Your baby is 40cm long and weighs 1800 to 2000 grams, he or she is now likely in a head-down position. The placenta weighs approximately 380 grams. Baby’s skin has turned pinkish. Boy child’s testicles have descended into the scrotum. Eyebrows and eyelashes become longer and the body-covering fetal hair will disappear. Since your baby will take up all the space in your womb, the movements become less frequent, but much stronger. If you put a warm object on your stomach, baby will react to temperature change. 90 percent of the children born this week, will survive thanks to the developed lungs and strong immune system.
In case of head-down position, you feel strong kicks under your ribs. Since joints start to loosen up, you may feel the pain in your joints when moving or turning. You have now gained weight 8-10 kilograms. At this stage of pregnancy it is completely normal to gain 0.3-0.5kg every week. During the final weeks of pregnancy, you may get haemorrhoids or varicose veins (swollen veins) in the rectal area. Try to avoid constipation, as this will further contribute to the formation of varicose veins. In case of haemorrhoids, consult with your doctor, who recommends you the best treatment (like ointments or suppositories). Hot tub can also provide relief. You walk like a sailor. This is caused by a hormone called relaxin, which loosens joints and softens ligaments in preparation for delivery.