Mum
You may be getting more nervous as the time approaches. If you’re planning a natural birth, you worry about the pain and how you’ll handle it. You worry about making it to the hospital on time. You worry about having to get an episiotomy or tearing. You worry about having to have a C-section. If you’re planning to have a C-section, it’ll probably be happening any time now, and you’re probably worried about the size of the needle and the fact that you’re totally not ready to be a mother. It’s all normal. And you’ll make a superb mum.
Dad
Your mobile phone should be charged and turned on at all times from now on. Keep it on you in meetings, at the gym, in a waterproof pouch at the swimming pool, in the toilet. Let your work know that you need to be close to home during this last stretch – no business trip is as important as being there when your baby is born. If you haven’t already, review your role as the support person during labour.
Baby
You are the size of a lettuce head and you’re preparing for your entrance into the outside world. You are losing the hair that covered your body, as well as some of the vernix caseosa skin protection. Still putting on weight and looking gorgeous in every way!
Things to keep in mind
- Swollen feet can be a real pain so rest as much as possible, and prop a pillow under your feet so they stay elevated to ease swelling.
- Keeping an eye on the food that you are eating to ensure you are not consuming too much sodium, as sodium retains fluids which worsen the swelling all over your body is also a great idea.
- If your baby is weighing down on your pelvis, try a belly sling. They offer great support and take some of the pressure off of you. You can also have your partner or a loved one lift and hold your belly to give you temporary relief every here and there.
- Finalise your maternity leave plan, and select a paediatrician if you haven’t already
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.
