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What's happening to your baby?
Your midwife will be checking your baby’s position by feeling your bump at every appointment now, and it’s probably in a head-down position, ready for birth.
Your baby's immune system is now functioning, ready to protect it from infections. However, it will still rely heavily on the disease-fighting antibodies it’s got from your blood. Once your baby’s born it’ll continue to get these antibodies from your breastmilk.
The placenta is the size of a dinner plate by now and weighs about one eighth of your baby’s weight. It will carry on giving your baby all the nutrients and oxygen it needs until about 40 weeks, after which the placenta will not be as efficient. That’s one reason why your doctor may suggest an induction if your baby is overdue. |
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What's happening to you?
Babies can take a long time to arrive so it’s important to keep your strength up during labour. Having something to eat before your contractions get too strong helps build up your strength for the hard work ahead. Eating in labour used to be discouraged in case you needed a general anaesthetic. But recent research suggests the benefits outweigh any risks, so it’s perfectly safe if you’d like to eat or drink while you’re in labour. Snacks that release energy slowly, such as bananas or a bowl of wholegrain cereal, are ideal. Speak to you midwife for advice.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids as well. Water is a good option, as are isotonic drinks which contain energy-boosting ingredients. |
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"Your baby grows fastest in the last trimester of pregnancy so it’s now that your baby’s protein needs are at their highest. Make sure you have foods that are rich in high quality protein such as meat, fish and eggs or nuts and pulses (such as beans, lentils and peas). Two portions of these foods a day will supply you and your baby with all the protein you need."
Anne Sidnell, Nutritionist |
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| Ever wondered about baby allergies? |
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 ZTC1164a/10/15 |
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We know that in the first year of a baby's life, allergies such as eczema have become more common. Did you know that approximately 1 in 3 babies are born into a family with a history of allergies? This means one or more members of the family have or have had an allergy, such as asthma, hay fever, eczema or food allergies. In this case your baby may be at a higher risk of developing allergies, too.
Learn how breastfeeding can help build your little one’s defences and how to reduce their risk of developing allergies.
Find out about your baby's allergy risk here. |
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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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| Don't forget to give the name and contact details of your hospital to your parents and in-laws before you reach your due date. It's a good idea to ask them to field calls from well wishing friends too. |
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| Advice and tips to help you get off to a good start with your newborn. |
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| Important Notice: Breast milk is best for babies and breastfeeding should continue for as long as possible. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have a negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard. |
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All the best,
The SMA Baby Club |
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Please do not reply to this email, as the mailbox is unmanned. For any help or assistance please contact our Careline team.
ZTC1094af/08/15
Nestlé UK Ltd & Nestlé (Ireland) Ltd ®Reg. Trademark |
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