Month 7

Weeks 28-31: Welcome to the Third Trimester

Connecting with Your Baby at 7 Months Pregnant

At seven months pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly and becoming more responsive, making it an excellent time to deepen your bond. Talk, read stories, or sing lullabies to help your baby become familiar with your voice, supporting early language development. Playing calming tunes or lullabies can be soothing, and your baby might respond with kicks, showing a preference for certain rhythms. Gentle belly rubs and massages create a sense of closeness, while responding to movements by gently pressing back or talking to your baby can make interaction playful and meaningful.

Spend a few minutes each day visualizing holding your baby and speaking positive affirmations to foster a deeper connection. Encourage your partner and family to talk, sing, or read to the baby to strengthen their bond as well. Engage in prenatal yoga and meditation to relax and focus on your baby, enhancing your emotional bond through visualization exercises. Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can create a strong, loving bond with your baby during this exciting stage of pregnancy.

At seven months pregnant, your body undergoes significant changes to support your growing baby. You may notice stretch marks on your abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts, which can be managed by keeping your skin moisturized with lotions containing cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E. Maternity clothes can offer comfort as your regular clothes might feel tight, and you might need larger shoes due to swelling. You may develop a “pregnancy waddle” as your center of gravity shifts and your pelvic joints loosen. Everyday tasks like shaving and bending over become more challenging, so getting creative with your routine and using slip-on shoes can help. Additionally, occasional urinary incontinence due to bladder pressure can be managed with incontinence pads.

Your growing belly might make getting into bed more difficult, and a small stool can assist. A pregnancy pillow can provide comfort and support to alleviate back pain and support your belly during sleep. To manage heartburn and indigestion, eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid spicy or acidic foods. Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands can be reduced by elevating your feet, wearing compression stockings, and staying hydrated. Varicose veins might also develop, which can be alleviated with regular, gentle exercise and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting. Although navigating these changes can be challenging, embracing the support of loved ones and taking care of yourself can make the journey more enjoyable as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

At seven months pregnant, your baby’s movements become more frequent and noticeable, with distinct patterns emerging. You may feel them roll, stretch, or kick, and they might show a preference for certain positions, like one side when you sleep. These movements can vary from gentle flutters to strong kicks, and you might notice your baby being more active at specific times, such as 8 a.m. or 11 p.m. Some babies react to the foods you eat—disliking spicy foods and making you avoid them or loving a fruit bowl and dancing with joy. Instead of feeling like goldfish or butterflies, some parents describe the sensation as eels rolling over each other.

Connecting with your baby during this stage is an incredible experience. Talking, singing, or playing music can elicit responses, and your baby may develop a routine, becoming more active after meals or when you’re lying quietly. Partners and family members can also feel the baby move by placing a hand on your belly, creating shared moments of excitement and bonding. These movements reassure you of your baby’s well-being, and it’s essential to monitor their activity and contact your healthcare provider if you notice significant changes. Embrace these magical moments as you prepare for the arrival of your little one.

At seven months pregnant, your regular prenatal visits continue to play a crucial role in monitoring both your health and your baby’s development.

What to Expect at Your Doctor Appointment at 28-31 Weeks:

Every prenatal visit:

• Physical Exam: This may include checking your weight, blood pressure, and the circumference of your belly.
• Urine Sample: This is to check for protein and glucose, which can indicate conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
• Fundal Height Measurement: The distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus will be measured to assess your baby’s growth.

28-31 week-specific:

• Non-Stress Test: At around seven months, your doctor may recommend a non-stress test (NST), especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.

*See What to expect at your Dr. appointments: Typical tests and timeline for an in depth look at what these tests mean and why you’ll be tested for them.

For most pregnancies, your seven-month visit will be a regular prenatal check-up. Your doctor will measure your belly to check your baby’s growth, monitor your blood pressure, and review any symptoms or concerns you may have. If you underwent a glucose screening between 24-28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes, your doctor will discuss those results. Additionally, if you had an anatomy scan at 20 weeks, any necessary follow-up steps might be reviewed. This appointment is an opportunity to ensure both you and your baby are healthy and progressing well.

Emotions in the Seventh Month

As you enter the seventh month of pregnancy, a whirlwind of emotions is likely to sweep over you. While you may feel full yet have an insatiable hunger, and rapid weight gain can lead to concerns about your appearance, remember that these changes are normal and part of the journey. Embrace them and focus on the amazing life growing inside you.

