Your Baby: Eye-Opening Developments
The third trimester is a time of rapid growth -- for you and your baby. You might gain a great deal of weight -- and for good reason. Only 31 weeks, your baby weighs in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces (1590 g), and measures over 18 inches (46 cm) tall. Thanks to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin, the baby's color is changing from red to pink. At this point, the baby's irises dilate and contract in response to light, and his fingernails may extend to the end of the hands.

The organs are also in a growth period. Don't worry: Even if your lungs (and heart) make you feel breathless when you climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block, your womb mate is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.

Your Body: Planning For The Birth
Most first-time moms have mixed emotions and endless questions when it comes to labor and delivery. You may wonder how you know when you're having a contraction? When should you go to the hospital? Or, what can you take for the pain? One of the easiest ways to get answers and ease your fears is to arm yourself with knowledge: Read books on childbirth, take notes during your childbirth education class, consult your health care practitioner, and ask friends and family to share their experiences.

So what's included in a birthing plan? The following are some of the key issues to think about what your preferences are, then ask your practitioner or talk to the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.

• Do you want pain relief medication or do you want to have a "natural childbirth?"
• Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? (Check the hospital's guidelines about video cameras, music, pillows, lights, etc.)
• Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
• What is the role of your coach?
• Do you want an enema?
• Do you mind having your pubic region shaved? (This is often done as a matter of routine unless a woman specifically objects, in which case discuss it with your practitioner.)
• Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you want to follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs?
• Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
• If you have a cesarean, do you want your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
• Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
• Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
• Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
• Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottle-feeding or other baby care issues?
• Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?

Weekly Tip
A lot of moms and dads-to-be wonder if and when they will bond with their baby. An easy way to welcome and connect with your future arrival is to write a letter beforehand. Share your feelings about the pregnancy and about becoming a parent. Regale him with things friends or family have said or done, what you would do the same or differently if you could do it all over again. You can use it as a time to reflect on the past seven plus months and to relish the time left.