week 35
What is happening to my baby?
Your baby currently measures approximately 45cm from head to toe and weighs 2.5kg. The baby continues to build fat deposit underneath her or his skin which will help with the body’s temperature regulation after delivery. The fingernail and toe nails are growing. Your baby’s eyes now are sensitive to light and will constrict or dilate accordingly.
What is happening to me?
The top of your womb is about one finger-breadth from your chest bone or is now reaching the chest bone. At this stage your baby, your baby is descending further down into your pelvis. This is called quickening. If you have experience breathlessness during pregnancy at this stage it would probably ease down as the baby descends down and presses less on your rib cages.
What should I plan this week?
- Start making your birth plan
- Make a list of questions you would like to ask your doctor regarding your labour.
- Choose songs to download into your MP3 or I-Pod which may help you relax and calm down during labour.
- Decide who will be your birth partner i.e who will accompany you during labour. It could be your partner, close friend and relative or a doula.
- Learn about the stages of labour and episiotomy
Tips of the week
Tips on preparing yourself and partner during labour:
- You will be much prepared if you know what to expect during labour. Hence, going to an antenatal class to better prepare both you and your partner for labour. However, the unexpected could happen during labour, so keep an opened mind. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
- Learn relaxation techniques e.g breathing exercises.
- You could listen to your favourite music during labour by downloading songs into your MP3 or i-Pod.
- Learn regarding pain killers during labour. Decide which analgesia option do you prefer. Epidural is a good option as you will not be too drowsy during labour. However, you could always change your mind depending on the level of your pain during labour.
- Remember, keep a positive mind. You are about to experience a wonderful and unique experience giving birth to your baby! Focus and no matter how hard and long the labour process seems to be, it will end, you will be able to see your baby’s face and hold her or him in your arms.
- You could learn from the birthing experience from your friends or relatives but keep in mind that each individual may have different labour experiences.
Health matters
You could read further on the following topics:
