Baby Growth

• Size is approximately 11.81 inches and 1.32 pound. Your baby is the size of an ear of corn.
• Small capillaries have been forming, giving your baby’s skin a less translucent, pinker look.
• Your baby is quiet while sleeping and may be getting pretty active while awake!
• Your baby’s skin is sagging a bit, waiting for more fat to develop.
• Your baby’s face has now fully formed, and your baby can hear outside noises.

You & Your Body

• You may still be experiencing some of those same symptoms: swollen ankles and feet, Braxton Hicks contractions, backaches, abdominal aches, leg cramps, migraines, constipation, the linea nigra, stretch marks, and bleeding or swollen gums.
• You may also experience blurred vision and carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Consult with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms (which could be signs of pre-labor): an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in discharge (including bleeding or spotting), abdominal or menstrual-like cramping or more than 4 contractions in an hour, increased pressure in the pelvic area, or lower back pain (if you’ve never experienced it before this point).

Tips

• If your fingers are starting to swell, you may want to remove your rings now. (You might choose to wear them around your neck.)
• To help with other swelling (“edema”), remember to stretch and exercise, and don’t stay in one position for too long. Keep drinking plenty of water and consider support stockings or compression socks.
• Try sleeping with a pillow between your legs and resting with your knees bent if you’re having trouble sleeping.
• If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, try the following: gently shaking out your joints, taking stretch breaks, and propping your arms up at night.
• Consider working with a doula.
• Consider nursing pads if you are still experiencing milk leakage from your breasts.

Updated May 1, 2019