The eighth month of pregnancy

The eighth month of pregnancy

The eighth month of pregnancy

A normal pregnancy lasts between 37-42 weeks, divided into three stages (English: Trimesters), and each stage is characterized by a set of hormonal and physiological changes that occur to the mother and her fetus; The first stage (in English: First Trimester) starts from the first week of pregnancy until the 13th week, followed by the second stage (in English: Second Trimester) from the 14th week to the 27th week, and the third stage starts from week 28 and ends with the start of labor and childbirth. The eighth month of pregnancy is considered one of the last three months and within the third trimester of pregnancy; So that it starts from week 32 and ends at the end of week 36. It carries all stages of pregnancy, in addition to childbirthThe first month of a child's life has many changes; Therefore, medical follow-up and repeated visits to the doctor are essential to follow-up the fetus and ensure its proper growth, in addition to reassuring the health of the pregnant woman. 

Symptoms of pregnancy during the eighth month

By the end of the second trimester of pregnancy; Which is usually considered the most comfortable stage for a pregnant woman, and then entering the third stage, the pregnant woman begins to feel some discomfort and discomfort associated with the increase in the size of the fetus and thus the abdomen. Also, many symptoms may begin to appear: heartburn (English: Heartburn), swelling of the legs or feet, insomnia (Insomnia), mood changes, in addition to anxiety (English: Anxiety) resulting from increased thinking about the stage of childbirth and motherhood. The following is a statement of some of the most important physiological changes that a pregnant woman may undergo during the eighth month of pregnancy: ^{[1] [2] [3]}

• Difficulty breathing: A pregnant woman may notice difficulty breathing during this month as a result of increased pressure on the lungs, which is usually caused by the expansion of the size of the uterus (in English: Uterus) associated with the increase in the size and growth of the fetus.
• Leaking of milk: As the date of labor approaches, a pregnant woman's body begins to produce milk in preparation for breastfeeding (English: Breastfeeding). During the eighth month of pregnancy, a pregnant woman may notice the start of leaking yellowish milk from the breasts; This milk is called colostrum.
• Feeling of back pain: With the increase in the size of the fetus inside the womb, the weight of the belly of the pregnant woman increases; This may increase pressure on the back and lead to increased back pain . It should be noted that this pain can be alleviated by practicing some back-strengthening exercises, and avoiding sitting and standing in the same position for long periods.
• Contractions and contractions: (In English: Contractions) The uterus begins to prepare for childbirth during the last stages of pregnancy, and this may lead to some menstruating women feeling fake contractions (in English: False Contractions) called Braxton Hicks contractions (in English: Braxton Hicks). Although their appearance is not a cause for concern, but it is necessary to go to the doctor if it continues for more than one day.
• Increased urination: This occurs as a result of the increased pressure of the uterus on the bladder, and a pregnant woman may notice some urine leakage when sneezing or laughing. ^{[3] [4]}
• The appearance of varicose veins: (English: Varicose Veins) A pregnant woman may suffer during this stage from the appearance of swollen, red or blue veins on the legs or anus (English: Rectum), which may cause pain, itching , or bleeding in some cases. . ^[4]
• Changes in hair and skin: A pregnant woman may notice the appearance of stretch marks (Stretch Marks) on the skin, and the hair may become thicker as a result of the hormonal changes associated with this period. ^[4]

Fetal development in the eighth month

The fetus grows in size during the eighth month; The month begins with a length of 28 cm, and it will reach 45 cm in length and weigh approximately 2 kg upon entering the 34th week of pregnancy. And the fluff of the fetus begins (in English: Lanugo); Fine hair covering his body, with falling out, and the sense of hearing (English: sense of hearing ) develops greatly during this period of pregnancy; As the fetus often can hear and distinguish sounds after birth. Usually, in the eighth month, a pregnant woman feels an increase in the baby’s movement and the appearance of bumps on her stomach when the fetus twists, moves, and kicks to the mother’s abdomen.; This is due to its increase in size compared to the size of the uterus, and in the event of discomfort or discomfort, a pregnant woman can change its position by sitting or standing, which leads to the fetus to change its position. It is also usually advisable to follow and count the baby’s movements as the due date approaches. To ensure the health of the fetus and to be careful when noticing any deficiency of the previous in its movement. It should be noted that, by the end of the eighth month and 36 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus may move to reach the pelvic region, preparing itself for childbirth. ^{[4] [5] [6]}

Pregnant woman's diet during the eighth month

In fact, eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is essential and important to maintain the health of the pregnant woman and the proper development of the fetus, and to prevent many health problems. Excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes (English: Gestational Diabetes), anemia, premature birth, and a fetus with a lower weight than normal. Usually, the mother is advised to eat a varied and healthy diet, in addition to increasing about 300 calories per day. Since the mother during this period provides food for two people, it is recommended to eat approximately 2,400 calories per day during the third stage of pregnancy, and it includes the following foodstuffs: ^{[7] [8]}

• Carbohydrates: It is recommended to eat 9-11 servings of carbohydrates daily, because of their benefit in providing energy to the body of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Among the foods rich in carbohydrates : rice, bread, grains, and pasta.
• Vegetables and fruits: A pregnant woman should eat 3-4 servings of fruits per day, in addition to about 4-5 servings of vegetables, as they are rich sources of folic acid, iron, and many vitamins.
• Dairy products: to provide the body with protein, calcium and phosphorous, and it is recommended to have three servings of milk and dairy products per day.
• Fats and oils: It is recommended that pregnant women eat moderate amounts of healthy fats. As it is important for providing energy for the fetus in the long term, in addition to its importance in the brain development of the fetus.

References

1. ^ ^{A b} "Due Date And Trimesters" , Www.healthline.com , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
2. ^ ^{A b} "Pregnancy Trimesters: A , Book" , www.medicalnewstoday.com The , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
3. ^ ^{A b} "8 Month Pregnancy: Changes, Diet And Precautions To Know View " , Www.sitarambhartia.org , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
4. ^ ^{A b t w} "What happens in the eighth month of pregnancy?" , www.plannedparenthood.org , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
5. ↑ "Fetal ultrasound - 8 months" , www.babycentre.co.uk , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
6. ↑ "Fetal Movement During Pregnancy" , www.whattoexpect.com , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
7. ↑ "Diet During Pregnancy" , americanpregnancy.org , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.
8. ↑ "Eating right during pregnancy" , medlineplus.gov , Retrieved 2-4-2019. Edited.