You are 8 months pregnant! This means, you are probably just one more month away. This month will be filled with anxiety and excitement. What you could do best to keep them down is to actually divert your mind by doing other things that will keep you busy. Remember to always go by your diet and never skip your everyday dose of positivity and walk. Keep things going, your anxiety will fall in place.
On the other hand, so many things happen to your baby and you. What to do in eight month of pregnancy? Well, there is so much. We’ll tell you everything about it.
How Many Weeks Pregnant Are You?
Wondering how many weeks in 8 months pregnant? Well, you are in your week 32-35. This means, this is your third trimester and you have roughly about a month or 5-8 weeks to delivery. However, this will depend from one woman to another. Not everyone goes until week 40 and tend to deliver even before.
8 Months Pregnant Belly: What Does it Look Like?
At this point, your belly is big, mostly because of the increasing size of the baby it assumes every day. This will put an added pressure on the abdomen and thus you may have to urinate frequently. 8 months pregnant fetus will be in a head-down position and will stay so until the time for its delivery. 8 months pregnant baby size is that of a cantaloupe.
8th month pregnancy baby weight is about two to four pounds and 14 inches in height.
See More: 9th Month Of Pregnancy Symptoms
What To Think About This 8th Month Of Pregnancy:
Now in her second last month, the mother admits that the worry until she can hold her young one in her arm stays with her till the time ends. Until the birth-giving process, every mother is filled with worries which change every month. This month it is all about how to do it when the actual time comes? The thought of the process which she had played melodiously in her mind the months before now is taking a slight horror turn. What if she can’t execute the deed as properly and neatly she should she ponders.
8 Months Pregnant Symptoms:
Your signs of 8 months pregnant become more pronounced now. Here are some obvious ones.
1. Braxton Hicks Contractions:
This is a sign that your day is fast approaching. The body will prepare you through false contractions which is called Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are mainly in the form of tightening of the abdomen muscles. This is test contractions that your body goes through preparing itself for the tough time ahead. The good part to it is these are painful and does not cause any side effects. However, they do offer discomfort to the mother. As such these signs are no issue to be worried about. This 8 month pregnancy pain is just pre preparations to help your body get prepared for the delivery phase. If though you feel more pain you should immediately consult your doctor. You can ease up your situation by applying a cold compress or a hot bag.
2. Subsidiary Problems:
Perhaps the earlier problem you had, would now have become stable. By this, we mean the return of the frequent urination that we felt on the first month. This is because the baby now continues to put pressure on your bladder and with him weighing somewhat around four to six pounds; the bladder is losing its space to store. The same happens with the chest cavity and stomach muscles which is why indigestion, heartburn and shortage of breath arise. A simple way to get rid of the problem is to intake less of water and instead take more of liquidator food items like soup and fruit juices. The food and fruit liquids take time to break down the excretory system. This will help you get rid of the frequent visit to the bathroom.
3. Bloating and Weight Gain:
For bloating, you always have to take it. The first way to overcome your bloating is to know if it at all is a case of bloating or just the baby bump. You would want to eat everything away, and that will only lead to more gain in weight. The grabbing of heavy meal every time you get hungry is not the right way to serve your hunger. This leads to lessening out the room available to your child for the development because of the fat you gain. Besides, this can also lead to heartburn and flatulence. To get rid of the problem is to intake lightweight snacks or fruits, or salads and nuts to overcome your need of hunger every time you are in need of.
4. Breathlessness:
The problem of breathlessness arises when your belly takes the formation of a huge tummy, the pressure on the lungs and diaphragm increases thereby, and so it takes there space. This results in struggles with suffocating and shortness of breath. The symptoms of breathlessness are quite common in pregnant ladies all around the world. But for your safety and precautions, you must let your doctor know about your situation. As per doctors concern, it is not a good option breathing through the mouth during this period.
A temporary and handy solution to such a problem is to keep a tissue with yourself that help you wipe your nostril and help them keep open for the circulation of air for breathing. With the help of tissue, you can hold your one nostril while help yourself open the other one. This will help you get an open nose for breathing fresh air. But you should also be clear with the mucus that shouldn’t be caught in the nostrils.
5. Extreme Dizziness:
You might not be able to put up with it all. The changes in your mood lifts and hormones will make you feel down. The overweight and constant movement in your belly will all make you feel tired and restless. This can make your time go harder. For a solution to your dizziness, you can take rest every half an hour. A small nap, or soft music, a walk to fresh air can make you feel better. Easy work like hobbies can also entertain you. Your daily work should be done in a slow pace for your own safety. You can talk and even ask your family members about precautions that can be taken from whom have already faced similar problems in pregnancy.
8 Months Pregnant Fetal Development:
A lot of things happen and change from the first day of your conception.
