| MONTH 8
Your Baby
- Your baby is getting bigger. He can kick strongly and roll around. You may see the shape of his elbow or heel against your belly.
- Your baby's fingernails have grown to the tips of his fingers.
- Your baby's brain and lungs are still growing.
- By the end of the eighth month, your baby is about 18 to 19 inches long and weighs about 4 to 5 pounds.
Your Body
- You may feel stronger contractions this month.
- Colostrum may leak from your breasts. This is the fluid that comes out of your breasts before your breastmilk comes in. Wear breast pads in your bra to help with leaking.
- You may have trouble breathing as the baby pushes on your lungs. Slow down and try to sit and stand up straight.
- Your baby may crowd your stomach. Try eating four or five smaller meals during the day.
- You should gain about one pound a week this month.
Prenatal Care Guide
- Visit your health care provider every two weeks for prenatal care checkups.
- Call your health care provider right away if you have:
- Bleeding or a gush of fluid from your vagina
- Cramps, stomach pains or a dull backache
- Blurry vision, or spots before your eyes
- A feeling that the baby is pushing down
- A noticeable decrease in the baby's movements
- More than five contractions in one hour
May 2009
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