Months of anticipation were finally coming to an end as first-time mother-to-be Supriya Basu entered her 8th month pregnancy.
Supriya was fortunate to have a healthy pregnancy and she was preparing herself for a normal delivery.
What week is 8 months in pregnancy?
Women who are between 33 weeks to 36 weeks pregnant are 8 months pregnant.
“My husband and I wanted to know everything there is to know about the 8th month of pregnancy and what we should expect during this time,” said Supriya.
The couple came to Dr. Anita Sabherwal Anand, Consultant Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital prepared with a list of questions that you should also go through if you are eight months pregnant.
Why is eight month of pregnancy critical?
Dr. Anita remarked, “It is a common misconception that 8th month of pregnancy is very crucial and you have to take extra care during this time. “
“You don’t require special attention if your pregnancy is progressing smoothly. “
Supriya was pleasantly surprised to learn that the 8th month of pregnancy does not require any special care, despite all the changes that take place.
“Are there any symptoms of 8th month pregnancy I should be aware of?” she wondered aloud.
Physical changes in the Mother-to-Be in 8th month pregnancy
You may notice certain changes or symptoms such as:
Difficulty in breathing: Your uterus expands further to make space for your growing baby. This puts pressure on your lungs making it difficult to breathe at times.
Leaking breasts: Your body may prepare for breastfeeding by producing yellow coloured milk, called colostrum, closer to your due date. You may notice this as slightly leaking breasts.
Constant back pain: The growing weight of your baby makes your abdomen heavier and puts pressure on your back. This could lead to back pain.
“You can lessen the pain by sitting straight and avoiding standing or sitting for too long without proper back support,” says Dr Anita.
“You could also do exercises to strengthen the back.”
At the mention of back pain, Supriya remembered the tightening sensation in the abdomen she had felt a few days ago.
She tried to describe the 8 month pregnancy pain by comparing it to the feeling of being stretched by the stomach.
Dr Anita soon realized Supriya was referring to false contractions.
Dr. Anita explained, “This type of pain resembles real contractions that you experience in labour and are called ‘Braxton hicks contractions’.”
“This is just a way for your uterus to prepare for actual labour and is nothing to worry about.”
“Remember, if these contractions last for longer than a day then you must see your doctor.”
Now that Supriya was well informed about changes to expect in her body, she was keen to know about baby movements in 8th month and the weight of her baby.
Physical Changes in Baby during the 8th month of pregnancy
Increase in weight: Your baby will weigh more than 2.1 kilos during this time. Most of its organs will have developed.
Increase in movements: As you enter into the 8th month of pregnancy, baby movements tend to increase.
Shift in baby’s position: At 8 months pregnant, the baby’s position changes and the baby moves into the pelvis, with its head facing downward.
As Supriya processed the information, she asked about what to do in 8th month of pregnancy to ensure her and her baby’s well-being.
What care should be taken in 8th month of pregnancy?
“We recommend checking a few parameters to make sure they are all normal.”
These are:
- your weight and blood pressure
- your urine for traces of sugar and protein
- your baby’s pulse
- your baby’s size and position
Supriya and her husband wanted to make sure they don’t miss any of these tests so they talked to their doctor and worked out a schedule.
Precautions during 8th month of pregnancy
“We always reiterate that pregnancy is not a disease and should not be treated as such.”
“There are no precautions that are required unless you have a medical condition,” explained Dr Anita.
What should you do for normal delivery in 8th month?
If you haven’t begun preparing for a normal delivery as yet, you should definitely begin to focus on your diet, incorporate exercise into your routine and read up about tips for a normal delivery.
Supriya was keen to know whether there was any special diet she should follow at this time.
Monitor your pregnancy diet at 8 months
“There is no special diet that you should follow” reassured Dr Anita.“You should eat small frequent meals. Make sure you avoid oily and spicy food, especially junk food.“
“Continue eating fresh fruits, vegetables and fibres to prevent constipation, which is common in pregnancy. Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated at all times.”
Read: Piles during Pregnancy – How to Cope with Piles when Pregnant
Prepare for Labour and Delivery
Many couples find it helpful to attend a Labour and Delivery Class to understand what to expect in labour and to learn techniques to manage labour pain.
Learn how to Breastfeed
You can attend classes that teach you how to breastfeed and hold your baby. You can also use the classes as a forum to ask a pediatrician and a lactation counselor any concerns about breastfeeding.
Supriya and her husband Arun jumped at the opportunity of enrolling in the ‘Preparing for the New Arrival’ class. They wanted to be as informed as possible about how to take care of their newborn.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
You should also start packing things you will need during your delivery so that you don’t have to search for necessities at the last minute.
Don’t know what to pack for the hospital? Check out our list!
Supriya and her husband listened to all the healthcare tips given by their doctor with rapt attention.
Five weeks later, Supriya went into labour and had a successful vaginal delivery. The couple welcomed their son Danish into the world.
Are you 8 months pregnant and have similar doubts? Consult our obstetrician today!
This article has been written with Dr. Anita Sabherwal Anand, Consultant, Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in South Delhi. Dr. Anita is a highly qualified gynecologist with 20+ years of experience who is trusted by low-risk and high-risk mothers alike for her guidance on having a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Seek expert advice from our expert gynaecologist at our hospital located in South Delhi. Come in for an in-person consultation or book a tele-consult. Please Chat with us on WhatsApp to schedule your appointment.
