33 weeks

Yulin, the next ten weeks will probably bring stronger and more frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are absolutely normal but can be somewhat uncomfortable at times. Your body is literally practicing for labor, and they give you a little taste of what it will be like.

In addition to the contractions, you may also feel a variety of aches and pains in your lower ribs and pelvis. Pelvic pain is generally felt in the lower back and is caused more by your pelvis expanding in preparation for birth than pressure from the baby. The rib pain is caused by pressure from your baby and uterus. It probably feels like a dull ache and can be felt all the way across the top of your abdomen. Ouch!

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Your Baby

Your baby is now 19.4 inches from head to toe and weighs about 4.4 pounds, and you are probably both very aware that it is getting more and more cramped in there. Your baby's adrenal glands have grown and are producing hormones that stimulate you to lactate.

Are you thinking about food more in this home-stretch? Seafood can boost the development of your baby's brain, which will develop most during the ninth month. However, the FDA recommends you consume no more than one serving per month of shark and swordfish due to potentially higher levels of methyl mercury found in these fish.