the diet.
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Lunar Month IX
30 wks gestation
32 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 28 cm crown to rump (39 cm or 15 1/4 inches head to toe. Weight: about 1700 gms or about 3 lb 12 oz.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics says that breastfeeding is best for your
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Baby is able to hear sound and is getting accustomed to family voices.
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Try reading to baby, like the Cat in the Hat. It can be fun to connect prenatally.
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Testes descending from the abdomen, if it's a boy. Baby's brain and nerves are developing, and directing bodily functions.
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28
Some providers do a cervical exam to check for early cervical changes. Are internal exams really necessary in late pregnancy?
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Baby should be head down. Talk to provider about breech birth some exercises that might help you avoid it.
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31 wks gestation
33 wks from Last Menstrual Period
Length: 29 cm crown to rump (40 cm or 15 3/4 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1900 gms or 4 lbs. 5 oz.
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Baby's pupil will now constrict if light is shined in eye.
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