Dates and numbers:
There are 60 days until your due date on September 22, 2008.
You are 220 days pregnant.
You are 7.2 months pregnant.
You are in your 8th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: December 17, 2007 to March 16, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: March 17, 2008 to June 29, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: June 30, 2008 to September 22, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

Your baby is continuing to grow each week that you remain pregnant. Your baby's crown-to-rump length is nearly 11.2 inches and total length is approximately 18 inches. Your baby weighs approximately 3.5 pounds at this point. Your uterus is about 4.4 inches above your bellybutton and continues to get larger. An average weight gain at this point is between 21 and 27 pounds. The weight that you gain is made up of your baby, placenta, blood supply, uterus, breasts, fat, water storage and amniotic fluid.
Because the ligaments and muscles supporting the small of your back relax and loosen in order to get ready for childbirth, your back may be aching from now on. There is usually nothing that can be done to prevent backaches, only to make them more comfortable. Many women get heartburn during these last few weeks of pregnancy because the oversized uterus leaves less room for the stomach and the contents within the stomach. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help relieve the discomforts of heartburn.
This week marks an incredible milestone in your baby's lung development. Before now, the air sacs and branches in your baby's lungs were present but not functional. The lungs were not able to inflate properly. However, now there is surfactant being produced in your baby's lungs. Surfactant prevents your baby's lungs from collapsing outside of the uterus and the baby is able to take in air and breathe properly. The fetal ear is almost completely developed both inside and out. Your baby can hear your voice and other familiar sounds that she will recognize after birth. Your baby is putting on white fat under the skin and the skin's color is pink instead of red at this point. Your baby's fingernails have grown to the end of her fingers and she may scratch herself while she is in the womb.
Comments on week 31Comments 1-49 of about 4074 from week 31
118 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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Show latest comments from all weekschesterkatie -
9 minutes ago
newmom - because its a loan, its contracted to pay back, no tax info is sent out or needed to be claimed. (at least thats how it works here, something to ask the retirement system - not a 401k loan or a deferred comp loan or IRA) I belong to a state retirement system - they work differently with loans. 3 months of no pay, to most, is hardship. not everyone has the cushion to help them through 3 months.sweetpeaz -
10 minutes ago
Wow I am sitting here reading all of the blogs about the medical insurance etc, I think Canada has it made! I keep sitting here wishing I could be home already, instead of working, all I want to do is rest so I dont feel so yucky, and get ready for baby! Unfortunatly for me, I need the insurance as well for labor and delivery, but the baby will be covered under Daddy's insurance after he is born, so I am not sure if I am going back to work. Why is it that people are more willing to give you time off when baby arrives, but not when your preggers, and NEED the rest??amber325 -
27 minutes ago
You felt the baby kick back at you, in the 'mound' area? Hmmm are you low? I will feel movement right abouve there but not that actual area itself. You are prolly fine, just prolly poked the babies head and bugged it lolkindro8 -
30 minutes ago
I dont know eithersunshine81607 -
42 minutes ago
mommy1baby - I have no cluemommy1baby -
1 hours ago
okay I knwo this might be TMI, but I WAS WALKING AND THEN I had this weird sensation to well scratch my private part,but instead of doing that I just slightly pushed on it, I did it from the outside of my pants. I just put my hand there and littley pushed b/c it was itchy alil and I didnt want to scratch it and someone see me, okay but tell me why I felt my baby move like crazy when I did it. It almost made me fall to the floor!!! I had to grab on to the wall to catch my balance, I didn't know he could feel that lil push I did on my mound area. I was scared, I didn't put anything inside of me nor did I push on that area hard or hit it, I was like is his head down there already??? I don't feel pressure on my bones??? It hurt like crazy!!! Someone help and explain!!!ams2777 -
1 hours ago
Mommyrock is correct. I forgot to mention that. Most hospitals are happy to get a in full payment of your portion that they will offer a discount. Your insurance does not pay your bill in full either. They have contract payments depending on services. So the hospital is happy to get a payment. Everyone would be so suprised on how little insurance companies and Medicaid reimburse for services. In VA, average vaginal delivery is around 4,000-5,000 dollars on the hospital bill but medicaid pays 1,400. So don't be afraid to ask for a discount or assistance if you need it. newmom08 -
1 hours ago
chesterkatie - I am not sure what you mean about retirement loans because in my line of work, which we deal with those often, the money comes out of your check before taxes, anything you take from it you will have to claim on your taxes because they also send you a statement showing your withdrawal which will be sent to the IRS showing the money was touched. It is quite similar to self employment taxes, which you are accountable for yourself to report.
