10th Month of Pregnancy – Symptoms, Body Changes and Baby Development

Whenever we talk about pregnancy, we usually calculate the full pregnancy term as 9-month pregnancy. However, sometimes women deliver in the 10th month of pregnancy, too. If you wish to learn more about this stage and what you should do, keep reading!

What Does the 10th Month of Pregnancy Mean?

Technically if we take a look at the gestational period, it can last anywhere from 36 weeks to 42 weeks. And each month comprises approximately four weeks, which means that pregnancy transcends into the 10^th month. Therefore, when a woman crosses the threshold of 40 weeks of pregnancy, she is said to have entered the 10^th month of pregnancy, and that is what is meant by the 10^th month of pregnancy.

What Happens in the 10th Month of Pregnancy?

As you enter this phase in your pregnancy, you are very close to your due date, and your baby can come anytime. Most women give birth to their babies between 37 weeks and 41 weeks of pregnancy. However, as you finish your 36 weeks, you may notice a few changes every week that follows this period and your healthcare provider will monitor your development closely. Here are some foetal body changes in the 10th month of pregnancy:

Week 37

• Tiny hair that covers your baby’s skin begins to disappear around this time.
• Your baby’s brain weighs approximately 300 grams at this stage, and rapid brain development also takes place.
• Your baby’s skin begins to accumulate some fat.
• You may experience frequent stomach aches and headaches.

Week 38

• Your baby may not grow much but may put on more weight at this stage.
• You may begin to feel contractions.
• If the contractions are felt at regular intervals and become more intense, chances are you may be in labour.

Week 39

• Your baby may be fully grown, and there may not be much room for him to move inside.
• You may experience water retention in your body and notice a substantial weight change.
• Your baby is almost 50 centimetres tall and may weigh around 3 kilograms.
• You may feel uncomfortable and uneasy because of your baby’s increased weight. Hence you should rest often.

Week 40

• Your baby may weigh anywhere from 3 to 3.5 kilograms.
• Your body prepares to go into labour.
• Some women may experience a burning sensation while urinating. If a heavy vaginal discharge or other abnormal symptoms are experienced, you must see your doctor.

Symptoms of 10th Month of Pregnancy

When you enter your 10^th month of pregnancy, you may experience certain symptoms. However, these symptoms may largely depend on when the foetus transcends into the lower part of your uterus. The uterus widens from your pelvis to the bottom of your rib cage. As the foetus drops, you may experience increased pressure on your bladder, and you may get the frequent urge to pee, and you may find it difficult to hold your pee. Though there may be some respite in constipation, shortness of breath and heartburn after the foetus drops.

The cervix starts dilating or opening up for the birthing process. The cervix can dilate weeks before you go into labour or it can happen just before you go into labour. Sharp or shooting pains can be felt when the cervix opens up.

Dietary and Lifestyle Tips

Here are some dietary and lifestyle tips that you should follow:

• You should make sure you include foods rich in folic acid because it reduces the chances of birth defects in babies.
• Include calcium-rich food because it is good for your growing baby’s healthy bone and teeth development.
• Eating foods rich in magnesium, such as berries, beans, almonds, etc., help in better absorption of calcium in the body.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Make sure you keep a check on your posture as increased body and belly weight can make you lose your balance and hence the risk of falls.
• You must rest and sleep well.
• Experiencing contractions during this time is very normal. However, you should be able to distinguish between the false and the real ones.
• If any unusual or abnormal symptoms are experienced, get in touch with your doctor.

FAQs

As a would-be-mommy, you may have numerous queries and concerns in your mind; in this section, we give you answers to some frequently asked questions about the 10^th month of pregnancy:

1. Can I Have Sex in the Tenth Month of Pregnancy?

You will become big by this time in your pregnancy, and sex or physical intimacy is something that may not be on your mind. However, if you and your partner wish to indulge in the act, there is no harm in doing so. In certain cases, your doctor may advise you to do so because sex during this time may help trigger labour. Also, if you are worried that sex may affect or harm your baby, it is not so because your baby is well protected in the sac, and your partner can not harm your baby.

2. What Activities Can I Do in this Month?

Exercising is important, even during pregnancy. If you have been following a healthy exercise regime, there is no harm in following the same if you are comfortable doing it. 10th-month pregnancy is normal and healthy; if you are comfortable doing various activities and exercises, you may indulge in them. However, if you feel tired or find it challenging to work out, you should not push yourself beyond limits. Make sure that you eat a good and healthy diet and rest well.

As you get into this stage of pregnancy, you know that D-day is not far away. Do not worry and keep anxiety at bay. Prepare yourself to welcome your little bundle of joy into the world and embrace motherhood. Keep a tab on any unusual signs or symptoms, and get in touch with your doctor.

References/Resources:

1. What is full-term?; March of Dimes; https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/what-full-term; Last reviewed: September, 2018

2. How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=int; August 2020

3. Pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes; https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy-week-week#38

4. Definition of Term Pregnancy; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy; November 2013

5. Baby due date; BetterHealth Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/baby-due-date#length-of-gestation

6. What happens in the tenth month of pregnancy?; Planned Parenthood; https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/pregnancy-month-by-month/what-happens-tenth-month-pregnancy

7. Pregnancy week-by-week; Pregnancy birth and baby; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-week-by-week

8. Pregnancy: Nutrition; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12593-pregnancy-nutrition

9. Overdue babies; BetterHealth Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/overdue-babies

Also Read: Third Trimester of Pregnancy