Pregnancy weeks 29 and 35

Pregnancy weeks 29, 30, 31 og 32

Your lung capacity now starts to increase to ensure that both you and your baby receive enough oxygen. Your heart beats faster to compensate for the increase in your body’s needs.

The womb takes up a lot of space, leaving less space to fill up the lungs with air. It is common to feel breathless, even during minimal exertion. It is not uncommon to have extra water in the body, and this is often most apparent in the form of swollen legs.

Many women find they become constipated more easily. This may be due to a reduction in physical activity or hormones which affect bowel movements, but it may also be due to a lack of dietary fibre or insufficient fluid intake.

Resembles a newborn baby

The foetus now resembles a newborn baby and may have settled with its head first in the pelvis. Many women experience a feeling of pressure on their pelvic floor.

The baby will be around 40 centimetres long and weigh between 1,600 and 2,000 grams.

Weeks 33, 34 og 35

Your body is now starting to prepare for labour by increasing the frequency and severity of contractions in your womb, which start at the top of the stomach and spread across the entire womb before dissipating. They normally last about 30 seconds.

These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. At first, Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like weak menstrual pain, but they can gradually become increasingly uncomfortable. They should not be painful.

Women who have had children before can feel Braxton Hicks contractions earlier in their pregnancy and often perceive them as being stronger and more intense.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell Braxton Hicks contractions and proper contractions apart. Braxton Hicks contractions normally pass quickly and can change if you lie down, change position or move. They are not regular and rarely increase in intensity.

Internal organs fully developed

The baby’s internal organs are now fully developed, with the exception of the lungs, which take a little longer to mature. The baby therefore does regular breathing exercises.

The baby will be around 45 centimetres long and weigh between 2,200 and 2,600 grams.

For tidlig fødsel

Et svangerskap varer vanligvis mellom 37 og 42 uker. Hvis fødselen skjer før uke 37 er fullendt, regnes det som en for tidlig fødsel.

Illustration: Colourbox

Pregnancy weeks 36, 37 and 38

Your womb will gradually drop and you will find it a little easier to breathe. Some women find it difficult to sleep because they cannot get comfortable when lying down.

Illustration: Igor Stevanovic / Mostphotos