Pregnancy Month Seven

Baby's Growth

Week 27

Your baby is at a point of rapid brain growth, and he still needs to mature several systems. The lungs and liver are continuing their development, and the immune system is improving.

Week 28

The rapid brain growth that started last week is continuing. Not only is the amount of brain tissue increasing, but the brain design is becoming more mature. It is forming the grooves and indentations characteristic of a human brain.

Week 29

Your baby will continue to accumulate fat this week which will help to plump him up. If you could look at him, you would notice that his eyes can now move in the sockets – he can look around without turning his head.

Week 30

While she practices working her muscles, her lungs continue to build a supply of surfactant. There is a protein in the surfactant that some experts believe triggers hormonal changes in the mother and baby. These hormonal changes are the beginning stages of your body preparing to give birth. This week your baby is about 3 pounds (1360 grams) and is about 17 inches (38 cm) total length. From head to rump she is about 11 inches (28 cm). Over the next few weeks she will continue to gain weight as her body prepares for life outside the womb.

Mom's Changes

As you make the move to the third trimester, the large size of the uterus is forcing it to take up room in the pelvic area again, which may bring back frequent urination. The increasing size of the uterus also may begin to cause some back pain. Good posture, low heeled shoes and pelvic rocking will help to minimize backaches.

Your increased size brings with it some difficulty sleeping. Use extra pillows to make yourself comfortable, or try other sleeping arrangements such as a couch or a guest bed.

Even if you are not leaking fluid, the colostrum has formed in your breasts. It is not complete, however. The antibiotic properties for which colostrum is famous will not appear until some time during labor.

Constipation and hemorrhoids may become a problem. Put a low stool under your feet as you use the toilet to realign your body in a gentler potty position.