How your baby is growing this week
Cantaloupe size — 17.7 inches, 4.7 lbs. If baby is a boy, testicles descending into the scrotum. Vernix coating thickening. Fingernails extend past fingertips. Fat layers filling out the face — getting chubby.
What your partner is going through
Pelvic pressure intensifies as baby drops lower — the waddle is full-on and everything aches. But watch for signs that are NOT normal third-trimester discomfort: a severe or persistent headache, new blurred vision or flashing lights and spots, sudden swelling of the hands or face, or pain under the upper-right ribs. Those are preeclampsia warning signs — call the OB immediately, do not wait it out.
What to focus on this week, dad
- 01Work Handoff: finalize your coverage document and email it to your manager. Include project status, key deadlines, and emergency contacts. You need to be "stoppable" at any moment
- 02Freezer Meals Blitz: dedicate a weekend day to batch cooking. Target 15+ individual portions. Label everything with contents and date. Your future self at 3 AM will be grateful
Connect with your partner
Massage her hips and glutes nightly. The pelvic joints are loosening (relaxin hormone) and everything from the waist down hurts. YouTube "prenatal hip massage" for technique.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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