third trimester
what is happening inside?
week 28-32
The end of pregnancy is near. Your child will continue to grow and gain weight. Your baby's eyelids are partially open and eyelashes have formed. In week 29, his/her bones are fully developed and begin storing phosphorus, iron and calcium. Week 30, they will fully open their eyes as they are becoming just as eager to meet you face to face as you are. In week 31, sexual development continues and by week 32 the child will begin practicing breathing and be as long as 10 and a half inches.
week 33-36
Week 33 will allow the baby to detect light with his or her pupils dilating and constricting. In week 34, his/her fingernails have reached the fingertips and in week 35, the protective coating of the skin has thickened. Get ready for week 36 as the child gains weight at an exponential rate (about 1/2 lb each week for the next month).
week 37-40
Your child is now full term and the baby's organs can function on their own. In week 38, the child can firmly grasp objects and their toenails have grown to the tips of the toes. In week 39 the child has enough fat to maintain his/her body temperature and he/she begins storing antibodies that will help them fight infection. In week 40, you are ready to deliver! The day has finally come.
third trimester office visits
As the last month approaches, you can expect to visit your physician as often as once per week. The physician will monitor your vitals and continue to run lab tests including a group b strep test.
You will also undergo pelvic exams to check for the position of the baby and to detect cervical changes.
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