The eight month is one of the most crucial months where significant changes are seen in the baby. By now the baby has passed its development stage and completed its structure. He is now perfecting his functions by performing them inside the mother getting used to the changes befalling him. The mother also goes through some of these changes as her body in her way starts preparing for the upcoming event. As both parties gear up for the event here are some significant changes that are to be seen this month in your baby.
1. Complete Structure:
By now your baby is fully formed to the level wherein case of premature birth, he can now survive even outside the uterine walls. From the crown to the rump he now is perfected with little pudgy fingers with soft base of fingernails. His previous thin skeletal structure now has taken up a turn for good as you can see a fat layer has deposited in the underneath of his skin making him weigh more than ever.
2. Hair:
The hair on his head is now growing short and stout and with it grows his movements. His facial features are now perfected to the best with defined nose and eyes with eyelids and eyebrows all drawn in a perfect canvas.
3. Movements:
By now there are certain movements that you will be feeling for sure. This is your baby’s way of telling you how less space there is now and that he wants to come out as soon as possible. This is why he kicks and punches his way through. You can even feel him pushing the ingredients in you to make space for himself. Apart from the pushing and punching, the baby’s hiccups are now normal. His eyesight has improved. The doctor’s say that if you shine a light now to your belly, the baby would probably look away or look towards the light. He can now recognize your voice and might respond to it with a kick.
4. Withering Moments:
By now he has positioned himself upside down and is now geared up for the exit. Due to this, the soft waxy substance covering him and his skin are now drooping away. this cheesy white substance called vernix caseosa was previously there protecting the soft skin from the amniotic fluid but by now he is used to it and his skin is now compatible and ready for outside air. Therefore, the lanugo’s, which are short soft baby hair on the baby’s body, is now shedding slowly and steadily.
5. Reproductive System:
If you already know the sex of your child, predicting this change and understanding the scenario will be easier for you. Otherwise, just know that in case it’s a girl, now is the time that her vagina and vulva will take shape finally. On the other hand, if it’s a boy, your little one’s scrotum will look like it’s swollen, but that’s not a reason to worry.
6. Kidneys:
There will be a reduction in the amniotic fluid level this month, that signifies that you kid’s kidneys have now officially started to work. There is a production of cortisol now, and the whole situation is progressing through the month, to give your belly a lesser bloating feeling.
8th Month Activities:
This month will be more about planning your baby and motherhood for the next month. Bowel movements may make you go to the bathroom more often than before. Moreover now at this stage, you might be more a responsible mother for the baby inside your tummy. People around you must be applauding your strength and positive efforts to see you becoming a mother in all. Let go of your stress and just breathe, nice and slow. Don’t forget your sleep, diet and walk though.
8 Month Pregnancy Care: Diet and Exercise
Here are the diet and exercises for 8 months pregnant.
Diet:
1. Vitamins:
This nutrient in vitamins is important in the primary stage of pregnancy. Regular intake of vitamins helps mostly with the reduction of vomiting and nausea. For a healthy diet in vitamins, grains, peanut butter and nuts are well substitutes in natural resources.
2. Iron:
Doctors on first hand give iron supplements on the first meeting itself. But natural supplements on your own are more preferable. Oranges, eggs, beans, broccoli, potatoes are good foodstuff in terms of iron.
3. Fruits:
Nutrients are well found in fruits. And fruits prove to be good in a better way in the time span of pregnancy. Being rich in fluids and water level it helps you keep hydrated and the fiber in the fruits makes your bowel I fit condition.
4. Fiber:
With high nutritive value, the food rich in fiber, like avocado, spinach, coconut, and beans help your body deal with the bowel issues well, keeping your digestive system cleaned up through the months. Besides, these foods also have a rich content of nutrients that help fight diseases.
5. Vegetables:
Eating does not mean to eat the most you can. Overeating will not make your baby healthier but instead harm him. Overeating may lead to bloating. Eating vegetable instead helps the nutrients preserved.
See More: Diet Plan for 8th Month Pregnancy
Exercise:
1. Breathing Exercise:
Lie down and count your breath as you hold each one for 5 seconds. This helps calm down your stress level and uplift your health and spirits.
2. Kegel Exercise:
The kegel exercise helps with the relaxation of the body and help build up strength in the pelvic area. During the pregnancy, kegel exercise is proved to be the best ones.
3. Twisted Stretch:
A twist stretch can also be a good exercise, lie back on your side and try stretching the hand face the ceiling on the side opposite to the side you are laid. Do it five times with alternate directions. This will help you reduce muscle tension and bring relief to your sore back and pelvis. Stretching during pregnancy also gives you the flexibility and strength in your legs.
4. Walking:
The best exercise though is the walking in regular daily workout. A little walk will make your body flexible, mood a great change and an outer atmosphere for your mind.
