Your Pregnancy: The Seventh Month

THE SEVENTH MONTH (Weeks 25-28)

Welcome to your third and final trimester! These next three to four months are all about growing - for you and your baby.

Your Baby

Your baby’s brain and nervous system are growing fast now and her lungs are beginning to function. Your baby’s hearing is now fully developed. Sleeping and waking cycles are more pronounced and your baby is dreaming when she is sleeping. Your baby can also cry and open her eyes. She is getting too big to move around too much, though she will certainly continue to kick and may turn somersaults. The soft downy lanugo is starting to disappear. By the end of this month your baby will be about a foot and a half long and weigh about three pounds. Babies born at 28 weeks, though premature, have a good chance of surviving with proper care.

Your Body

You’re growing bigger and bigger. Your belly button may have gone from an “innie” to a definite “outie”.  Don’t worry; it won’t stay that way after your baby is born. You are probably seeing more stretch marks too. Your uterus is above your navel now, which may make you feel short of breath at times. You may also have trouble sleeping. Sometimes, your lack of sleep might be caused by your baby. Many moms report that their babies seem to be most active when they are trying to fall asleep. As your body gets ready to breastfeed, you may find that you are leaking fluid. You may also find that you are clumsier and have trouble keeping your balance as your tummy continues to grow. You’ve probably gotten used to your unique combination of heartburn, indigestion, hemorrhoids, back ache, and leg and foot cramps.

What You Need to Know

You should be gaining about a pound a week now. Make sure you are eating a variety of different foods. Studies have shown that babies are more likely to eat what mom has eaten while she was pregnant. That means you can start your baby on the road to a healthy diet by eating healthy yourself. Don’t forget that prenatal supplement.

Your doctor is likely to test for gestational diabetes around 28 weeks. Your doctor will have you drink a sweet solution and then take blood to measure your glucose level. Only 3-5 percent of women in the US get gestational diabetes. You will also be seeing your doctor more frequently until your baby is born.

Now that your baby’s hearing is fully formed, make sure that you and the rest of your family talk to baby often. Some mothers sing to their babies or play music. You will also want to avoid very loud noises that might startle your baby. Now is not a good time to attend a rock concert.

Read More About the Different Months in Pregnancy:

• First Month
• Second Month
• Third Month
• Fourth Month
• Fifth Month
• Sixth Month
• Seventh Month
• Eighth Month
• Ninth Month

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