I would not touch retirement unless you have hardship needs and then in some cases they will allow you to take a loan against it... but regardless if you use a portion of it and send the difference back, they will still tax you on the portion recieved. mommyrock -
1.4 hours ago
The insurance company paid thier portion and we pay the remaining balance in full and ask for the 20% off. It can be quite a savings.chesterkatie -
1.4 hours ago
oh and ladies... look into your retirement benefits loans! most of them you do not have to claim in your taxes at the end of the year because its already pretaxed and its a loan that is being repaid. (unlike a deferred comp loan) if you or your hubby doesnt have the time to cover 12+ weeks off and need an unpaid leave of absense, it helps to have that cushion and what you dont use at the end, you can send back in to avoid the interest charges (which is only about 6%) all you have to make sure of is to have some funds off to the side to cover your monthly payments.chesterkatie -
1.4 hours ago
prof pregg... im actually doing the same thing with my FMLA. since my docs dont know when they are inducing me, im off at 37w, and extending it out to the beginning of jan. so theres 20 days in there that im not getting paid, so i split it up and each pay period im getting 2-3 days unpaid leave. also, that way, you still get paid for holidays as long as you show an actual 'code' for the holiday rather than just unpaid. my hubby works a job that isnt guaranteed work all the time so we need our income from my end. (and thank goodness for savings!)
sunshine81607 -
1.4 hours ago
mommyrock - is th b/c yu re-paid in full????chesterkatie -
1.5 hours ago
78 here... sorry about the heat everywhere else!mommyrock -
1.6 hours ago
On a similar note with ams, another thing, if you can pay your bill in full, most hospitals will give you up to 20% on your bill. I need to qualify that statement, I know that is the case in Texas. I don't see why it wouldn't be for the other states. You should call the hospital and ask. I paid in full for everything my last pregnancy and the guy told me when I was paying the hospital bill that I can get 20% off the total if I pay in full. I asked why I wasn't told that before and he said, 'well you're supposed to ask, it isn't usually offered.' We now tell the billing department, we want the 20% off our bill for paying in full. FYI don't pay more than you have too!kindro8 -
1.6 hours ago
Its 100 degrees here in Texas. ams2777 -
2.2 hours ago
I am from North Carolina, US. I just wanted to share some info. I worked for a company for seven years that helps people who do not have health insurance apply for state assistance to help cover hospital bills. I worked in/with several different hospitals in several different states over the years and worked closely with hosptial's billing offices. They do not like it known but majority of hospitals do have payment options and programs to help out patients that can't pay copays/deductibles/ or even the whole bill for patients with no health coverage and who do not qualify for state assistance. They will try there best to get you to pay in full or even prior to visit but if you honestly can't pay ask if the have a financial assistance programs. I have seen many of bills written completely off. I loved working for them but the stress was getting to me. I saw alot of patients get help from the state and from the hospital. Believe me that ospitals do not want it advertised because the are a bussiness and want to make a profit. If anyone has questions about applying for state assistance(ex Medicaid) please feel free to ask. The company I worked for had locations in almost every state and I have kept in contact with alot of them. ML28 -
2.4 hours ago
hey can someone leave me a msg on my page. maybe a dumb question...but i need someone to describe to me what a braxton contraction feels like exactally. thanks so much-amber325 -
2.5 hours ago
Yeah I am in MD and its been about 90+ here for a month or so...Usually 95ish...I am soooo swollen I have no ankle bones or calves left...and my toes liike like little viena sausages! So unattractive lol..At least my husband thinks 'they look cute :0) 'sunshine81607 -
2.5 hours ago