5. Belly Expansion:
For this exercise, sit and cross your legs. Give support to your back and your belly with the help of your hands for pain relief. Make a regular practice of inhaling with your nose and keep expanding your belly. Do this for five times.
Sex During Pregnancy In 8th Month Of Pregnancy:
With your baby on the way any moment, sex isn’t really your best option. Neither is it very safe to indulge in. Since you will have mood swings, you might want to engage in sexual activities, but keep thinking of other things to divert your mind, like shopping for your little one, or resting to take your mind off.
Tips To Overcome Stress During 8th Month Pregnancy:
- Regular exercise and yoga helps you improvise your mood lifts and body aches at regular stages.
- Decide the name of your child from this month, since it is almost time now.
- Shop for your baby ahead in time if you know his sex.
- Clear the air with everyone around, so that nothing insignificant bothers you.
- Make the needed preparations for the time of birth and make it sure with the last-minute needs to overcome the needs at that time. This also means that where the birth will be , at home or at hospital.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Always take your folic acid and vitamin D. They are essential for the baby’s growth.
- Staying active is extremely important. Being sedentary is not considered healthy, either for the baby or for your body.
- Pay attention to what you eat. Everything you eat will have a huge role in the baby’s development.
- Your baby’s movement has to be monitored. Keep track of this.
Don’ts:
- Exercise heavily. Do not stress yourself by exercising like weight lifting. This can be very difficult for your body to take it.
- Smoking, drugs and alcohol are the biggest enemies at this point. They can adversely affect the baby’s health, not just during the birth, but for a lifetime. You would be committing a grave mistake if you take them.
- Caffeine should be cut down. High levels of caffeine in your body will result in low birth weight of the baby.
Medical Treatments and Checkup:
There are health issues and checkups to keep in mind, but since it’s the 8th month, it can be safely assumed you have those tricks readied up your sleeve. Regular blood tests make your body checkups be clear for you and ultrasounds are also god at this stage. A few medicines to keep by your bedside are:
- For Heartburn, you can opt for Antacids and Famotidine.
- For Aches and pains, you can go for Acetaminophen. Steer clear of Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
- For Allergy you can choose Antihistamines and Ioratidine. Avoid Pseudophedrine and Decongestants like Phenylephrine.
- For Cough, it’s good to have Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin.
- For Constipation the best option is Metamucil and Colace. Avoid laxatives and mineral oil.
8 Months Ultrasound:
At eight months pregnant, you will notice that the bump moves around keeping up with the baby’s wriggling.
8 Month Pregnancy Precautions:
Here are some precautions that you have to exercise.
- Keep yourself hydrated, even if it means more trips to the bathroom. Try liquid content of the fruits instead, but make sure you never suffer from dehydration, as that can harm your health and hence your little ones.
- You are now in the 8th month of Pregnancy. Your baby can be harmed by the harmful UV rays. To get rid of sun rays make sure you are wrapped with the sun scream and an umbrella with you.
- Let your body get rest at regular intervals and let your dinner be before two hours of getting into bed.
- Avoid junk food and unhealthy ones in your diet to stay safe and give birth to a healthy newborn.
- Do not take any medicine without your doctor’s advice.
- Breathable, comfortable and loose-fitting clothes will be a very good choice.
- Trying maximum not to lie down on your back.
See More: Sleep Positions During Pregnancy
Sleeping Position for 8 Months Pregnant:
You might now have to start sleeping on your side. Sleeping on the left side at this point is very advisable because this will ensure that the baby gets enough nutrition and your body gets adequate blood supply.
8 months pregnant fetus has come a long way. Along with the 8 month pregnancy care, your body will cooperate a lot and your baby also comes out as a very healthy little one. It is only a matter of time that you may have to put up with the pregnancy issues. Once you cross that hurdle, you are good to go.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. How Safe is It to Travel at 8th Month Pregnancy?
Ans: Yes. You can travel now. However, you need to take some extra precautions and travel with all that you need to carry with you.
Q2. Is It Okay to Have Sex in The 8th Month of Pregnancy?
Ans: Yes you can! If you have been practicing a healthy routine, then there is no need to worry of having sex. Your baby is protected in its amniotic fluid.
Q3. When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Ans: You need to consult a doctor when you experience an inexplicable pain that resembles your contraction. Major and heavy bleeding is also of serious concern. Know what is okay and what is not so you don’t get alarmed every now and then.
Q4. Having a Baby at 8th Month of Pregnancy is Safe or Not?
Ans: If there are any problems, your body may trigger an alarm and your water will break. This means, your labor has started and that the baby has to be operated out. While this may not be a perfect situation, it nevertheless is not bad either. Your baby will be given adequate safety and protection and utmost care will be taken to make sure your baby is safe.
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience and we hope you can get through this month just as smoothly as the last 7 months.
