Mum
There are lots of contraction apps out there, so play around with them until you find the one you like best. Alternatively, practise timing your contractions using your watch.
If your breasts are leaking colostrum, tuck some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. This is a good time to buy a few nursing bras and select at least one cup size bigger than you need at present.
Dad
Discuss with your partner how much parental leave you’ll be taking, and how (all in one go, or in half-days, for example). Remember to let your place of work know – the more warning they get, the better for everybody.
Baby
Bye-bye, see-through skin! This week, your skin is now opaque instead of transparent. You are as big and as heavy as a honeydew melon. During the next seven weeks, expect to gain a third to half of your birth weight.
Things to keep in mind
- If you’ve already packed your hospital bag, have your partner unpack and repack it so that they feel confident with where everything is and are able to find it quickly on the day
- Continue to do your pelvic floor muscle exercises, breathing exercises and perineal massage.
- Continue to eat small nutritious meals, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.
Photos in the bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week/ are by Lenart Nilsson. Lenart's series was bought to fame when his photo, considered the greatest photo of the 20th century, appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1965. “Everyone interprets images differently, depending on their social, cultural and religious background. In the digital era, I believe it is more important than ever to go back and take a look inside ourselves. What better way of doing that than with these photos?” ~ Jane Stene, art gallery director and curator of Lenart's definitive black and white series, told the The Guardian in 2019. It is Lenart Nilsson's wish that his images are never used for political debate about pro-life.
