Contents:
Scan review
Week-by-Week Pregnancy Timeline
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Week 9
The first trimester can be tough. Sickness, exhaustion, anxieties - all of which you might be trying to keep under wraps - can make you feel low.
Measuring about 22mm long, your baby is now as big as a strawberry. Colour is starting to appear in his tiny eyes now and he even has eyelids.
Advice & tips
Laughing then sobbing? Progesterone and oestrogen pumping through your body in the first trimester can bring on a rollercoaster of emotions. Hormones aside, worrying about your baby's health and the future can also leave you feeling blue.
Been feeling a bit faint or dizzy?
There's lots of reasons why this can happen in pregnancy, whether it's the extra pressure on your blood system, low blood sugars or low levels of iron. Find out which foods can help when your head starts spinning.If you're suffering with headaches, it's fine to take paracetomol. But not all over-the-counter medication is safe in pregnancy. Find out what paint relief you can take.
If my partner smokes can it harm my unborn baby? No matter how careful someone thinks they are about keeping smoke away from you, you and your baby still get the harmful poisons.
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Week 10
Your body is full of surprises in pregnancy, some more embarrassing than others.
It's a big day for your baby - 56 days after fertilisation, he is now called a 'fetus', meaning 'offspring'
Advice & tips
Feeling abit bloated? Your digestive system is slowing down and this can make you feel bloated or give you indigestion and heartburn.
Noticed more vagina discharge? Your body creates discharge to help prevent infections travelling up the vagina to the womb. Pretty darn clever.
FREE PRESCRIPTIONS... At your booking appointment ask your midwife for your free prescriptions form (FW8) so you can apply for a NHS 'maternity exemption' certificate. A midwife will need to sign it so you can get your prescriptions free of charge.
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Week 11
If you could see your baby's hand, you'd notice he has teeny, delicate fingernails. His fingers and toes are starting to separate.
Advice & tips
Sore Tum? This could be your stomach muscles and ligaments stretching as your womb grows.
Is it hot in here? Your metabolic rate has increased and your body is working extra hard to support the new life inside it. This, hormones and the extra blood your body's pumping can leave you feeling a tad hot under the collar.
Snack Attack Pecking at sunflower seeds will take the edge off hunger pangs and give you a hit of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, essential for your baby's developing brain and eyesight. These super seeds also offer vitamins A, B, D, E and K, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc - not bad for bird food.
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Week 12
You've made it through the gruelling first trimester. You're a third of the way through and hopefully over the worst of the sickness and tiredness.
It's been a busy few weeks: everything is now in place - the organs, limbs, bones, muscles and sex organs are complete. Your baby, although tiny, is now fully formed. He's about the size of a plum.
Advice & tips
Dribbling in your sleep? Excess saliva is one of pregnancy's little surprises - it's totally normal and probably caused by hormones. Read more about common pregnancy symptoms
Nosebleeds? Random - we know - but some women find they're more prone to nosebleeds during pregnancy. Blame hormones. Again.
Dating scan… Around about now you'll be offered an ultrasound scan - and your first chance to see a glimpse of the tiny life inside you. It's known as the dating scan and the sonographer will be able to check whether your due date is accurate by measuring the baby.
Don’t forget your teeth… Pregnancy hormones can be unkind to teeth so you need to take extra care of them. Going to the dentist is free in pregnancy and for a year after your baby is born. Don't forget your exemption card.
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Week 13
Welcome to the second trimester. Fingers crossed, over the next few weeks, you'll leave the worst of the sickness and tiredness behind you.
Although you can't feel anything just yet, he's dancing around inside you. As time goes on his jerky motions are turning into slower, more purposeful ones.
Advice & tips
Cravings? Not all mums-to-be have a penchant for pickles. If, however, you do - that's normal too (we won't judge). Cravings can be triggered by hormonal changes in your body affecting taste and smell. Also sharp dips and peaks in your blood sugar levels can leave you hankering after sugary, comfort foods (hence the cake/ice cream/chocolate addiction).
Feeling constipated or bloated? Hormones can play havoc with your digestive system in pregnancy, leaving you constipated and bloated.
See ya sofa… You may have felt a bit like hibernating over the last couple of months but hopefully those days are over. Now's the time to get active again. Have you thought about signing up to a pregnancy exercise class?
Have you told your boss you are pregnant yet? You don't have to tell your boss that you're pregnant until the 15th week before the week your baby is due. It may be a good idea to tell them sooner though, especially if you have a strenuous job or need lots of check-ups early in your pregnancy.
