Fetish Writing with Professor Klamnei, Lesson 2: Week-by-Week Notes on Human Gestation · 10:18pm May 17th, 2020

Professor Klamnei again. Today I'll be giving a detailed look at the typical changes a human woman's body goes through during a normal pregnancy. Please keep in mind this information is NOT comprehensive, and by no means should be used as an actual reference for someone who is actually pregnant. This is intended as a tool for writers who wish to accurately portray certain dynamics of reproduction without going into the ickier (and often darker) details and risks. If you're a real-life mother to be seeking advice, please consult an actual physician.

These notes are in reference of human reproduction, but many components can be translated to other species. They do not mention much about multiple pregnancy, but going into that here would be trying to run before you can walk. You need to have an understanding of how things work baseline before branching out into more complex topics.

As before, I'll be taking questions at the end of the lecture.

Basic Things

-Gestation period is 40 weeks (280 days)

-A pregnancy is measured first day of the mother’s last menstrual period, as this is the most easily measurable metric. This means that TECHNICALLY, a pregnancy calendar will often measure from before a woman is actually pregnant. For the sake of consistency here, most descriptors of things will start at Week 3.

-In real life, sperm can hang out and wait for an egg to fertilize for three to five days after they’ve arrived in the vagina. An egg can be fertilized for up to 24 hours after it’s been released.

-3 trimesters, 13 - 14 weeks per trimester

-Conception actually happens in the fallopian tubes, NOT the uterus.

-After the egg is fertilized, the body starts producing pregnancy hormones that nourish the baby until the placenta is formed at 10 weeks.

-The zygote (now called a blastocyst) travels from the fallopian tubes to the uterus. This takes about 5 - 6 days. It will then implant itself in the uterine wall.

-In humans, once the blastocyst has embedded itself into the uterine wall, it starts making a special hormone. The surges of this hormone throughout the first trimester (followed by a lack of it in the second) signals the ovaries to stop releasing eggs and tells the body as a whole to switch to ‘pregnant mode’.

-During a single pregnancy, the uterus typically grows from the size of an orange to the size of a watermelon. You can think of the way it grows like blowing up a balloon, inflating upward and outward of the pelvic area.

-Blood volume increases by 50% throughout pregnancy.

-Cardiac output increases throughout early pregnancy and peaks in the third trimester (usually to 30-50% above baseline)
-Metabolism changes as a result of pregnancy. Caloric needs increase.

-The immune system runs at a lower speed than usual while pregnant so as to prevent the body from fighting off the fetus as a foreign entity.
-The placenta typically weighs 1 - 2 lbs on delivery.

-”Pregnancy brain” is a term for a change in brain function during pregnancy. The mother’s brain-cell volume actually decreases during the third trimester, but it comes back a few months after delivery. Symptoms include forgetfulness, reduced attention span, lack of organization, trouble concentrating, inability to multitask. Eating foods with choline can help with this.

-Migraines may occur at any point throughout pregnancy.

-Good oral hygiene while pregnant is very important for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, routine visits to the dentist and typical dental hygiene habits are enough to avoid issues.

-It’s been shown that, on average, mothers pregnant with boys tend to eat more than those pregnant with girls. It’s not by a ton, but it’s there.

1st Trimester is weeks 1 - 13
Month 1: Weeks 1 to 4
Month 2: Weeks 5 to 8
Month 3: Weeks 9 - 13
2nd Trimester is weeks 14 - 27
Month 4: Weeks 14 - 17
Month 5: Weeks 18 - 22
Month 6: Weeks 23 - 27
3rd Trimester is weeks 28 - 40+
Month 7: Weeks 28 - 31
Month 8: Weeks 32 - 35
Month 9: Weeks 36 - 40

-40 weeks of pregnancy are counted as nine months, but four weeks is 28 days, and most months save for February are 30-31 days. This means each month is 4.3 weeks long.

