8 Months Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development, And Tips
You're 8 months pregnant and probably feel very ready for the arrival of your new little one. However, if your baby were to be born now, they'd still be premature. The best place for them to be is in your womb.
Keep reading to see what's happening in your eighth month of pregnancy. Learn what symptoms you may experience and what development your baby has left. You'll also find plenty of tips to help you rock the final months of your pregnancy journey.
Table Of Contents
- 8 Months Pregnant: Your Baby
- 8 Months Pregnant: Your Body And Mind
- 8 Months Pregnant: Doctor Visits
- Tips For Surviving Your 8th Month Of Pregnancy
8 Months Pregnant: Your Baby
Are you ready to meet the little one who’s been kicking your ribs and keeping you up at night?
They’ll be here before you know it. But even though it's not quite time for them to make their grand entrance, these final two months are crucial for development, so they're far from idle.
Developmental Milestones
Your eighth month of pregnancy consists of weeks 32-35. During this time, your baby is growing and maturing, preparing for life outside the womb.
Here’s what they’re up to:
- Growing fat stores to help regulate their body temperature once they're born
- Further developing vital organs like their brain and lungs
- Starting to lose their lanugo
- Hardening most of their bones (not the skull, though. Those bones overlap slightly during birth to allow the baby to fit through the birth canal)
As your baby continues to gain weight and grow, you might notice a bit more force behind their kicks and punches. And if you try to use your belly as a table while sitting down to eat, you may notice your plate shifting or even getting knocked off.
Baby’s Size
Speaking of gaining weight, most babies gain about half a pound a week from here on out. Most weigh between 5 and 7 pounds at the end of the month. And by now, they’re about 18-20 inches long.
If your baby is head down, you may be able to feel their bottom or legs through your skin. It’s a remarkable reminder of how much they’ve grown since this journey began.
8 Months Pregnant: Your Body And Mind
With only a few weeks to go, you're likely starting to feel more tired from pregnancy’s physical and emotional demands. The good news is that, just like your baby, you're almost at the finish line!
Let's look at what's going on with your body and mind when you're 8 months pregnant.
Physical Changes
Your body has been through a lot to get you to this point, so it’s completely normal to still experience some uncomfortable side effects.
Here are some of the most common issues in the third trimester:
Exhaustion
Growing a baby is hard work! And since you won't be getting much sleep once your little one arrives, your body is probably telling you to get some rest now.
Take it slow, and don't try to do too much in a day. Instead, prioritize rest and sleep as much as possible.
Heartburn
If you've been dealing with heartburn, it may be even worse this month as your growing baby puts even more pressure on things. Talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter medication, such as Tums.
If you prefer not to take any medicine during pregnancy, try eating smaller meals more frequently. You'll also want to avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, like chocolate, citrus fruits, or spicy dishes.
Varicose Veins
Your body is pumping extra blood throughout your system to sustain your growing baby, which can cause your veins to swell. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that pop up on your legs and feet.
To reduce their appearance, try wearing compression socks or taking short walks when you can. You want to avoid sitting or standing in one place for long periods. It can also help to elevate your legs a couple of times a day.
Constipation And Hemorrhoids
Your legs aren’t the only place varicose veins can develop. They can also occur on your rectum or anus, which causes hemorrhoids. Pain from these swollen veins can be triggered by constipation, another uncomfortable pregnancy symptom.
To help manage both conditions, ensure you drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also ask your doctor if any over-the-counter products are safe while pregnant.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may feel an increase of Braxton Hicks contractions, which are basically practice runs for the real thing. While these false labor pains don't typically hurt, they can be uncomfortable and make you feel like your entire belly is tightening up.
To help manage them, drink plenty of water and take a break. Dehydration and doing too much can cause these pains to intensify.
However, at this stage, paying attention to any cramps or contractions you may be feeling is essential. If you suspect premature labor is starting, call your doctor right away.
Skin Issues
Your pregnancy hormones continue to cause skin issues this month. Some people experience oilier skin than normal and fight hormonal acne throughout their entire pregnancy. Others have the opposite experience and have dry, itchy skin.
You may also be dealing with linea nigra, or other dark patches on your skin. These aren’t a cause for concern, as they typically fade in the weeks after delivery.
No matter what your skin is doing these days, it’s important to select high-quality skincare products. Opt for our Certified Organic Cleansing Gel Body & Hair to clean yourself. And use our Multi-Purpose Balm with 3 Avocado Extracts to hydrate your skin.
If pesky stretch marks are causing you trouble, reduce their appearance with our Stretch Marks Cream. This product's maracuja oil and avocado peptides help keep your skin moisturized and nourished.
Emotional Changes
All the physical changes can take a toll on you mentally as well. The mood swings you’ve experienced thus far in your pregnancy will likely continue.
You may also experience forgetfulness. Don't let this add to your stress; mommy-brain is real and can happen in the last months of pregnancy. Make it a point to write important things down and set reminders on your phone to help you stay on track.
In addition, the closer you get to delivery, the more scared or worried you may feel. Talking to your partner or a trusted friend can help you cope with your fears and give you the confidence you need.
8 Months Pregnant: Doctor Visits
At this point in your pregnancy, you go to the doctor every two weeks. All the routine exams will continue as your doctor monitors your blood pressure, weight, and fetal growth.
You can expect a Group B Strep Test toward the end of the month or at the beginning of your next one. Your healthcare provider will use a swap to screen for the bacteria, which can cause severe infections in newborns.
In addition, some doctors order another ultrasound to check on your baby’s position and size. Keep in mind that these growth ultrasounds aren’t always accurate, so your baby could be smaller (or bigger) than indicated.
Tips For Surviving Your 8th Month Of Pregnancy
You've made it so far, mama. You’re almost there! Here are a few tips to help you survive the rest of your pregnancy and gear up for birth:
- Stay hydrated and make sure you're getting enough sleep
- Elevate your feet for at least 30 minutes a day
- Avoid sitting or standing in one place for long periods
- Take time to journal your thoughts and feelings
- Talk to your partner or a trusted friend regularly
- Continue adding gift ideas to a registry for any upcoming baby showers
- Pack your hospital bag to help you remember that you won't be pregnant forever
- Finish setting up your nursery
- Buy any remaining newborn essentials so they’re on hand before the birth
- Maintain your healthy pregnancy diet
- Apply Stretch Marks Cream regularly
- Plan your birth announcements
- Continue to learn about labor and delivery and what you can expect in the coming weeks
- Talk to your doctor about your birth plan
The Countdown Is On!
You are 8 months pregnant; that’s awesome! Now that you’re in the home stretch, take this opportunity to pamper yourself with Mustela pregnancy skincare products and get ready for the arrival of your little one.
With some self-care and preparation, you’ll be ready when labor day comes. Good luck, mama, you’ll be meeting your baby soon!