On the subject of FMLA and maternity leave - I live in PA and we have no maternity laws. It is based on what the employer wants to offer to their employees. My employer only offers 12 weeks of FMLA which run side by side with short term disability (giving you 80% of your pay) providing you have worked there over a year. I was put on bedrest last week and now I am starting my FMLA and short term disability. I am also having a c-section, which you are written out of work for 8 weeks to recover. This means that by the time I am done my 8 weeks of recovery I will have no job left nor will I recieve pay the last 4 weeks of that 8 weeks. Nice isn't it!newmom08 -
2.6 hours ago
Justjill - I know what you mean... you get used to what you are around, but I truly miss the seasons of the north. Florida unforunately has two seasons, hot and hotter!! LOL. I got married in November and I remember then that people were sweating!! And yes, I am really swollen... have to stay very hydrated and I thank that to the wonderful heat/humidity!! Justjill -
2.7 hours ago
newmom08 - I used to work on ships and really miss Florida weather!! I guess it is what you get used to. I agree though. I miss the more tropical climates. I also lived in Greece for 3.5 years. I am not sure I miss that heat/humidity! I can't even imagine how swollen I would be right now if I was still there! professorpreggers -
2.7 hours ago
newmom08 there are always job openings! amber325 -
2.8 hours ago
Yeah FLMA = 12 weeks off and a job when you return...doesnt guarentee to be paid while off...So since my husbands company doesnt offer anything other then that..he will prolly take off 2-5 days to be with me when I need him then go back to work LindsayandJohn -
2.9 hours ago
My boyfriend is a police officer. If he is at work and there isn't enough guys working that night he can't leave when I go into labor. Once the baby is born he gets a personal day and then 2 sick days a month. Than it's right back to work. I think he is going to work while I am in the hospital just so he can spend his days off at home. We need all the extra help we can get because our dog got hit by a car nlast night and he is going to need a lot of TLC too. Everyday is an adventure.
newmom08 -
2.9 hours ago
professorpreggers - so what about the FMLA, you still have me wanting to work in the college!! :)newmom08 -
2.9 hours ago
Justjill - Actually my cousin is from Canada and so we've been there plenty of times before visitng when our families get together. Yes, the land mass is larger then the US, but all of that land is not populated either. Additionally, the weather there is similar to northern states (I was born and rasied in NY) but we actually all reside in FL. And trust me, Canadian weather cannot compare to Florida. Most of the compaints we get from visiting Canadians is that it is too humid and the air is just still and hot. It is like when we go outside you can barely breath, especially if there is no breeze. We live off the water... so it isn't as horrible as living inland, but have you ever felt a dry breeze from the sea?! It is insane!! All and still, I tried living back in NY for a short stint and thought I was going to freeze to death. I think my blood has thined out and can only stand warmer states!! :(professorpreggers -
3.1 hours ago
My husband can take FMLA but won't get paid unless he can prove that he has become the primary care giver for the baby during that time:( He has two weeks of vacation saved so he's going to take that first and then if he wants, he can break up his FMLA any way he wants i.e. go in to work Mon, Tues, Wed, and take off Thurs, Friday. He'd still get paid for three days a week so we'd at least be able to pay the mortgage! Justjill -
3.1 hours ago
Newmom08 - not sure where you are in the States, but I am in Vancouver BC, trust me, cold is not really an issue here (we never get too cold or too hot really). Sure we get a couple of days in the winter, but Canada is HUGE (land mass larger than the US), there are many weather regions here, just like there. BC is amazing. I too would rather live in some climates over others here, but I have to agree, 12 months paid mat leave (at a percentage of your salary) with free medical is worth a few chilly days in the winter. Not to mention my benefits are paid by work and fully cover us through mat leave. soon2Bmomof3 -
3.1 hours ago
He is the Division Cheif of his shop and has to make sure all 30 of his Marines are taken care of. He deals with not only work related problems but also all of their personal problems. So he puts in 14-16 hours a day and that doesn't include all the phone calls during the night.newmom08 -