Examples of Healthy Foods (by no means a complete list): Grilled fish, chicken, veal, lean-beef entrees, grees, pasta/pizza with fresh tomato sauce, seafood or cheese, teriyaki fish or chicken, miso soup, edamame and soba-noodle dishes, sushi, black-bean soup, fajitas, corn tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, minced chicken, apricots, grilled cheese, cabbage, bagel chips, broccoli, tofu, yams, carrots, light tuna, salmon, cod, rice cakes, pretzels, dry cereal, breadsticks, popcorn, berries, pasteurized feta, sashimi, baked potatoes (skins on), peas, whole-grain bread, dread beans, vegetable juice, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, prunes, blueberries, fatty fish, mangoes, bananas, oats, pancakes, muffins, walnuts, cantaloupe, red peppers, collard greens, almonds, sardines, sesame seeds, cauliflower, mushrooms, peanuts, carrots, sunflower seeds, pita bread, wheat germ, brussels sprouts, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, oatmeal, meat loaf, smoothies, soup, spinach, lentils, escarole, tomato bisque, granola-yogurt parfait, apple slices with peanut/almond butter, whole grain crackers and cheese, toast, oat bran, barley, pumpkin seeds, seaweed, artichokes, molasses, wraps, paninis, stir-fry, cranberry juice, lasagna, egg salad, fajitas, trail mix, raisins, fruit salads, shrimp, tilapia, flounder, salmon, pollack, catfish, algae, grapefruit, grapes, pickles, watermelon, sorbet, applesauce, gelatin, tofu, veggie burgers, miso soup, granola bars

Timeline starting at CONCEPTION (if want to look at this on a pregnancy calendar, just add 2 to the week number)

FIRST TRIMESTER

Week 1:
-Conception occurs in the fallopian tubes
-After the egg is fertilized, the body starts producing certain hormones that nourish the baby until the placenta is formed at 10 weeks.
-Zygote (now called a blastocyst) starts to travel down to the uterus to embed itself in the uterine wall. This journey takes roughly 5-6 days.
-Fetus is still a cluster of cells, about the size of a pinhead
-Feeling of lower abdominal pressure is common. Possibly indicates embryo implantation, increased blood flow, thickening of uterine lining, or even growth of uterus
-Metallic taste in the mouth is a common side effect.
-Want to up iron (soy, dried fruit)
-Want to up vitamin C (kiwi, mango, strawberries, melons, bell peppers, tomatoes, asparagus)
-Want to up protein (quinoa, couscous, eggs, certain dairy, fish
-Want to up calcium (greek/frozen yogurt, calcium-fortified juice, hard/pasteurized cheese)
-Keep fluids up (water, diluted juice, clear broth, weak/decaffeinated tea, hot water with lemon, popsicles, ginger ale)

Week 2:
-In humans, once the blastocyst has embedded itself into the uterine wall, it starts making a special hormone. The surges of this hormone throughout the first trimester (followed by a lack of it in the second) signals the ovaries to stop releasing eggs and tells the body as a whole to switch to ‘pregnant mode’ (this also means that TECHNICALLY, the woman is fertile until a blastocyst has embedded itself and created enough of the hormone for the body to get the signal to stop ovulating).
-A common side effect of the hormone that signals the body to stop ovulating is a heightened sense of smell. Estrogen also has this side effect.
-Baby is no bigger than a poppy seed
-Amniotic sac forms
-Embryo now has three distinct layers of cells that grow into specialized parts of the baby’s body
-Body is starting to gear up, exhaustion and fatigue is common
-Breasts often feel tender, can start to grow bigger
-PMS-like symptoms can happen, but aren’t guaranteed
-Keep up vitamin D (fortified milk, orange juice, egg yolks)
-Healthy (also called ‘essential’) fats are good to get (oily fish, certain eggs)

Week 3:
-Baby is now the size of an orange seed
-Hormone levels are now enough to register on a home pregnancy test
-First system to form is circulatory system, heartbeat MIGHT already be visible on an ultrasound
-Symptoms from previous week continue
-Pregnancy hormones are now being mass-produced. Body has received the signal to stop ovulating.
-Nausea is most likely to emerge now
-Saliva can be produced in excess
-Protein and complex carbohydrate combo (like wheat crackers and cheese, or granola and yogurt) can help with queasiness. Vitamin B6 can also help.

Week 4:
-Baby is now about the size of a sweet pea/nail head (0.2 - 0.25 in)
-Measurements of the baby are done from crown to rump, as the baby’s legs will be bent, making it hard to get an accurate read on the full length of the body.
-First trimester symptoms continue
-Pregnancy hormones cause an increase of blood flow to the pelvic area. It’s good for sexual pleasure, but it also can cause increased urination.
-Kidneys are also becoming more efficient at ridding the body of waste and the uterus is pushing down on the bladder. Fortunately, this pressure is often relieved once hte uterus rises into the abdominal cavity (second trimester)
-Heartburn and indigestion is common. This is because of the band of muscle at the top of the stomach (which usually prevents digestive juices from backing up) relaxes.
-Breasts continue to grow, nipples may stick out more.
-Avoid high-mercury fish.

