Mother:
Welcome to the third trimester. You will probably begin to see your practitioner every 2 weeks now. If you haven't begun discussing labor plans with your practitioner, now is the time to start!
If you have taken childbirth classes you have a good idea of the interventions and alternatives associated in childbirth. The most common things that people have questions about are: episiotomy, fetal monitoring, and pain relief in labor.
Your breasts my leak colostrum now, although if they do not leak, this is not an indication that you can't breastfeed. You may also need a Rhogam shot now if you are Rh negative.
Baby:
Your baby's eye lashes are developing, as subcutaneous fat is deposited. If you have a baby boy, his testes will probably begin descending. Your baby is about 13.8 inches long (35 cms) and weighs about 2 pounds 4 ounces (1 kilogram)!
A baby born at this time has a good chance of survival with the help of medical technology.
Dad/Partner:
Since her prenatal visits are now every other week, you might trying making another visit with her. This will give you a chance to talk about plans for the birth.
Readers Share:
This week we hear from other readers about unmedicated childbirth. Natural childbirth is not for everyone, but for those women who want to have their baby with an epidural or other powerful medication, there is a lot of things they can do prepare for labor and delivery to make labor faster and easier. So what recommendations do you have?
Twin Tips:
Many practitioners ask that you stop working and get at least 6 hours of rest a day, even if you don't have a high stress or physically demanding job.
Suggested Reading:
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
The most comprehensive guide to supporting a laboring woman available. This work is designed to be used before and during delivery, including quick reference guides for the on the spot coaching.
Click Here to Order
More Pregnancy Weeks:
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Photo © K. Harrell