3.2 hours ago
soontobemommyof3 - That is awful. Sad that they cannot afford him 10 days to be with his wife and newborn!! I mean, are things really going to go to the shitter if he isn't there for 10 freaking days?!!soon2Bmomof3 -
3.2 hours ago
My husband is in the military and he is authorized 10 days paid leave. He was told not to plan on getting it because they will be returning from Iraq, and they need him at work making sure things get done. The 10 days are use it or lose it, and it really sucks knowing he can have it but doesn't get it :o(newmom08 -
3.3 hours ago
By law you are entitled to maternity/paternity leave if you have a child, adopt a child etc.... Most places consider that as FMLA which gives you a paycheck at a reduced rate. Other places don't offer pay at all. For my employer, before my FMLA kicks in, I have to use all my vacation time so I get paid at the full rate and then reduced. My DH has been with his co. for several years... so he has a crazy amount of vacation since he is grandfathered into the old method... I think now he gets like 3 months, so he is going to take time off while I am home and we will still be able to live normally, because we will be getting full checks. amber325 -
3.4 hours ago
Hahah 'Paternity leave' is a joke...they can take it but when the husband doesnt get paid...and neither do I ...I would lose my house! My husbands company said he could take 4 weeks off unpaid! So yeah ....he is the bread winner...it would suck, I think he will take a few days off to help me...but then go right back to working. soon2Bmomof3 -
3.6 hours ago
I have been reading about maternity leave, and was wondering if any of your husbands get any time off from work to help out?isabell21 -
3.7 hours ago
I live in NH so the cold in Canada would work for me :)ML28 -
3.8 hours ago
newmom08: no maternity leave? that sucks. i'd suffer the colder weather any day for the 12 months paid mat leave i get vs. none at all. that's really a shame :(newmom08 -
3.9 hours ago
Its too dern cold in Canada for me. Call me silly, but I would rather suffer in the warm weather! :)isabell21 -
3.9 hours ago
Oh, I have to pay a $1500.00 deductible to have my baby, otherwise everything else is paid for. It's been hard to come up with that extra $200.00 a month for that when all of our extra money needs to be saved for when I'm not working. We pay $41.00 a week for our insurance and the employer pays the rest. I think the monthly payment to cover my hubby and me is over $500. smackaroos. I think I am pretty lucky that my employer is willing to pay most of the insurance cost, other wise we wouldn't be covered and I know we make too much to get any health care from the government. On the upside the government does guarantee health care for 18 and under kids at very low cost and I will be taking advantage of that.newmom08 -
3.9 hours ago
professorpreggers - Is your college hiring?! :) That sounds like an excellent plan. My plan just switched over a few months back and each year they make their changes, I swear they only benefit the employer. I will be truly happy when a positive change is made. I think my biggest fear is that doctors will flee the areas they are in if they do not receive the big bucks they can demand now. It is such a vicious cycle... and lets not even get me started on this no-maternity leave crap... WHAT MAN THOUGHT OF THIS!? proudpreggers -
4 hours ago
newmommy - with the awesome health coverage you have, you would be silly to quit your job because of what you get for maternity leave. once you go back to work things go back to normal and you still have your great coverage. you probably wont find that again.ML28 -
4 hours ago
I was reading the posts about insurance coverage, cost of hospital stays and montly fee's etc to have this coverage. It made me realize how luck I am. I live in Canada, so all health care is 100% covered here. You just need your valid OHIP card, which you just re-new every few years. I haven't had to pay for anything and won't have to worry about anything either. Whenever we are sick here, or need to see a doctor for any given reason it is just automatically billed to the government. We just require benefit plans for our medications, which I have 95% coverage through work and it costs me about $12.00 per month for my whole family. So I deffiantly feel for you guys who do not get the same benefits as we do here in Canada. I love it here, and that is just one of the many reasons.kindro8 -
