As you progress in your eighth month, there are more changes that you expect for you and your baby. Read on to know the experiences that you will have this month as well as the milestones that your baby will be taking this month.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms at Eight Months
Though the eight months of pregnancy is one that is going to be filled with some severe and uncomfortable symptoms, take heart because of you almost there. Additionally, it is important to start preparing for labour at this time as it is possible that your child arrives then. Typical pregnancy symptoms that you could expect in addition to what you had on your seventh month are such as:
- Clumsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Leaky breasts
- Braxton Hicks contractions (painless contractions on the lower abdomen which will be preparing you for labour)
- General discomfort due to the size of the tummy
- Fatigue
- Urinary incontinence
- More weight gain (Track your weight using our weight tracker here)
- Oedema (water retention by the body causing swollen feet and ankles)
This is the time to finalize your birth plan and get your hospital bag ready by the door. Get enough rest, which will include getting maternity leave if you are yet to. In Kenya, you are entitled to three months’ maternity leave.
Your Baby When You Are Eight Months Pregnant
By now, your baby is about the size of a pineapple and weighs over four pounds. During this time, the fetus is now preparing for self-dependent life outside the womb and are already at the right position for birth. In case your baby is positioned upright with either their feet or buttocks above the cervix, then you are likely to have a breech baby, and you might need a C-section.
Most internal organs such as their heart are still improving, and your little one is now a completely formed human being.
Week by Week Development
Week 33
Your baby is about the size of a pineapple and weighs about 1.95kg. The current height is about 17.25 inches. The baby’s skeleton is now hardening and they are losing the alien look.
Week 34
Your baby can now see the first color that is red inside the uterus. They weigh about 2.1kg and are 17.75 inches tall. The size of the baby is similar to that of a cantaloupe.
Week 35
Your baby has settled into a head down position by now. He is the size of a watermelon. He weighs 2.4 kg and is about 18.25 inches tall.
Week 36
Your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce. They are 18.75 inches tall and weigh about 2.6kg. The baby is currently shedding most of the downy hair that covered the body.
See what you can expect in the ninth month of pregnancy here.
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another.
Content intended for educational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: pampers, plannedparenthood, babycentre, huggies, momjunction, babycenter, babycenter
