Overview of that week
It is understandable if you don’t want to get out of your bed at all or if you come back to the couch or your bed during the day to catch a breath. You and your baby have grown considerably and your body is sustaining energy for both of you.
This might lead your body to go into overdrive and result in exhaustion towards the end of the day. If you can’t catch the recommended amount of sleep during the night, your activities during the day will be affected. So, try your best to rest as much as you can whenever possible.
Baby development
The baby has grown to weigh about 1800 grams and is about 17 inches in height. The organs have fully formed by the 32nd week and your baby resembles what they will look like during birth, only a bit slimmer.
Your baby has a soft skull that helps during the birth. Rest of the bones in their body are becoming harder and stronger except the skull. The area or the soft spot known as fontanelles will start to fill after your baby is born. It will form completely once your baby reaches about 2 years of age.
Body changes in mother
Extreme hunger
Have you started to crave for things that you never thought about? Or do you just want to munch on your comfort food? Your body is requiring a large amount of energy to keep you and your baby functioning properly. For this, you will need to fuel yourself with food. It is okay for your body and mind to make you think about food all the time. Try to stick to a healthy way of snacking.
Lightheadedness
Is your blood sugar level fluctuating? If your blood sugar has reduced, it might be causing you to feel dizzy and lightheaded. It might also be caused by the increased pressure put on your blood veins by the uterus.
Frequent Urination
This is a symptom from the first trimester that takes a U-turn during the third trimester. It is probably that you are taking way too many trips to the bathroom. When you sit down to pee, make sure to get all the pee out and empty your bladder by staying for a few more seconds.
Shortness of breath
Your baby is taking more and more space in your stomach. Due to this your lunch and diaphragm might be under some pressure impacting your ability to breathe during slightly physical activities. The excess blood in your body and the increased metabolism might also be making you feel really hot and sweaty.
What should you do and don’t
- Breastfeeding after birth is not easy in the beginning. It will take some practice to get used to it. So, start looking at material to learn about breastfeeding and join classes if needed.
- In addition to breastfeeding classes, you can join other parenting classes like labor and newborn care.
- Keep monitoring the baby’s movements.
- Start deciding on the nursery and stocking necessary supplies that the baby and you will require during and after delivery.
- Continue your supplements and vitamins because your baby needs a lot of those for proper growth.
- If you haven’t already started on it, create a birthing plan with the consultation of your doctor.
- Avoid standing for too long as it can cause swelling, backache and even dizziness.
- Eat small meals throughout the day to make sure that you are getting the required amount of nutrients. This will also help you reduce the chance of feeling dizzy.