Your Pregnancy Week By Week

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 32

By the time your baby is born, there is a good chance he will be in proper position (head down). If he is, you will feel him kicking in your ribs over the next two months! In fact, the majority of babies (96%) are head first at birth. If your baby is still breech, don't worry....your baby still has time to change. Your doctor will keep a close eye on you both over the next 2 months!

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 33

Even though your little baby is already 4-5 pounds, they will gain almost a third of their body weight in the next several weeks before delivery. His head is still very pliable and his skull bones are not joined at this point. This is important because it allows your baby to squeeze his head through the narrow birth canal during delivery.

While your baby is gaining weight, you may begin to feel a bit hungrier than usual. Try to stick to a healthy pregnancy diet and avoid high salt foods that can add to your weight gain and water retention. If you are having trouble curbing your snack habits, try replacing bad sugary snacks with healthier ones like fruit and vegetables.

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 34

Your baby's immature immune system is beefing up this week in preparation for birth. By the time your baby reaches full term, he will be ready to fight the illnesses on his own. In addition, your baby is moving slowly into position and is probably head down. Due to his positioning, you may feel that all too familiar urge to urinate frequently. The baby's pressure on your bladder may even have you waking up several times a night to visit the restroom.

If you haven't already picked a pediatrician, now is the perfect time to find one. Ask around to see if friends or family members have one that they recommend. When you do find one, let them know of your wishes that they become your pediatrician and see if they have any room to accommodate you. When your baby is born, the hospital will notify them so they can come to the hospital and examine the baby.

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 35

Beginning this pregnancy week, your baby will begin to gain weight at an astonishing rate--- ½ lb to ¾ lb a week!Some of your baby's features may even be visible to the naked eye as he pushes his little foot against your abdomen. Some new mommies have even been able to count their baby's toes! Fat continues to build up which will help your baby maintain his body temperature once he is born. The soft hair that covered your baby's body is now all gone and your baby may even begin to move into position for the big day. A pasty white coating, called vernix, is at its thickest.

Weekly Fetal Development – Week by Week: Pregnancy Week 36

While all babies gain weight at a different rate, your baby may weigh about 6 pounds by now and might be about 20 inches long. Your baby's immune system continues to grow and mature this week and now your baby is receiving valuable antibodies from you at the moment. These antibodies will help your baby fight off infection when he is born.

During this week, your OBGYN doctor will begin checking your cervix for dilation and softening. Before your baby is born your cervix will need to be 100% effaced (softened) and 10 cm dilated. In addition, your doctor will probably still order a Group B Strep Test to rule out Group B Strep. If left undetected, Group B Strep can pose a serious health problem for your baby.