Week 5:
-Baby is now the size of a blueberry (0.25 in) and is now 10,000x the size it was at conception
-Mucus plug forms at the end of this week and seals off the womb
-Some women’s breasts have grown a full cup size by this point
-May notice little goosebump-like spots on the areola. These are called Montgomery’s tubercles, and are sebaceous glands that supply lubrication to the areola.
-First trimester symptoms continue
-Most women have gained a few pounds by this point.
-Cramping is normal so long as it’s not accompanied by certain other things (contractions, dizziness, discharge)
-Skin complexion may change. Excessive oiliness or dryness (or both) can happen. Acne, blotchiness, or even chloasma (patchy skin discoloration) are all possible.
-Don’t exercise on your back after the first trimester, and don’t hold your breath or use jerky/twisting motions while exercising. Anything that challenges the sense of balance should be avoided.
-Cravings for substances that aren’t food (clay, ashes, laundry starch, etc) are possibly indicative of a condition called pica. This is triggered by nutritional deficiency.

Week 6:
-Baby is now the size of of a raspberry (0.50 in)
-Baby growth roughly occurs at the rate of a millimeter of a day, but not necessarily in height. Can happen in arms, legs, back, etc.
-Uterus has grown significantly by this point (though typically no bump is visible yet), amniotic fluid volume increases
-May not LOOK pregnant yet, but will probably FEEL pregnant.
-First trimester symptoms continue
-Increased vaginal discharge is common due to the increased blood flow in the pelvic area. There is a thin, milky substance called leukorrhea which protects the birth canal from infection by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria.
-Constipation is common
-Aches and pains above the neck is common due to increased blood volume.
-Hormone surges can cause skin, freckles, and moles to look darker. Linea negra is often visible by now.

Week 7:
-Baby is now the size of an olive (1 in)
-It’s too early for the mother to feel any baby movement yet, but the baby’s heart MIGHT be heard with a handheld ultrasound device called a Doppler. Not a guarantee.
-First trimester symptoms continue
-Metabolism and hormone level changes trigger blood sugar and blood pressure to change.
-Breasts can be more tender. Wearing a cotton bra can minimize discomfort.
-Chewing gum can help with heartburn and indigestion.
-Best sleeping position is on the side. This allows for max blood flow and nutrients to the placenta, puts less pressure on the inferior vena cava, and enhances kidney function.
-There’s a point of ‘fashion limbo’ wherein the woman is too big for their jeans but too small for maternity wear. One solution is to thread a rubber band around the jeans button, through the buttonhole, and back around the button again. Can also keep a skirt partially unzipped in the back and just wear a blouse/sweater/jacket over it. However, it often just becomes necessary to ‘buy as you grow’.
-Keep fluids up.

Week 8:
-Baby is now the size of a prune (1.25 - 1.5 in), now is called a fetus
-Baby bump may be visible now in single pregnancy, if barely (multiple pregnancies will have the uterus stretch faster and thus will be visible sooner)
-Some women show earlier and others show later. Depends on height, weight, and build. First pregnancies tend to show later.
-Visible veins may be apparent by now. This is the expanded network carrying the increased blood supply to nourish the fetus.
-First trimester symptoms continue
-Round ligament pain is another term for growing pains caused by the growing belly.
-Mood swings are common throughout the first trimester.

Week 9:
-Baby is now around 1.5 inches and weighs about a quarter of an ounce.
-Might be feeling hungrier. This is a sign of morning sickness easing up and appetite gearing back up.
-As the uterus grows, it can crowd the stomach and intestines, which makes the mother feel bloated.
-Placenta will soon start forming, if it hasn’t already. This takes a lot of energy.
-First trimester symptoms continue.
-Dizziness and faintness can occur due to the body not producing enough blood to fill the expanding circulatory system.
-Pregnancy hormones hit every woman differently. Some have an increased sex drive, some have less. This can change in the second trimester, but then again it might not.

Week 10:
-Baby is now about the size of a lime (2 - 2.25 inches) and weighs a half ounce.
-Baby has more than doubled in size in the last three weeks alone.
-Uterus begins to migrate to the bottom of the pelves to a front and center position in the abdomen. This can relieve symptoms of increased urination.
-Likely won’t have a noticeable baby bump, will look more like the mother has gained weight around the middle.
-Dizziness is common
-First trimester symptoms continue, although may start to alleviate

Week 11:
-Baby is now about the size of a lemon (3 inches) and weighs about an ounce.
-Placenta is now growing.
-First trimester symptoms typically start to alleviate
-Having sex while pregnant has many health benefits. It helps with blood pressure, hormonal releases, stress, postpartum recovery (by tightening pelvic floor muscles), and sleep quality.

