Week 29
Babies (on average) are now 39.9 cm in length and weighing 1.3kg. Between now and the end of your pregnancy your baby’s weight will probably double. Their kicks will be feeling stronger and harder. They are practising breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid whilst doing so. The development of the nervous system is advancing every day and refining skills such as the sucking movement – preparing for breastfeeding. Muscle and fat are building and their shape is filling out.

Week 30
Babies (on average) will be measuring 41.1 cm in length and weighing 1.5kg this week. You may have a routine antenatal appointment this week. Your blood pressure will be checked – checking for signs of pre-eclampsia – and your uterus will be measured. Your blood volume will be maximising at around this time – mainly due to an increase in plasma and fluid content of the blood, but the number of red blood cells remains the same. This means the red blood cells are being diluted overall – which can lead to anaemia. Check with your Midwife. Your baby will be fine though – they will still be receiving all the nutrients and oxygen they need.

Week 31
On average babies are measuring 42.4 cm in length and 1.7kg in weight. Your baby will be getting very snug indeed in your tummy, but luckily they can curl up in a very flexible manner and even suck on their toes! As the fat layers build up, their skin will start to look more pink in colour. They will now be regulating their own body temperature. They might be lying in any position but there is still time for them to turn. Their movements are becoming stronger and more controlled – and their breathing will be more regular.

Week 32
On average babies measure 43.7 cm in length this week, and weigh 1.9kg. Your baby is probably getting plumper and plumper and wrinkles and sags (!) will be filling out. Their brain will be developing specific areas which control specific functions.

For a list of useful contact details for The Portland Hospital, please click HERE.