Appearance

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds. Your baby will probably be lying head down, with his knees curled up into his chest. He is becoming plumper now, so his skin is looking smooth, but he is still covered in greasy, white vernix.

Benefits of walking in last trimester

This may be a time for slowing down a bit, but definitely don't quit. When it comes to exercise during the last part of pregnancy, it's back to square one for many women. Try dividing your walks into several short outings each day, rather than a single long one. Since you may be off-balance by this point, choose the safest, flattest route. Some guideline for safe walking:

Tips for walking

• Make ample preparations before you go for a walk. The following are some tips on how you can enhance your walking experience:
• Wear shoes and socks that are comfortable. Use cotton socks; avoid synthetic material as they do not allow sweat to evaporate.
• Wear loose protective clothing, preferably cotton ones. Dress in accordance to weather conditions. Wear bright colors after dark so that motorists can spot you.
• Do warm-up sessions—walk slowly for about 5 min until your muscles warm up. Warming up your muscles reduces your risk of injury.
• After warming up, perform stretching exercises for about 5 min before walking.
• To reduce stress on your heart and muscles, end each walking session by walking slowly for about 5 min. Then, repeat your stretches.
• If you are so out of breath that you cannot carry on a conversation with the person you are walking with, you are probably walking too fast and should slow down.

Staying motivated

• Starting a walking program may not be easy. You may be constantly discouraged due to a variety of reasons—bad weather, lack of sleep or too much work. Whatever your reasons may be, remember that it takes patience and persistence to stick to your resolution of walking regularly.
• The health benefits that regular walking brings will overshadow all difficulties and it is well worth your effort.
• Here are some tips to keep you motivated:
• Walk with your spouse, friend, neighbor or colleague to make it more interesting
• Take different routes—this will add to the variety.
• Walking, like most things, is habit forming and you may develop the habit over time.
• Don't exercise in hot, humid weather or when you are sick with a fever.
• Drink extra water on the days you exercise, and keep a bottle with you as you walk.
• Avoid activities that may cause you to lose your balance, especially during your third trimester.
• Avoid bouncing or jerky movements.
• Make up the calories you use walking. Women in the second and third trimester need an extra 300 calories a day -- and that's without exercise. If you walk, eat more to compensate for what you burn.
• Wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions