The dream is close; you’re entering the final week of the eighth month of pregnancy. Many changes are happening in your body and your baby’s body during this week, so understanding them will help you feel psychologically and physically prepared for birth.
Your uterus has grown significantly, now measuring 500 to 1,000 times its original size and reaching just below your rib cage. The distance from your belly button to the top of the uterus is about 15.2 cm. By now, your weight may have increased by 10.9 to 13.2 kg, and pregnancy symptoms may become more intense as childbirth nears.
Pressure on the Bladder
As your baby moves lower into the pelvis, bladder pressure increases. This may cause incontinence or lead to occasional urine leakage, especially when laughing or coughing. Although, it is still important to drink more water to prevent dehydration, which can increase the risk of preterm labor.
Rib or Back Pain
Also, rib and back pain are common complaints at this stage. You may feel rib pain, especially if your baby is kicking strongly, or back pain due to the baby’s descending position.
To decrease discomfort, use a maternity support belt (pregnancy sling). It helps support your belly and relieves pressure on the pelvis and improves posture when standing or walking. This belt is safe and provides extra stability as your center of gravity shifts with your growing belly.
Vision Changes
About 14% of pregnant women complain of visual changes such as blurred vision or dry eyes, due to temporary hormonal changes, but these usually tend to resolve after birth.
Sleep Difficulties and Fatigue
Leg cramps and heartburn are common now and can affect sleep quality. Try to rest as much as possible, since it will become harder once your baby arrives.
Tracking your baby’s movements
Even though space in your uterus is shrinking, your baby’s movement pattern should remain consistent:
- Count at least 10 movements within two hours.
- Record kicks in a notebook or chart.
- If you notice fewer movements, wait a bit and try again. If movements remain low, talk to your doctor immediately.
Tips for week 35
At this stage, do not attempt to induce labor using popular home methods. Your baby isn’t considered full-term until week 37. Contrary to popular beliefs, spicy food won’t trigger labor, but it may only upset your stomach or cause irregular contractions.
Pay attention to low blood sugar, which can cause headaches and fatigue. To avoid this:
- Don’t skip meals.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Avoid going long without eating or drinking.