What to (Really) Expect When You’re Eight Months Pregnant

Your Body At Eight Months Pregnant

You’re Probably Feeling Anxious

If you’re experiencing some anxiety, know that this is totally normal. After all, your entire life is about to change. Take time for self-care, whether that means journaling, meditation, yoga, or relaxing with a good book or Netflix marathon.

You May Be A Bit Clumsy

At eight months pregnant, your body is generating a hormone called relaxin in preparation for delivery. As the name suggests, the hormone causes your body to relax and stretch. You’ll be grateful for relaxin when it’s time to actually give birth, but in the final stretch of pregnancy, it can result in some uncharacteristic clumsiness because the hormone also loosens your joints and ligaments. If you feel off-balance, be extra careful when you’re in cluttered spaces or going up and down the stairs.

Shortness Of Breath

During month eight of pregnancy, it’s extremely common to experience shortness of breath. This is because your growing baby is taking up a bigger amount of space in the womb, which causes your uterus to push your stomach against your lungs. When engaging in any type of physical activity, take frequent breaks.

Your Baby at Eight Months Pregnant

Their Major Organs Are Functioning

Aside from their lungs, your baby’s major organs are functioning all on their own. Some of their bones have also begun to harden, but the skull remains soft so it can make a smoother journey through the birth canal.

Their Movements Are Slowing Down

At eight months pregnant, you’ll likely notice that your baby’s movements have slowed down. This isn’t cause for concern — it’s simply because they’ve grown and don’t have as much space to move around in your womb as they did just a month or two ago.

They’re Starting To Get Into Position For Birth

During the last week of month eight, your baby may start to get into birth position. This means they’ll adjust to a head-down, bottom-up stance in your pelvis. However, this adjustment often takes place after week 32, so if your baby hasn’t moved into a head-down position yet, don’t worry — there’s still time.

Your Symptoms and Health at Eight Months Pregnant

Hemorrhoids

Enlarged veins in your rectal area, combined with pressure from the uterus, can cause pregnancy hemorrhoids. It’s fairly common during month eight to see blood in your stool. Combat this unpleasant symptom by drinking lots of water and making sure there’s plenty of fiber in your diet.

Vaginal Discharge

This symptom occurs throughout pregnancy, but it increases during your third trimester. As long as it’s clear or white and doesn’t have an odor, this isn’t cause for concern. However, if you suspect you’ve passed your mucus plug, get in touch with your doctor.

The mucus plug is what blocks the opening of your cervix in order to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. When your body passes the mucus plug, it’s a sign that your cervix is dilating in preparation for birth. It’s typically pink or light red and, if this is the case, there’s no need to contact your doctor — labor could still be weeks away. However if your discharge is bright red and the amount is more than an ounce, call your doctor right away.

(Lots Of) Itching

At eight months pregnant, the skin on your swelling belly is stretching out and drying out. This can cause a whole lot of itchiness in your belly area, so moisturize as much as possible. If your usual go-to moisturizers don’t do the trick, try something stronger like calamine.

Read More:

9 Months Pregnant — Labor Symptoms And Fetal Development

29 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Box Of A Lobster

30 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Sleeve Of A Tub Of Fried Chicken

31 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Personal Pizza

32 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby is The Size Of A Box Of Cereal