Fetal Development Month by Month: Month 8

Your baby is nearly on his way out of the womb and weighing in at a hefty 5 to 6 pounds. Your baby is absorbing a gallon of amniotic fluid per day and your body will replace the fluid every three hours. Organ growth will hit a plateau, but your baby will experience tremendous brain growth. His or her lungs will also need a couple extra weeks to fully develop. Otherwise, your baby's skin is less wrinkled, the kidneys are mature, and movements are visible from outside the belly.

You are more than likely tired and uncomfortable at this stage of pregnancy. During this month you might experience heartburn, difficulty breathing, and trouble sleeping. If your baby is causing you sleepless nights, try placing a pillow in between your knees while sleeping on your side. If your baby happens to be kicking you throughout the night, try switching sides; some babies prefer one side to the other.

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