Effects on you at the eighth month of pregnancy

As baby prepares to join the outside world  

• You can now see nails and hair! Your baby now has toenails, fingernails and a hint of real hair. The skin is softer and smoother and more baby-like.
• Baby is continuing to grow –  during these last two months, it will double its weight! All the fat that your baby accumulates now will go into protecting it, helping it survive after birth.
• Baby will also start moving into birth position – in most cases, its head is downwards, well flexed, and its back towards the left side. This may be confirmed during your last ultrasound examination.

Your body during the third trimester

• If you’ve been feeling like you can’t catch your breath at times, rest assured that you are not alone.  Your growing baby takes up a lot of room inside you now and is likely compressing your diaphragm and lungs. The result? A normal sense of breathlessness. This feeling will disappear naturally once your baby moves down a little in preparation for their exit.
• You may be feel a slight tugging or diffuse pain in your lower abdomen. Don't worry, this is normal: your pelvic joints are starting to loosen up, pulling on your ligaments, to allow the baby to pass through.
• You also might find your toilet visits getting more difficult. Apart from your growing belly making it more difficult to sit down, the increasing pressure on your bowels as your baby grows can also cause your bowel motions to slow a little.

 Tips to help get you and baby to the finish line:

• Keep up the good nutrition – your baby is putting on more weight between now and birth, and your body also needs the extra energy. It’s important to make sure you’re eating for both you and your baby’s energy needs.  Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, “good” fats – it’s the best way to ensure that your little love has all the nutrients they need without stealing from your reserves.
• Heartburn and reflux might be back again now there’s not much room left for your stomach in there! If you suffer from these at night, try elevating your head a bit by adding a pillow. Try to have your evening meal be a light one, too. If too light an evening meal gives you night cravings, consider adding a snack an hour before bedtime. For more sleeping tips, see 10 tips for a good sleep during the 3rd trimester.
• Limit your consumption of sugary beverages and carbonated drinks, but also of coffee and tea. As far as alcohol is concerned, you are strongly advised to avoid it during the entire period of pregnancy and breastfeeding. For more information on what to eat and avoid during pregnancy, click here.