Eighth Month Of Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetal Development

Eighth Month Of Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetal Development

Your baby is getting ready to arrive by the eighth month of pregnancy. Needless to say, the mother’s body is also on overdrive to make sure that the baby has the right environment when the big day finally arrives. Here is everything that you need to know about the eighth month of pregnancy and the changes that will occur.

Eighth Month Of Pregnancy: Bodily Changes in the Mother

The most noticeable changes in the eighth month are as follows:

  • Weight: The typical weight gain in the eighth month is between 500g to 1 kg each week. However, depending upon the BMI, women may gain between 5kg to 9kgs in this month.
  • Fatigue increases: The body needs to work harder for the baby to prepare for delivery which means that the mom will feel more tired at the end of each day.
  • The shape of the belly changes: The pregnant belly becomes very prominent and seems to be leaning downward. This is because the baby has assumed the head-down position by now.
  • More Colostrum production: The placenta begins to produce certain hormones which trigger lactation. As a result, you will notice more colostrum or first milk being produced from the nipples.
  • Stress Incontinence is observed: This is a condition where you feel a few drops of urine come out each time you sneeze or cough.
  • Kick counts: About 10 flutters, kicks, rolls and swishes every two hours is considered normal. You should also be able to feel three distinct movements of the baby every half an hour.
  • Sleep: Frequent bathroom trips and the enormous weight on your belly will make it harder for you to fall asleep.
  • Pain in the pubic region: The pelvic bones begin to soften to get ready for delivery. You will also feel a lot of pressure as the baby’s head begins to press down on the nerves, causing some discomfort.
  • Braxton Hicks Contractions increase: You will have more Braxton Hicks contractions in this stage.

 

Eighth Month Of Pregnancy: Developmental Changes in the Baby

The baby prepares for birth and undergoes the following changes.

  • Size: The baby is between 1- 1.7 kgs in weight and is about 15- 16 inches long by the eighth month.
  • Position: The baby assumes the head down position. Sometimes, the baby may even change the position becoming bottom down or legs down. This is called a breech position.
  • Brain and nervous system: The nervous system is almost fully developed and begins to control several functions of the body.
  • Hair and skin: The skin is less wrinkled and the hair on the body sheds.
  • Organs: The lungs start breathing practice but are not fully developed. The kidneys are mature. The digestive system continues to develop.

Read this also: Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Eighth Month Of Pregnancy: Pregnancy Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Swelling of the limbs
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Mood swings
  • Backaches
  • Anxiety pangs
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Leg cramps
  • Shortness of breath
  • Varicose veins

Eighth Month Of Pregnancy: Things to Take Care of

Take good care of yourself in the fourth month of pregnancy with these simple tips:

General Health:

  • Maintain a calorie consumption of 500 additional calories each day. This is between 2200-2500 calories.
  • The most important nutrients to consume at this stage are calcium, Iron, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, and Protein.
  • Keep yourself hydrated.
  • Avoid standing for long hours
  • Do not sleep on your back.
  • Try exercises like walking and kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles before delivery.
  • Take ample rest.
  • It is best to keep any stressful activity at bay.
  • Be careful when you are moving as you will be slightly out of balance.
  • Wear clothes and footwear that are comfortable.
  • If you experience feelings like extreme sadness, depression or a kind of sinking feeling, talk to an expert.
  • Make sure you do not lift any heavy objects.

Prenatal Check-Up

  • You will visit your doctor more often, making one appointment each week.
  • A regular check-up which includes a weight check and blood pressure check
  • The fundal height and the fetal heartbeat are checked.
  • The weight and size of the baby are checked.
  • The position of the baby and the condition of the placenta is checked.

Eighth Month Of Pregnancy: FAQs

What if the baby’s movements are not as frequent?

Eating something sweet is known to trigger the baby’s movement. However, if the movements still continue to be less, consult your doctor.

How to improve sleep?

Sleeping on the left is known to improve sleep. You can also try a full body pregnancy pillow for more comfort.

What to do in case of preterm labor?

If you feel the symptoms of preterm labor, make sure that you contact your doctor immediately. During this time, you need to drink a lot of water and ensure that the bladder is emptied more frequently. You must also check the number of contractions for an hour if you are not able to go to your doctor immediately.

 

Read Also: Makhan During Pregnancy

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