Month eight
By the eight month, the baby can detect changes of light and can see inside the womb. The main development continues to be a significant growth in size, with the baby's body getting plumper each day as he or she gains more essential fatty tissue. At 32 weeks, the baby is approximately 42 centimetres long and weighs about 2.2 kilos (four and a half pounds).
Mums-to-be also tend to be gaining weight a lot more quickly at this stage of their pregnancy, usually at the rate of a pound per week. They may also already be experiencing Braxton Hicks 'practice' contractions, which can continue for the rest of the pregnancy. Also, at eight month's pregnant, the woman's breasts will continue to grow in size, but there are other developments too - colostrum may or may not start to leak from the nipples, in preparation for the breast's vital role as a source of food.
Some mums-to-be will also be experience discomfort, such as difficulty getting comfortable in bed and sleeping or aching back and legs. Posture exercises can help the back, whilst support tights can help the legs and relieve the feeling caused by varicose veins . Some pregnant women may also find that the suddenly start suffering from heartburn - a doctor or chemist should be able to recommend a suitable antacid.
This month is the time to make sure that all the necessary baby equipment has been bought, rather than in later weeks. It is also about time to pack a labour and birth bag, ready for the hospital. Mums-to-be should make full use of their midwife's experience, asking about anything that comes to mind about their pregnancy or upcoming labour - they should be able to address every concern and issue that arises.
