As your baby is growing bigger they will have less space in the womb so you may feel stronger kicks and movements as they try to stretch and move around in a smaller space. Sharing these movements with family or close friends can be a very special time.

Your baby’s development

Your baby now measures around 40cm long.

Their movements are stronger and sharper and you should feel them move at least 10 times during their normal active period.

He or she is now fully formed and is set for a rapid growth spurt: tripling in weight by the 40th week of pregnancy.

Your Body

You may find it hard at this stage to get a good night’s sleep. Your growing belly, aching joints, heartburn and a frequent need to urinate can really affect your sleep.

Start your night on your left side, which may be better for your circulation, digestion, kidney and liver function. Use extra pillows to support your body as much as you need. Placing a pillow between your knees will help to keep your hips well aligned, which can be more comfortable for your lower back.

If you like to sleep on your back, prop your left side up slightly with a pillow to avoid putting too much pressure on your vena cava, the vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart.

You may find you need to urinate several times during the night. Try to get your recommended two litres of fluid earlier in the day and always go to the toilet before lying down to sleep.

Want to know more? Call us on 1800 842 098 or Live Chat now.

Please note: These pregnancy week-by-week articles, are meant to give you a general sense of the growth and development going on within you. However, it’s important to remember that every baby develops differently, even during pregnancy.