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Week 14
Your breast might have already started to produce milk so don't panic if you notice any leaks in your bra. Read more about this, wind and - believe it or not - the return of your sex drive!
Your growing baby is now around the size of a kiwi fruit. He measures about 85mm from the top of his head to the bottom.
Advice & tips
Leaking nipples? Don't panic if you notice any yellow stains in your bra. This is probably a tiny bit of colostrum - the first milk mums produce - leaking from your nipples. Breasts can start producing milk as early as 14 weeks. Grab yourself some absorbent breast pads.
Struggling to quit? Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby's health. If you quit before the 15th week of pregnancy, the health risks for your baby go down. Check out your local stop smoking options - we're here to support you.
Can I have anti-natal appointments in work time? All pregnant women are entitled to 'reasonable' paid time off work to attend antenatal appointments, including any relaxation or parentcraft classes. Travelling and waiting time are included too, so don't worry about rushing about or if your appointment's running late.
Feeling Frisky? Felling Frisky? For some lucky ladies, sex during pregnancy is better than ever because of the increased blood flow in your pelvic area. Hormones can also boost your sex drive. Don't be alarmed if you feel any Braxton Hicks contractions. They can be triggered by an orgasm but they're nothing to worry about.
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Week 15
Your baby looks about the size of a tennis ball. His hearing is developing and from around now he might be able to hear your voice, the comforting beating of your heart and muffled sounds from the outside world.
Advice & tips
Is your skin feeling itchy on your growing bump? This is probably caused by your skin stretching. If so, it's nothing to worry about. You could try massaging some unscented moisturizer in to the skin.
You can be more prone to this fungal infection in pregnancy. If you notice any symptoms, have a chat with your midwife about treatment.
When you're about 16 weeks pregnant, you'll have a routine appointment with your midwife. The best bit is that you'll get to listen to your baby's heartbeat - probably for the first time.
Off sick? If you need to take time off work for a pregnancy-related illness then it doesn't count towards your sickness record. If your boss usually provides sick pay then you will still be entitled to this. If your company doesn't offer sick pay you can apply for Statutory Sick Pay.
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Week 16
Your baby is now about the size of a lemon. If you could see his little face, you might be able to see him making facial expressions, like a frown or squint. Although he can't control these facial muscles yet.
Advice & tips
Varicose veins... Sounds crazy but pregnancy hormones can make your veins stretch. This, together with the increased blood supply to your skin, can lead to varicose veins.
Crampy legs? If you're one of the unlucky ones getting rudely awoken by a sudden sharp pain in your leg, try gently exercising your legs, ankles and feet during the day - and see if that prevents it. Need advice on other pregnancy niggles? Look no further.
Don’t lie on your back after 16 weeks… After 16 weeks, lying, or exercising, on your back can sometimes cause low blood pressure and dizziness. Try to avoid lying on your back for long periods of time. If you do a class like yoga or pilates, simply let your instructor know so they can adapt exercises for you.
Worried about booking a baby moon? Fear not. Revel in the freedom of holidaying without youngsters while you can. As long as you’re having a healthy pregnancy, you’re free to fly.
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Week 17
If you could see your baby's tiny face, you'd notice eyelashes and eyebrows starting to grow. If you could take his hand, you'd see he already has a unique fingerprint. Your baby is about 12cm and weighs 150g.
Advice & tips
Not feeling the glow? As many as one in 10 expectant mums feel stressed and anxious. Pregnancy hormones can often be to blame, not to mention coping with health issues, worrying about giving birth and the responsibilities of parenthood. If your mood, or anxieties, are getting in the way of daily life, please don't hesitate to talk to your midwife.
Bump watch Your waist will start to disappear as your womb moves up out of your pelvis and your bump becomes more noticeable. If you've been pregnant before, this may happen a bit sooner. Have you thought about keeping a bump diary and taking a photo each week?
Are you getting enough vitamin D All pregnant women should take a 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D each day to give your baby enough vitamin D for the first few months of life. Without it, there is a risk that your child will have soft bones, which can lead to rickets.
Do I need to eat for two? No matter what well-meaning future grandparents might say - you don't need to eat for two during pregnancy. Your baby takes everything he or she needs from your body and will grow well without you taking in any extra calories at all until the last three months. Once you reach six months, you may need an extra 200 calories a day, which is around half a sandwich
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Week 18
Your baby measures 14cm this week. They can hear sounds all around them and might even respond to music or a loud noise.
