Braxton contractions
Named after the English doctor John Braxton Hicks, this type of contraction can be seen at the beginning of the 8th month.
They aim to prepare the body for the time of delivery and are considered contractions of training.
Itchy skin
Itching can also be understood as itchy skin due to the hormonal changes that the pregnant woman is experiencing.
It is possible that they affect the arms, breasts, hips and belly, causing rashes in some cases.
Heartburn
The heartburn is a very common symptom in pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy.
This is because the organs of the digestive system, such as the stomach and intestines, are compressed by the uterus, which needs an even larger space to house the baby.
A tip to reduce this symptom is to eat meals with small portions, several times a day, opting for light and natural foods.
Diarrhea
The diarrhea is an uncommon symptom in pregnant women. However, when it happens, its cause is often related to some food infection or even viruses, which present themselves in the form of intestinal changes.
However, it is necessary to pay attention to the duration of the symptom, since, in rare cases, it may be related to a more serious condition, known as faecal impaction or impaction .
Other symptoms
There are other symptoms characteristic of pregnancy, but which present themselves with greater intensity in the 8th month of pregnancy, among which we can mention:
- Indigestion;
- Shortness of breathe;
- Mood swings;
- Leakage of milk;
- Sudden heat waves;
- Heartburn and / or burning;
- Fatigue.
How much does a baby weigh 8 months pregnant?
In the 8th month, around the 32nd week, your baby will be weighing around 1.7 kG and approximately 45 centimeters, which can be compared to the size of a large cabbage.
Baby development
The 8th month of pregnancy is marked by the baby’s movement, which will be more and more under the belly, fitting into the pelvis for the time of delivery.
In addition, there are other details that are being finalized for the arrival of your baby, such as:
Developed nervous system
From the 32nd week, your baby will be able to react to signals such as pain, touch, sound, light and even taste.
The amniotic fluid starts to gain a characteristic taste of the foods that the mother eats, which makes the baby be able to perceive different flavors throughout the day.
Movement limitation
In the 8th month the baby is almost 2kG and reaching the 50cm mark, which can be compared to the size of a cabbage or a pineapple.
Thus, the space inside the uterus becomes smaller and, consequently, limits the child’s movements, which will have its agitation reduced.
Increased body fat
At this stage of pregnancy, the baby is already about 15% body fat. From now on, he focuses on getting more and more fat in order to withstand the temperature difference outside the uterus.
Diaphragm formation
The child will commonly experience hiccups, which can be perceived and felt by the mother.
Hiccups represent the formation and development of the diaphragm and nervous system.
In the beginning, they can be a little uncomfortable for the pregnant woman, however, they are necessary for the child’s development.
Preparing for childbirth
From the 8th month of pregnancy it is very important to pay attention to the signs of labor. For this, it is necessary to know how to differentiate training or Braxton contractions from labor contractions.
Read more: How is a normal childbirth? Really hurts?
How to identify labor contractions?
The main difference between the two types of contraction is in intensity and duration.
To know better, when feeling contractions, it is recommended that you mark the time between one and the other, to know if they have a rhythm and frequency.
If this frequency and regularity is confirmed, then know that you are having labor contractions!
They can be compared to menstrual cramps, in addition to having back pain and, in some cases, rupture of the bag.
What is the type of delivery?
One very important thing to be decided before it is time to go to the hospital is the type of delivery you are going to perform.
There are some mothers who have already decided to perform a caesarean section. Others want normal birth.
However, the choice must be evaluated with the doctor, checking the best conditions for the health and comfort of the mother and baby.
