It's month eighth of your pregnancy and you're so close you can practically smell that new-baby scent. You’re an old hand at this pregnancy thing now.
In fact, you feel like you’ve been pregnant forever and though it’s not quite that long, you are absolutely forgiven if you feel a little bit fed up. But your due date is in sight! We take a look at some of the common symptoms in the eighth month of pregnancy plus what your baby's getting up to.
How far along am I at 8 months pregnant?
Roughly speaking, you are between 33 to 37 weeks pregnant.
Symptoms at 8 months pregnant
Emotional wreck: How are you feeling deep down? A bit emotional? Yeah, that's normal for around now. You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed as the weeks are passing by, you're getting advice on just about everything, and it's a bit much. There’s every chance you don’t really know how to feel at the moment. One minute you’re shattered, the next you’re determined to build all that flat pack stuff in the nursery, the next you’re on the floor having a good old sob. This is going to be an emotional time, don't forget everyone goes through this. As you well and truly wallow in the hammock of the third trimester you find yourself uttering a new phrase...
...‘I’m SO ready now’: You want to meet your baby and the waiting is getting tough. It’s hard to give two hoots about anything other than you and your bump and that’s totally understandable. You might be at the point where you’re harrumphing about still having to go to work and you’re constantly daydreaming about lying on the sofa and doing that malteaser trick with your bump - and that’s all OK. You’re like a marathon runner who has hit a wall - so console yourself with the fact that you don’t have to run anywhere, at least. But, there’s plenty to keep you going.
Your midwife is your new best friend: You’ll be thrilled to be seeing a bit more of your midwife. Secretly, you look forward to her visits like she’s an old friend who’s going to tell you everything’s alright. You know when you really like a celebrity and think ‘oh I wish she was my friend’? Midwives are a bit like that, aren’t they? You start to wish the two of you were best pals and you fantasise about hanging out after the baby’s birth and telling everyone the story of how you became mates. Chances are you’ll never see each other again, but for now, she’s got your back.
Clumsiness: You're bound to feel a bit clumsy around now, but don't worry! Pregnant women feel more clumsy due to several things:
-
You're carrying A LOT more weight
-
Your centre of gravity has changed
-
It's easier to lose balance when your tummy strength has changed
-
Your coordination has reduced
-
Your joints are loosening
Dizziness: Dizziness is also common to happen around now too. You could be feeling dizzy and light-headed from severe morning sickness, or it could be because of all the changes in your hormones. Try not to stand up so quickly, keep your blood sugar levels high and take your time when walking and standing up.
Breasts leak: Now is a good time to invest in some breast pads - your body is getting ready to feed your baby, whether you're planning to breastfeed or not!
Varicose veins: Ah yes, the appearance of varicose veins! You may get these around now. They are blue or red swollen veins that most often appear in your legs.
Haemorrhoids: The evil twin of varicose veins - haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum. They can be itchy, painful and could lead to bleeding.
Braxton Hicks contractions: aka your body doing teeny (ha!) practice runs for the big day. They’re tightenings of the uterus that last up to about 30 seconds and can scare the living you-know-what out of you when you first feel one. Don’t worry, they’re just your body’s way of letting you know what’s to come. How thoughtful.
Less movement: You’ll be really sensitive to every ache and pain now and you’ll also be pretty used to your baby’s movements. Last month you got fed up with being woken up by a kick in the ribs but this month, they might worry you by going a bit quiet and slowing down their movements. Just remember your baby is almost full-term now at 33 to 37 weeks pregnant and they have less room in there now to flip about.
What does my baby look like at eight months pregnant?
Here's an illustrative look at what your baby will look like in the womb when you're eight months pregnant.
Your baby's development at 8 months pregnant
1 of 61) Your baby is now the size of a cantaloupe melon!
You're now in the middle of your third trimester and your baby is now the size of a cantaloupe melon. Your baby should weigh around 2.1kg.
2 of 62) Baby hiccups
Your baby's movements are changing constantly now. If you've noticed some more kicking than normal and small 'wriggle' movements, this could be because they are having hiccups. Their kicks will also be more visible as you will also be able to see imprints from the outside.
3 of 63) They have "dropped"
As we said in month 7, your baby may have been getting ready for birth by changing position by pointing their head down. By this month, your baby will have done this. You also may not feel as many movements as normal but don't worry, they are still growing.
4 of 64) Enormous brain growth
Your baby's overall growth is going to be rapid this month, but importantly, their brain growth is going to be massive right about now.
5 of 65) Their skin will be less wrinkled!
By the end of their eighth month, their skin will no longer be wrinkled, and their kidneys will now be matured.
6 of 66) Fingernails have grown
Your baby is in need of a manicure! By the end of their eighth month their finger nails will have grown so much that they extend over their finger tips!
What should I be doing at eight months pregnant?
Pack your hospital bag
If you haven't already, you might want to start putting together your hospital bag with all those essentials for you and baby. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry, our hospital bag checklist will help you out.
Check over your birth plan
It's worth having a read over your birth plan (or birth preferences) before you reach month nine of your pregnancy to check you're happy with everything.
Have a practice run
By now you will know where you would like to give birth and you’re wondering a lot about whether it will happen the way you’ve planned.
Consider learning the quickest route to the hospital or birthing centre where you plan to give birth, taking into account alternative routes in case there is traffic.
If you’re staying at home you might have had a birth pool practice run - whether you laughed hysterically as you tried to fathom how it goes up or your partner ended up going off in a huff, you’re just thankful you got through it without going into early labour!
Clue up
When you are 37 weeks pregnant, you are officially considered 'full-term.' This means your baby will not be considered premature when they are born after this point. Either way, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of labour.