Completing your registry may bring a sense of accomplishment, although you might feel some apprehension about items still unpurchased. Packing your hospital bag is likely on your mind—just in case—and if you haven’t already, ensure your birthing plan is ready for discussion with your doctor at your next appointment.

Feeling your baby kick can deepen your connection, making you feel almost telepathic with your little one. This bond is scientifically supported, highlighting the emotional journey you’re already sharing. Transitioning from the energetic second trimester, you may find joy in nesting and preparing your home and nursery with final touches to create a cozy space for your baby. Embrace this time of anticipation and connection as you prepare to welcome your little one into the world.

Alongside the excitement of milestones like your upcoming pregnancy photoshoot and baby shower, you may also feel a hint of anxiety about the impending reality of childbirth. It’s crucial to educate yourself about labor and delivery during this time. Understanding the process can help alleviate fears and empower you to make informed decisions as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

• Attend Childbirth Classes: Look for local classes or online options that cover labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
• Read Books on Childbirth: Explore recommended books that provide various perspectives on childbirth experiences and techniques.
• Watch Educational Videos: Seek out reputable videos or documentaries that cover the birthing process and techniques.
• Join Online Forums or Groups: Engage with other expectant parents through forums or social media groups to share experiences and knowledge.
• Speak with Healthcare Providers: Have open conversations with your doctor or midwife about your concerns, preferences, and questions.
• Create a Birth Plan: Outline your preferences for labor and delivery and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Learn about breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage anxiety and prepare for labor.
• Attend a Hospital Tour: Familiarize yourself with the birthing facility by taking a tour to understand the environment.
• Consider Hiring a Doula: Research the benefits of having a doula for support during labor and delivery.
• Explore Different Birth Methods: Educate yourself on various childbirth methods, such as natural birth, hypnobirthing, or water birth.
• Watch Birth Stories: Look for personal birth stories online to gain insight into different experiences and outcomes.

By taking these steps, you’ll feel more prepared and confident as you approach childbirth.

Lamaze vs. Birthing Classes

Lamaze Classes:

• Focus: Primarily on natural childbirth techniques, including breathing exercises, relaxation, and pain management strategies.
• Philosophy: Promotes the idea that childbirth is a natural process that can be managed with education and preparation.
• Techniques: Teaches specific breathing patterns and positions to help cope with labor pains.

General Birthing Classes:

• Focus: May cover a broader range of topics, including different birthing methods (medicated vs. unmedicated), labor stages, cesarean sections, and postpartum care.
• Content: Often includes discussions about pain relief options, medical interventions, and newborn care.
• Flexibility: Typically provides a more comprehensive overview of the entire childbirth experience, catering to various preferences.

Choose Lamaze if you’re specifically interested in natural childbirth techniques. Opt for general birthing classes if you want a broader understanding of the birthing process and various options available. A better option? Choose both, for a well-rounded approach to childbirth.

Taking the Next Steps

As you enter the seventh month, there are several important steps to focus on:

• Continue Prenatal Vitamins: Keep taking your prenatal vitamins daily to support your health and your baby’s development.
• Connect and Communicate: Engage with your baby by talking, singing, or reading to them regularly to strengthen your bond and stimulate their growth.
• Hydrate and Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients and stay hydrated to support both you and your baby.
• Avoid Harmful Substances: Stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances like cat litter that could affect your baby’s health.
• Skincare Routine: Apply lotion to keep your skin moisturized and help prevent stretch marks as your belly continues to grow.
• Finalize Your Baby Registry: Make sure your baby registry is complete to ensure you have everything you need for your little one.
• Wrap Up Baby Shower To-Do List: If you’re hosting, start wrapping up your baby shower preparations, whether it’s this month or next.
• Pack Your Hospital Bag: Consider packing your hospital bag early, just in case you need it sooner than expected.
• Attend Birthing Classes: Sign up for birthing classes to learn about labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
• Take a Hospital Tour: Familiarize yourself with the birthing facility by touring the hospital to understand the environment and facilities available.

Focusing on these steps will contribute to a healthy pregnancy and prepare you for your baby’s arrival.

Final Thoughts

As you conclude your seventh month of pregnancy, you’re entering an exciting phase filled with anticipation and preparation. Your bond with your baby deepens as you feel their movements more distinctly, and you may even sense their preferences. While navigating the emotional ups and downs, from excitement about your baby shower to the physical changes that come with this stage, remember that each step is part of this incredible journey. With your baby registry finalized and your hospital bag on your mind, take time to enjoy these moments as you eagerly await the arrival of your little one. Welcome to the third trimester.