The bones in your baby's skull overlap and will compress into a bullet-like shape so he can fit through the birth canal.
It's typical to be short of breath as your growing uterus puts pressure on your diaphragm and pushes up against your lungs.
Don't worry if you're feeling forgetful. You've got a lot on your mind. Stress and fatigue can interfere with your ability to concentrate.
You're in your eighth month!
Skull flexibility
The bones in your baby's skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a cone-head-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as the brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
Skin smoothing
Your baby is rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look, and her skin is less red and transparent. It's becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
Lots of movement
It's getting snug in your womb, so your baby isn't doing as many somersaults, but the amount of kicking should remain about the same.
Trouble sleeping
Finding an easy position to sit in – let alone sleep in – is becoming more of a challenge.
Wrist pain
You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist.
Increased libido?
Many women still feel sexy at this stage – and their partners often agree. You may need to make some adjustments, but for most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their water breaks or their labor starts.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Think about grandparent names
You can always go with "Grandma" and "Grandpa," but there are plenty of other names that your parents and in-laws may want to go by.
Do kick counts
Choose a time of day when your baby tends to be active. Sit quietly or lie on your side and time how long it takes for you to feel 10 distinct movements (kicks, twitches, and rolls all count). Call your provider if you don't feel at least 10 movements within two hours.