4.1 hours ago
I am with you Amber!!!!newmommy:) -
4.1 hours ago
All this talk of benefits is depressing me :( I have WONDERFUL MEDICAL benefits. $0 co-pays, even for emergencies. Prescription coverage, a tax free flexible spending account, and the first $700 of every year is covered by the company. HOWEVER, i found out today, that i might as well just quit my job rather than take maternity leave. I get 60% of my covered wages. Sounds great, but then they tax that, then they take out my medical, dental, and vision insurance costs, then they take out the money for my flexible spending account and whats left after that? $50? booxxlollyxx -
4.2 hours ago
amber~ i dont qualify for anything either in the UK ive paid tax and insurance for the past 10 years, lining someone elses pocket!! now that i need help, i dont qualify!!! how f@*ked up is that!!! babymullin -
4.2 hours ago
Yeah - I passed my 3hr glucose testing! amber325 -
4.3 hours ago
Yeah I dont even qualify for social security benefits! How f**ked up is that! and what my husband does qualify for is crap too! I dont think I should pay weekly into someone ELSES SS benefit plan if I wont receive any myself! That is so not fair!!!! Yet they want immigrants to get social security!!! UMMMM no ! isabell21 -
4.4 hours ago
I am an American and love my country but I think things within the government need to change badly. My husband received his yearly social security report thingy yesterday. It stated in there that if he were to die today me or a child would be entitled to a ONE TIME BENEFIT CHECK OF $250.00. WHOAAA that would help us out for a long time damnit. What really gets me is the amount of money that is taken out of our checks every WEEK for social security. There's somthing wrong here.amber325 -
4.6 hours ago
Yeah we both work full time and pay high insurance premiums...to deal with rude doctors, to pay a ton in copays/deductables/ delivery fees...It is rediculous! I wish the gov't wasnt so backwards with who it supports...you would think the ones that pay taxes, and dont take handouts would get some respect! professorpreggers -
4.8 hours ago
Newmom08 Sorry to hear about that huge bill! My husband is an academic dean at a university. He pays about $800 a month for family coverage--which we never needed until now. I have no co pays except on brand name drugs and I don’t pay anything at the delivery. My plan covers in home nursing visits or a lactation consultant after the hospital releases me and I don’t know what all else. I realize how fortunate I am in one sense but we are still paying dearly for it. (People grandfathered in at the university don’t pay a penny). That sucks to have to pay such a bill at delivery! We, like you, would be classified as upper middle (which is really funny in a metropolitan area where our money just disappears into thin air). Speaking personally, as long as we can afford it, I still would rather pay into my heath care plan at the rate that we are than be subject to lesser quality of care (honestly, there are so many terrible health care professionals out there, how is it going to get any better) which I am convinced is going to be the outcome of a publicly financed/ government administered medical system. Maybe things will be less expensive and maybe I won't get bills in the mail (which my heath insurence covered) for a consult with a specialist at the hospital whom I never laid eyes on, but I don't either think that less expensive healthcare plans are going to ensure (in terms of quality care) anything other than less expensive. Loudlilwhytemommy -
4.8 hours ago
amber325- My little sister has done what you are wishing.. She prefers to not live withthe baby dad... but moves frm house to house.. She at one time had medicaid ,food stamps, wic, cash assistance and some other service to try to hewlp he rfind a job.. my niece will be 1 in a month and my lil sis hasnt had a job the intire time and hasnt bought one thing for her baby..
Where as I fel me and my hubbi are the 'working poor' catorgory.. we work and work and dont qualify for much help.. and yet we are sitll left with sometimes only 100 bucks a month to divde into gas food etc