How big is your baby this week? - The third trimester

We’re in the final stretch now as your baby continues to prepare for his or her grand entrance into the world. By now your bump may feel huge and you’re getting ready to meet your bundle of joy.

Keep up with developments in the final weeks of your pregnancy by clicking on "next" to view the gallery.

Week 27 - A cauliflower

You’ve entered the home stretch, and your baby is starting to settle into a regular routine. Baby is now working hard on practicing deep breathing, although there's no actual air in the womb - only amniotic fluid. His nostrils are now open too.

Week 28 - A kabocha squash

Baby's skin is still wrinkly, but it is gradually smoothing out as fat is deposited underneath. Your baby can now do all kinds of things, such as hiccup, cough and blink. It’s thought that babies can even dream from about this age. Since baby's lungs are almost fully formed now, he would have a good chance at survival (with some medical assistance) if he's born now.

Week 29 - A large butternut squash

Baby is now a ball of energy as he continues to grow. His brain continues to develop, and "wrinkles" form where nerve cells connect. His bones continue to become harder as he packs on fat under the skin. His brain continues to develop and he may shield his eyes from bright lights held up to his mum's abdomen. Be sure to take those pregnancy vitamins, as you will both need it now.

Week 30 - A cabbage

This week, baby starts his apprenticeship for living in real life by practicing some of his body functions. His brain continues to develop and he can now open his eyes fully. As everything continues to grow, stretch and expand, you will probably feel rather uncomfortable.

Week 31- Long as a bunch of leeks

Baby's nerves and brain continue to develop and all his senses are working perfectly. If baby were to be born right now, he would need a ventilator, but he will have a good chance of survival. You may start feeling Braxton Hicks contractions at this stage, but be sure to call your doctor if these contractions become close together or very intense.

Week 32- A napa cabbage

By now, baby is probably starting to move into the head-down position, ready to emerge into the great big world. The lanugo is starting to be shed, leaving behind only the hair that should be there: head, lashes and brows.

Week 33 - A pineapple

Baby's bones continue to harden and his lungs are almost fully developed as the lanugo starts to disappear. While the rest of the bones become hard, the skull bones will remain soft to enable natural birth. The soft spot will remain for a few years yet, in order to accommodate the growing brain.

Week 34 - A cantaloupe

Baby is rapidly developing into the sweet darling you have dreamed about and most organs are now mature. By now, he can hear what goes on outside the womb. His head should be in the downward position. Space is severely cramped right now for both of you, and you may even see an errant hand or elbow jabbing your belly.

Week 35 - A honeydew melon

Baby's kidneys and liver are now fully functioning and her brain remains the most rapidly developing organ. Movements may feel like pushes and nudges, rather than rapid kicks. As baby descends downward (known as lightening), you will be able to breathe better, but it will place strain on your bladder.

Week 36 - A canary melon

It's baby's last month in-utero and baby can survive on the outside with limited assistance. He's gaining an ounce a day. The vernix caseosa is also dissolving. Baby ingests this along with amniotic fluid, which will form his or her first bowel movement.

Week 37 - Long as a stalk of swiss chard

Baby can arrive any time now, or within the next few weeks. Technically considered full term, if he stays put, baby will continue to pack on the pounds, and many babies born now will do fine on the outside. His immune system will continue to strengthen as his head moves towards the engaged position.

Week 38 - Long as a stalk of rhubarb

Baby continues to secrete surfactant, a substance that helps to stretch the lungs for expansion once he breathes air after birth. He might be near his birth length now, and amniotic fluid is mixing with stomach secretions to form his first bowel movement (meconium). His brain has now taken out most of his bodily functions, including regulating the heartbeat and breathing.

Week 39 - Mini watermelon

You will probably feel rather uncomfortable now, as does baby, who is now prodding and pushing in his tight surroundings. He can now open his eyes, he's breathing well and he even startles at loud noises. His brain continues to develop as he becomes ready to be born, and you might notice more Braxton Hicks contractions.

Week 40 - A small pumpkin

Your baby has probably reached his birth size last week and should be ready to make his first appearance any time now or within the next 2 weeks. He can grab firmly with his little hands, too. Your doctor may let you wait, or induce labour. Whatever is decided, your baby has the skills to make it through labour and to make you feel like the luckiest mummy ever!

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