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If your baby was to be born now, his lungs would be mature enough to support him without any medical intervention. In terms of maturity and development, he has done all it needs in making the change to surviving independently.
Your baby’s brain is still laying down nervous connections which will continue throughout his early childhood. Try to read to your baby while he is still in the womb, play some music and sing to him. Encourage your partner to get involved in these fun early bonding opportunities. Your baby won’t think you’re being silly and will only be more clever and smart because of this early stimulation.
Your physical changes this week
Stray hairs may have erupted on your face, your back and even your nipples. Don’t hesitate in removing them if you find them off-putting. Many pregnant women maintain their usual waxing appointments with their beautician. Having a pubic wax pre-labour is a common request for women who feel this is an essential part of their overall grooming. Don’t worry - hair removal won’t hurt the baby, only you.
Your eyes may feel dry and as if they have sand in them. This is because the shape of your eyeballs has changed in response to the extra fluid circulating around your body. The tears which normally lubricate the outer surface of your eye can’t follow their usual route and slide down your cheek instead. Keep a tissue handy and some lubricating eye drops if they are really irritating you.
Your baby is still laying down fat stores underneath his skin to assist with insulation once it is born. Young babies have immature temperature regulating mechanisms in their brains so they need a reasonable buffer to insulate themselves and their vital organs.
Hints of the week
Head for the closest pool around, especially if it’s summer. You’ll enjoy the feeling of weightlessness as the water supports your entire body. Swimming and floating around in the water is an excellent way to reduce your core temperature, so, strip off and get yourself wet.
Read lots of books, catch up on some movies, ring some friends and write some letters.
Look forward to your ante-natal appointments and know that they are coming to an end. Many women develop a very close relationship with their midwife or doctor and feel sad that this is not going to continue.
Your insomnia is not likely to have improved much and your frequent overnight trips to the toilet may be disturbing your husband’s sleep anyway. If you manage to reclaim the bed as your own, spread the pillows around, so they are working for you.