Advice & tips
I've got backache
If my partner smokes, is my baby at risk? Studies have shown that second-hand smoke, can have the same impact on a pregnant woman and her baby as actually smoking. These effects include an increased risk of a complicated delivery, and a higher chance of prematurity, low birth weight, and developmental problems for your child.
How can I find antenatal classes near me? Antenatal classes are a great way to prepare for the birth of your baby. And they're sometimes a good way to meet other expectant families in your area. Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP about NHS classes locally, or visit www.nct.org.uk to find a National Childbirth Trust (NCT) course near you.
Your next scan You'll have your second scan, known as the 'fetal anomaly scan' between 18 and 21 weeks. This scan will look at how your baby's growing and developing but it's also your opportunity to potentially find out if you're having a girl or a boy (if they aren't shy!).
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Week 19
Your baby is now around the length of a banana and you may be starting to feel her movements.
Your baby is growing fast and gaining weight but doesn't have much fat on her body yet. She looks a bit wrinkled at the moment and won't start to fill out until the final few weeks of your pregnancy. Depending on how early you start to feel her movements, you might now start to actually feel her prod or kick you!
Advice & tips
Are you getting pelvic pain? Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), also known as or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) affects about one in five mums. Symptoms include pain in any of the pelvic joints (front or back) when doing things like walking, climbing stairs and turning over in bed.
Do I need to give up running as I get bigger? If you're used to running, it's fine to carry on during your pregnancy as long as you feel comfortable. Use the 'talk test' to make sure you're not overdoing it - you shouldn't be so out of breath that you can't hold a conversation. Once your bump starts to show, running may become uncomfortable. This is partly due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens your ligaments and means that there's less support for your knees, ankles and back.
Free prescriptions and NHS dental care If you haven't yet applied for your maternity exemption certificate, which you can use to get free NHS dental treatment and free prescriptions, ask your doctor or midwife about iti. You'll need to fill in a form FW8.
Spotted dark patches (on pale skin) or white patches (on dark skin)? This is called pigmentation. It's totally normal in pregnancy and the marks usually disappear a few months after the birth.
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Week 20
If your baby could stand up straight, she'd be around 26cm tall, nearly the length of an A4 piece of paper.
Advice & tips
Noticed a dark vertical line going up your belly? This is called a linea nigra and sometimes appears around this time. It's nothing to worry about and will disappear eventually after the birth.
Anomaly scan Many of you will have your anomaly scan this week - a chance to see your baby in amazing detail. Is he sucking his thumb? Your baby is too big now to completely fit on the screen so you'll only be able to see sections of your baby.
What are the benefits of Pilates during pregnancy? Pilates strengthens and stretches your core muscles and could help your body cope to carry the extra weight of your growing baby, as well as preparing you for childbirth and recovering afterwards. Keep up with your pelvic floor exercises and do them as often as you can. Strengthening them will make a difference during and after your baby's birth.
Pregnancy and work You'll need to give your MAT B1 form to your employer so you can claim maternity leave and pay. You don't actually need to let your work know you're pregnant until you reach week 25, but telling them earlier will let them start planning for your absence - and this can make your maternity leave and return to work smoother. They might guess anyway if your bump is showing!
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Week 21
Your baby is growing hair and starting to look much more like the baby you'll meet at the end of your pregnancy. He weighs in at around 350g and is about as long as a carrot.
Advice & tips
Concerned about your scan results? If you've discovered that there's a health complication with your baby, you're probably feeling very anxious and shocked. You can find lots of advice and information on the Antenatal Results and Choices website. They also have a helpline: 0800 077 2290.
Sore head? Mild headaches are common in pregnancy, often caused by hormones or dehydration. If you're more than 20 weeks pregnant, have a bad headache that lasts for more than two or three hours and paracetamol doesn't help, it could mean you have high blood pressure. This can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Staying hydrated can help with headachesCan I start doing yoga if I've never done it? Yes - yoga is a great exercise to do during pregnancy as it doesn't put too much strain on your joints. You'll learn breathing techniques that could help you cope with contractions during labour. Yoga has been shown to reduce anxiety and to help women stay calm in pregnancy and labour.
What can I eat to boost my iron levels now I'm pregnant? Foods containing iron include red meat, oily fish, eggs, pulses (peas, beans and lentils, for example), wholegrain or wholemeal breads, nuts, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and some breakfast cereal (look for ones with added iron).
Eating or drinking foods with vitamin C will help your body absorb the iron. Avoid tea and coffee because this can have the opposite effect.
