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The neurons and early connections in your baby’s brain are developing even more so that at birth, they will be perfectly wired to receive stimulation. Most babies lose weight in the first week or so after birth, because of using more energy. By two weeks after birth though, most have regained their birth weight or are on their way there.
Your baby won’t be rolling around as much now. There simply isn't the space for it to move around as easily as it was a couple of weeks ago. If you feel there is a change in your baby's patterns of movements or it becomes unnaturally quiet, check with your obstetrician. You are the best judge when it comes to knowing your baby's activity so never feel as if you won't be taken seriously.
Your physical changes this week
If your baby has been lying in the breech position until now, hopefully this week it will turn to be head down. This may give you some relief if that hard and bony head has been sitting up under your ribs. Head first, or cephalic presentation is the best possible position for your baby to be delivered.
Colostrum may be leaking from your nipples this week. You may notice it has dried and crusted on your nipples when you take your bra off. Your breasts are even heavier and streaked with blue veins. Make sure you have been fitted correctly for comfortable maternity bras.
The amniotic fluid surrounding your baby is at a peak in week 35 and will start to diminish from now on. This fluid is known as "the waters” and it has a distinctive odour which is very different to urine. It is easy for pregnant mothers to be confused if they are leaking urine or the fluid at this stage of their pregnancy. If you are in any doubt that your membranes may have ruptured, check with your obstetrician.
Hints of the week
This is a good time to attend a breastfeeding education class if you can. Reading about how to attach a baby correctly to the breast is very different to seeing it done.
Invest in some plastic sheeting to place on your mattress. If your water breaks while you're in bed, you'll be glad of the practicalities of having done this. Keep a towel in the car as well, just in case you will need it. If a mother's water breaks when the baby's head is still high, there tends to be more of a gush of fluid than if the baby's head is engaged in their pelvis.It is always good to be prepared.
If you haven't already drawn up a birth plan, think about doing one now. Give some thought to the kind of birth you want to have and who you want to be with you when you deliver. Remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to childbirth and your priority always needs to be the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.