SECOND TRIMESTER

Week 12:
-Baby is now the size of a navel orange (3.5 - 4 inches) and weighs about 2 ounces.
-Likely feel peppier, have more energy
-First trimester symptoms have likely alleviated
-Uterus probably has risen out of the pelvic region and into the lower abdomen. Might be able to feel the top of the uterus (called the fundus) if one presses down right above the pelvic bone
-Women often go maternity clothes shopping around this point
-Round ligament pain continues. Most noticeable upon changing positions suddenly, quickly getting up when sitting/lying down, or when coughing/sneezing.
-Immune system is still slowed
-Breasts continue to grow and change, though likely don’t feel as achy as in the first trimester.
-Appetite often returns, usually with a vengeance
-Stuffy noses are common due to hormones
-Skin changes may continue (or begin)
-Weight gain begins in earnest at this point

Week 13:
-Baby is now the size of a pear (4 inches) and weighs about 2.5 ounces
-Second trimester is usually the easiest part of pregnancy
-Might have red or swollen gums (gingivitis) due to hromones
-Hormones can cause nosebleeds
-The rule of thumb for mothers now is to gain 1 pound per week from here on out.
-Heartburn and indigestion may continue, may not
-Varicose veins might be present by now, or may never show up at all
-Headaches and round ligament pain may continue
-”Pregnancy brain” may start to occur
-Preeclampsia is a term for a sudden onset of high blood pressure and severe swelling of the hands and face. It can be dangerous, and has a chance of developing during pregnancy. There are multiple things that can be done to prevent this, including low-dose aspirin and having sex with the father of the baby (FotB). The reason for the second one is because sperm contains a special protein that reduces the risk, and the FotB’s sperm helps create an immunological tolerance in the mother (the fetus is 50% their DNA, after all)

Week 14:
-Baby is now 4 to 5 inches and weights 3 - 4 ounces.
-Fetal weight gain has increased significantly
-Uterus starts to experience more rapid growth
-Symptoms like nasal congestion and nosebleeds may continue. Humidifiers or neti pots can help with this.
-Breasts continue to grow
-Increased vaginal discharge continues
-Lower back may start to hurt as belly grows
-Can prevent varicose veins by not standing in one position for long stretches and elevating the feet while sitting.

Week 15:
-Baby is now about the size of a human’s palm (5 inches) and weighs about 5 ounces
-Increased appetite is typically most apparent at this point
-A strange symptom of pregnancy is snoring. Can be helped by humidifiers, nasal strips, or a different pillow.
-Stretch marks may start to become apparent. Not universal across mothers. Moisturizing lotion can help with this.
-Symptoms like faintness, dizziness, heartburn, indigestion, backaches, headaches, skin changes, odor sensitivity, breast sensitivity, and vaginal sensitivity may continue
-Milk producing glands are typically developing by now.
-The sciatic nerve (largest nerve in the body, starts in the lower back and runs down the butt before branching down the back of the legs to the ankles and feet) can become aggravated at some point. This is called sciatica, and can be alleviated with heat pad or back stretches.
-Some women can get one or more loose teeth during pregnancy.

Week 16:
-Baby is now about 5 ½ inches and weighs around 5 - 6.5 ounces
-Baby might be large enough now to start feeling movement, but it depends. There are a lot of factors to this, including the size and weight of the mother (smaller women often feel kicks earlier) and the size and weight of the fetus (larger babies can be felt sooner)
-Will likely look noticeably pregnant by now, but every mother is different
-The growth of the uterus has most likely shifted the mother’s center of gravity by now, which means the lower back is pulled forward while the abdomen is thrust out.This typically puts strain on the back muscles.
-The pregnancy hormone relaxin causes ligaments and joints to relax. This shifts posture further and also contributes to back aches.
-Elevating feet and taking baths can help with muscle pain.
-Leg cramps are common via shooting spasms in the calves. Doing calf stretches before bed can help alleviate this.
-Edema (swelling in the feet and ankles) is common due to fluid pooling in the ankles and feet. This can be avoided by elevating the feet

Week 17:
-Baby is now about 6 inches and weighs about 8 ounces
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Eating multiple small meals is typically better than eating fewer large ones
-Limiting exposure to the sun can help with skin discoloration symptoms.

