The child
Your baby now measures about 14 inches (36 cm) from head to foot and weighs about 3 pounds (1.43 kg) at the start of the week—and about 3.5 pounds (1.58 kg) at the end of the week.
Your baby’s body hair — lanugo — is starting to disappear, although there might be a few downy strands left at birth (baby will shed them over a few weeks). The lungs, muscles and brain continue to develop, and the bones become even harder.
Some babies are already starting to lie with the head inside the pelvis. You’ll be able to feel your baby’s head pressing against your pelvic floor, and obvious kicks against your ribcage.
Mother
Your pregnancy is most likely becoming more and more noticeable. The extra weight you’re carrying puts a strain on your back. Pay attention to how you sit and stand. Try to be as kind to your body as possible. It’s a good rule of thumb to occasionally try to carry your baby in toward your back. Imagine that you are pulling your baby in, from your navel, toward your spine and upward. This will automatically improve your posture while reducing pressure on the small of your back. It will also help to strengthen your core muscles. You don’t have to do this all the time, but make a conscious effort a few times every day.
Your baby is growing tremendously now so remember your snacks! You may feel a bit nauseous again because your baby is growing quickly and your hormone levels are skyrocketing. This is completely normal. Your body needs more energy than during your second trimester to cope with everything that’s going on. During your third trimester, we recommend that you eat two extra snacks, such as a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a glass of milk or unsweetened, vitamin-enriched oat or soy milk every day. A bowl of oatmeal or unsweetened yoghurt/soy yoghurt with muesli is also an option.
Comments about the size of your belly are common now, but these comments can lead to worry and even irritation. If you get a lot of comments that you feel are annoying, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s your body and your privacy. You might find it easier to speak up this time since you’ve been pregnant several times before.
Your midwife will measure how much your uterus has grown at each prenatal visit. Whether a belly is big or small varies immensely from woman to woman. Should the growth of your uterus deviate from the standard curve, you will be scheduled for a growth scan to assess your baby’s weight.
