Pregnancy & Baby 

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Pregnancy week 38

A week by week guide to what's happening to you and your baby

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

As the baby settles into the pelvis, you may notice a few twinges. This could be from the baby's head resting on nerves, or it could mean that your cervix is beginning to dilate.

Babies' movements often slow considerably just before birth. Keeping track of your little one's activity level may be a good idea at this time. If movement drops off considerably, call your doctor.

Around this time, you may also lose your mucus plug, which seals the opening of the uterus. Not all women experience this loss. The expulsion of the plug may indicate that labour will start immediately or within the next week or two - more evidence that you will soon be giving birth.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Your baby's lanugo, the fine hair that covers the body, will probably disappear this week. The vernix, a creamy substance that protects the baby's skin, is also disappearing. This week, your baby weighs around six and a half pounds and measures 34cm crown to rump, or 18-1/2 inches head to toe.

HEALTHY EATING

Try a colourful tropical fruit salad, experiment with different fruit according to the season and your taste.
Throw together the following ingredients:
1 mango - peeled, stoned and cut into tiny squares
1 small cantaloupe melon, peeled and cut into pieces
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into pieces
2oz of raspberries
5 dates, stoned and cut into pieces
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice
Serve immediately.

FACT OF THE WEEK

Women give birth in many different ways and in many different positions. While it is impossible to tell which position might work best for you beforehand, it is worth paying some attention to the possibilities. Talk to your midwife and other mothers about what worked for them.

Side-lying position: Takes pressure off the uterus and perineum. The right leg is lifted during a contraction.
Semi-sitting position: The upper torso is propped up at a 45¢ª angle. The force of gravity aids the birth process.
Squatting: Gravity helps bring the baby down, and helps to open the pelvis.

Find out what to expect in week 39 of yourpregnancy.

For a list of all the pregnancy week by week articles click here

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