Week 18:
-Baby is now about 6 ½ inches and weighs about 10 ounces
-Can typically determine the baby’s gender by now
-This is considered the halfway point
-Continue things like shopping for new maternity clothes
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Genetics can often determine the shape and size of a pregnant belly (to an extent)
-Hair and nail growth picks up at this point due to hormones that trigger a surge in circulation. Hair feels thicker, looks shinier and healthier. Hair may also sprout in places where there was none before pregnancy (back, nipples, stomach). Nails also probably look nicer, but both hair and nails may also become brittle. Both these things return to normal within six months of delivery.
-Grazing, in general, is the best way to eat while pregnant
-Belly button can turn from an innie to an outie at this point
-Baby gender is typically determinable by now
-Movement from the baby can feel like butterflies, gas, or stomach grumbles.
-The stretching of muscles and loosening of ligaments means that the mother is more prone to injury and needs to be careful while stretching
-Pregnant women are always at risk of anemia, but it’s especially high at this point because the baby is developing a lot of red blood cells. Eating foods high in iron and vitamin C can help with this.
-Using non comedogenic and unscented makeup/skin-care products can help with excess oils and clogged pores.

Week 19:
-Baby is now about the size of a large banana (10.5 inches) and weighs 11 - 12 ½ ounces
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Mother has typically gained anywhere from 10 - 16 pounds by this point
-Staying active is good

Week 20:
-Baby is now about the size of a small doll (11 inches) and weighs about 14 - 16 ounces
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Uterus is now about an inch above the belly button
-Feet often get a size bigger, may or may not shrink back afterward
-Braxton Hicks contractions can start happening at this point. They feel like irregular, painless squeezing sensation in the abdomen.
-Magnesium supplements can help with certain fatigue-related symptoms

Week 21:
-Baby is now about 11 inches and weighs about 1.2 lbs.
-Baby will start to gain a lot of weight over the next four weeks (likely doubling in weight)
-Can now detect baby’s heartbeat with a standard stethoscope
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Heat rash and skin tags can occur
-Baby’s kicks are still light
-Swelling can put pressure on nerves in the nerves and cause carpal tunnel symptoms
-Sleeping might be difficult (called pregnancy insomnia)

Week 22:
-Baby is now about 11.5 inches and weighs 1.3 lbs.
-On average baby is now gaining about 6 ounces a week
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Hormones may cause vision to become blurry due to decreased tear production and eye irritation. Will pass shortly after delivery
-Glucose screening often occurs at this point

Week 23:
-Baby is now about 13 inches and weighs 1.5 lbs
-Uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball
-Second trimester symptoms continue
-Restless legs syndrome can occur throughout the second trimester
-Symphysis pubis dysfunction is a condition characterized by pain in the pelvic area caused by relaxed and stretchy ligaments. It means your pelvic joints are becoming unaligned, so exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles are important.

Week 24:
-Baby is now about 14 inches and weighs about 1.6 - 1.8 lbs.
-Uterus is about 2 ½ inches above the belly button
-Baby’s kicks are probably more powerful by this point, possibly to the point of pain
-Second trimester symptoms continue

Week 25:
-Baby is now about 14 ½ inches and weighs about 2 - 2.1 lbs
-Uterus has swelled to the size of a basketball
-Second trimester symptoms continue

THIRD TRIMESTER

Week 26:
-Baby is now about 15 inches and weighs about 2.25 lbs
-Sciatica can occur in the third trimester
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate
-Researching childbirth classes is good to do at this point
-Hospital tours are also good to do at this point

Week 27:
-Baby is now about 15 ½ - 16 inches and weighs about 2.5 - 2.75 lbs
-Baby’s weight will roughly triple (or more) over the next 11 weeks
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate
-Likely a lot of kicking
-Recognizing the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and actual contractions is very important

Week 28:
-Baby is now about 16 inches and weighs about 3 lbs
-Baby will now be gaining about half a pound per week until delivery
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-The uterus may start to press up against the diaphragm and leave the mother feeling winded
-Exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles are very important

Week 29:
-Baby is now about 16.5 - 17 inches and weighs about 3.5 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Stomach can start to feel like it’s in the mother’s chest and the lungs can feel cramped

Week 30:
-Baby is now about 17 inches and weighs about 4 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Baby is likely to settle into the head-down or bottoms-up presentation in the pelvis in preparation for birth
-Dreams may become especially strange
-Pelvic tilts are a way to strengthen the pelvis and abs for delivery. They also sometimes soothe backaches. All you need to do is stand straight against a wall, relax the spine, breathe in deep, and press the small of the back against the wall. Then exhale, and repeat this for about five minutes.

