35 weeks pregnant
Length: 45 cmWeight: 2350 g
Baby development
All my organs are now ready, even the lungs!
I will now begin to put on more subcutaneous fat and I'm even practising a lot of the skills that will be needed in life outside the womb. I’m also training my digestion by swallowing and peeing amniotic fluid, and I practice the sucking reflex that is essential for my nourishment when I'm born.
If I were to be born now, it can be reassuring to know that I would most likely manage my breathing myself, without any neonatal intensive care. What would separate me from children born at full term is that I don't yet have the same energy reserves stored in the subcutaneous fat. This means that I sometimes need help to stay warm and get some extra energy. By having a lot of skin-to-skin contacts, I maintain an even body temperature and blood sugar level while releasing the relaxing hormone oxytocin, which also promotes our connection to each other. Sometimes I may need some extra help with food by cup or NG (nasogastric) tube, but I usually manage to eat by myself. We will get the help we need and probably stay a few extra days at the hospital to make sure that we are doing well. But of course, it's good that I stay in here for a little while longer to grow a bit more and be completely ready to meet you!
Mothers development
You will probably want to know what position the baby is in now.
If you are uncertain, an ultrasound can be carried out to confirm that. The baby should preferably have taken a position with the head downward, which most of them do naturally. However, some children choose to position themselves for breech birth, i.e., with the butt down. If the baby is in such a position, try to get help repositioning the baby from a physician.
Co-parent
Do you remember the suggestion about photographing and documenting the entire pregnancy? Have you been able to keep up with that?
However far you’ve come with that, documenting the pregnancy will be fun to reflect on years later. You could choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. Whatever you do, you will be glad you took the time. And by the way - be sure to pack a camera into the hospital bag. Many beautiful and fun pictures have been captured in the delivery room. Spend some time together talking about what kind of pictures you would love to have before, during and after the delivery.
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