Third Trimester

Thirty-two weeks old

Mothers Development

During the final stages of pregnancy anticipation of the baby becomes a reality. The mother gains more weight and becomes larger as her bell grows and grows.

Weight Gain

* gains 11-15 lbs

Reproductive Changes

* uterus becomes very large
* baby's movements become visible
* braxton hicks contractions: periodic tightenings of the uterus causing it to fell taut like a drum
* increase urination

Respiratory Changes

* shortness of breath occures as the baby presses on the diaphragm

Sleeping Patterns

* difficulty sleeping and fatigue

Muscle and Skeleton

* backache due to the weight of the fetus
* your baby's head descends into the pelvis

Fetal Development

At this stage (6-10months/24-40weeks) the baby is fully developed. Now the lungs are continuing to become stronger and fat is layed under the baby's skin. If the fetus is bor at this stage he/she can survive with the help of today's equipment and incubators.

Twenty-Eight Weeks

* baby spends time laying down fat under his/her's skin
* the body undergoes rapid growth and the baby's size becomes more porportional to the head
* hiccupping inside can be felt by the mother

Thirty-Two Weeks

* a baby born at this stage has a good chance of surviving with neonatal care
* baby weight is now 4-4.5lbs

Thirty-Six to Fourty Weeks

* a great amount of fat continues to be layed down under the baby's skin
* the infants lungs have matured significantly for the outside world
* the vernix is shed (protects baby's skin)
* the baby is fully developed and is ready to be born into the world.