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What's happening to your baby?
Your baby is growing well and it can still move quite freely, but is probably in a bottom-down position most of the time. You may feel your baby’s head butting against your rib cage, which can be quite painful at times. Don't worry – in a few more weeks the increasing weight of your baby's head will start to encourage it into a head-down position, giving you some relief.
Although your baby is not growing as rapidly in length, weight gain is faster than ever from now on. Your placenta has grown massively in the last 10 weeks or so, and is now supplying your baby with 500ml of blood a minute from your bloodstream. |
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What's happening to you?
Have you thought about pain relief during labour yet? You can have gas and air, known as Entonox, which can help take the edge off the pain, but it does make some women feel light-headed or sick.
Pethidine is an injected painkiller, but it can make your baby sleepy, so you may not be able to use it near the end of labour. An epidural usually offers total pain relief. However, because it stops you feeling your contractions, it can make it more difficult to push your baby out.
Some women get through labour using natural techniques such as breathing, hypnobirthing, massage and TENS. A supportive birth partner helps too. Others find labouring in a birth pool or in familiar surroundings at home helps them to cope with contractions.
Whichever pain-relief options you’re thinking about, talk to your midwife. They are there to help you make the best possible choice for you and your baby. |
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"Many women find that labouring in a big pool of warm water helps them relax and cope with the pain. The water also helps support your weight as you labour. Most maternity units and birth centres have pools. The other option is to hire a pool and use it at home. Provided your pregnancy is uncomplicated, your midwives and doctors should be fully supportive."
Bev Rolls, Midwife |
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| We answer hundreds of questions a week from parents. For free support and advice, get in touch via our new Live Chat service, call or email.
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Come and get to know us a little better. |
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| Swollen feet and ankles? It may seem strange, but drinking a lot of fluid will help because it actually encourages your body to hold on to less water. |
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| Find out what essentials you'll need to buy for your newborn. |
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All the best,
The SMA Baby Club |
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