Week 31:
-Baby is now about 17.5 inches and weighs about 4.5 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Amniotic fluid is usually maxed out by this point, meaning the baby is taking up more and more majority of the womb’s space

Week 32:
-Baby is now about 17.5 - 18 inches and weighs about 5 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Uterus is around 5 inches about the navel now
-The bigger the belly, the more it affects the mother’s sense of balance

Week 33:
-Baby is now about 18.5 inches and weighs about 5.5 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge

Week 34:
-Baby is now about 18.5 - 19.0 inches and weighs about 6 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Baby growth may slow down by this point, but it may also continue, play catch-up, or even have a sudden spurt for no reason
-The ‘penguin waddle’ often associated with pregnancy is usually noticeable by this point. It’s due to the loosening and softening of the mother’s connective tissues.

Week 35:
-Baby is now about 19.0 - 19.5 inches and weighs about 6.5 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Cervix may start to dilate at this time by a small amount
-”Cervical ripeness” refers to the consistency of the cervix. It starts out being firm like the tip of your nose. By labor, it has softened to the same texture as the inside of your cheek.
-There’s a special kind of massage called a perineal massage. This is a massage of the perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and rectum) and has been shown to minimize the “stinging” that occurs when a baby’s head crowns during birth.
- Another thing that can help with birth is this: have a lover clean their hands, then cover them in K-Y jelly or olive oil. Have them put their thumbs in the vagina and press down towards the rectum, sliding the thumbs across the bottom and sides of the perineum, pulling gently outward and forward on the lower part of the vagina with their thumbs hooked inside. This helps stretch the skin in the same way the baby’s head does during birth. Typically this is done daily until labor.
-Pelvic pain can start to be an issue. Wearing a sling can help with this to support the weight of the uterus and take the pressure off the back and pelvis.
-Not all women gain the usual ‘pound per week’ during the third trimester. Some don’t gain any weight at all during the last month.

Week 36:
-Baby is now anywhere from 19.0 - 20 inches and about 7 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Baby may ‘drop’ into the pelvic cavity at this time, but may also occur in later weeks. When this occurs, the mother will be able to breathe easier, eat better, etc due to the internal organs no longer being squished.
-’Nesting Instinct’ is common around this time. This instinct refers to the burst of energy mothers (and sometimes fathers) get in the last few weeks before delivery that inspires them to clean and organize their homes. It’s caused by the body producing extra adrenaline and other hormones.

Week 37:
-Baby is now anywhere from 19.0 - 21 inches and 7 - 8 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Discomfort is a given at this point
“Lightning crotch” is a term sudden pains shooting from the vagina down the legs. It’s caused by the baby pressing on pelvic nerves. This is normal.

Week 38:
-Baby is now anywhere from 19.0 - 22 inches and 7 - 8.5 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Need to start watching for signs of labor
-Upping the iron in the mother’s diet can help with stamina, which is going to be needed for labor.
-Some women pass the mucus plug that’s corking their cervix as they dilate. It doesn’t necessarily mean labor is imminent.

Week 39:
-Baby is now anywhere from 19.0 - 22 inches and 7 - 9 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-The body begins to rid itself of excess fluids it no longer needs. Excess sweat is the biggest way this occurs.
-Fetal stress hormones can be good because it’s thought they help to send chemical signals to the placenta that trigger labor.
-Weight gain will likely stop, and some mothers even start to lose weight. This is one of the ways the body gets ready for labor.
-Taking a walk can kick up the contractions if you’re trying to cause them.

Week 40:
-Baby is now anywhere from 19.0 - 22 inches and 7 - 9 lbs
-Symptoms from the second trimester may continue or alleviate, and first trimester symptoms may either develop or resurge
-Amniotic fluid has no odor (usually)
-Labor has shown to be shorter in women who have been allowed eating privileges.
-Take care to use the bathroom often, as this can interfere with labor.
-The rupture of the amniotic sac is not guaranteed before the onset of labor.
-There’s often a pink or red-tinged mucus just before labor begins.
-Labor contractions feel like rhythmic waves of hardening and softening of the uterus. They can be anything between quick and sudden to slow and steady. They typically start out further apart and get progressively closer together, although not always.
-First true contractions might feel like menstrual cramps or a low backache, but this isn’t a tried and true thing.