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Your baby can see her first color – red. Why red? That's the color of the inside of your uterus, so the cone cells for red develop first.
Tell your provider if you have numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers, hand, or wrist – these are signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.
It may be getting harder to wear your seat belt, but it's still important, no matter where you sit in the car.
You're in your eighth month!
Piling on the fat
Your baby's fat layers – which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born – are filling him out, making him rounder.
If he's born this week …
If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run they usually do as well as full-term babies.
Fatigue
By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning while trying to get comfortable.
Dizziness
If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.
Itchy rash?
If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly, and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Call your caregiver if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Line up care for your older kids
If you already have children, there are good ways to prepare them for your baby's arrival. And make sure you've lined up someone to care for them during the birth and after.
Set up a safe sleeping spot for your baby
No matter where your little one slumbers, it's important to follow basic guidelines to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS. Find out all about making sure your baby's sleeping space is safe.
Stock up on supplies
Load up on pantry staples, frozen food, medicine, toilet paper, toiletries, and any other essentials. And make sure you have newborn necessities like diapers, wipes, and clothing – along with bottles and formula if you plan to use them.