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Week 22
Your baby now weighs one whole pound! From around now, they start to weigh more than the placenta. They are about the size of a papaya.
Advice & tips
Spotted a stretch mark? Stretch marks are pink or purple marks that appear on your bump, or possibly boobs and thighs. They eventually fade to silver. Hormonal changes during pregnancy makes your skin more prone to stretch marks as your bump grows. Creams that claim to prevent or stop them are unlikely to have any effect because they can't penetrate deep enough to where the damage is. But it won't hurt to very gently massage your bump with nice oils or creams if you find it relaxing, and might make you feel better about your new 'badges of honour'.
Is it safe to diet during pregnancy? Pregnancy is not the right time for a weight-loss diet. It is a time to eat well for both you and your baby. If you try to lose weight, you and your baby may miss out on nutrients that you need to stay healthy and strong. If you're concerned about weight, remember that if your diet is healthy much of what you put on will be lost with the birth of your baby and the placenta.
Don't forget your pelvic floor! Make sure you give your pelvic floor muscles a workout as part of your daily routine. Strong pelvic floor muscles will help you ease your baby out and recover more quickly after the birth. They will also help stop you weeing by accident, especially when your growing baby starts to press on your bladder.
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Week 23
Your baby is about 30cm now and roughly the size of a large mango. They might get hiccups and you may feel the tiny jerks when it happens! They can also suck her thumb.
Advice & tips
Aching back? Your bump is growing and hormones are making your muscles and ligaments relax, which is not a good combination for your back. You need to take extra care of your back now.
Feeling stressed out? We all dream of floating serenely through pregnancy but work and home pressures, or other worries, can get in the way. Your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical health during pregnancy - make sure you look after yourself, as well as your bump.
How much coffee can I think during pregnancy? You should try to limit the amount of caffeine you have to no more than 200mg a day - the equivalent of two cups of instant coffee. Try our caffeine calculator to see what your normal caffeine intake adds up to.
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Week 24
Have you noticed your baby is getting into a pattern of sleeping and waking? When you're in bed at night, feeling relaxed and trying to sleep, you might find she's wide awake and wriggling.
Advice & tips
More vaginal discharge A slight increase in discharge during pregnancy is totally normal, especially if the weather is hot. You may find that it's a mild-smelling, milky fluid, which is fine.
Is a whooping cough vaccination safe? You will be offered a whooping cough vaccination between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to boost your levels of antibodies, which will then be passed on to your baby for protection. Comprehensive research into the vaccine has shown that it's very safe, with no ill-effects for pregnant women or their babies.
Keep up the calcium Make sure your diet is rich in calcium, as this is good for your baby's bone development. Calcium is found in dairy products, oranges, nuts, pulses and broccoli. You should also be taking 10mcg of vitamin D a day in pregnancy which helps with calcium absorption.
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Week 25
Your baby can respond to light, touch and sound now. You might even notice they jump or kick at a loud noise.
Advice & tips
Sore, itchy bum? This could be piles, or haemorrhoids - swollen veins around your anus that feel like lumps. They may be itchy or sore and are often worse if you're constipated. Don't worry, you're not alone - they're quite common in pregnancy. See your doctor or midwife if they're very uncomfortable or there's any bleeding.
Having trouble sleeping? As your bump gets bigger, you might start to feel uncomfy in bed. Try supporting your bump with pillows and keep your bedroom cool - about 18°C is perfect.
Stay active You can continue to exercise and stay active right to the end of your pregnancy. If you're a keen runner, or doing other kinds of high-impact aerobic exercise, you might be more comfortable switching to something that puts less stress on your joints, like a stationary bike in the gym or swimming.
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Week 26
If you could see your baby, you might notice his eyelids open. He'll soon be blinking. His eye colour at this stage is very likely to be blue. Your baby is around 35cm long from the top of his head to his heels, which is nearly the length of your forearm - though he is curled up in the womb.
Advice & tips
It's good to walk Even if you didn't exercise before pregnancy, this is a great time to start, and walking is the perfect activity to start with. You can do it whenever it suits you and you don't need any special kit. If possible incorporate it into your daily routine - the commute to work, the school run or a daily lunchtime walk for example. A brisk, mile-long walk (1.6 kilometres) three times a week can help keep you feeling fit.
Feeling your baby move is a sign that they're well Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. A baby's movements can be described as anything from a kick, flutter, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses. It is not true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy. If you think your baby's movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your midwife or maternity until immediately (it is staffed 24 hrs, 7 days a week).
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Week 27
You're coming to the end of the second trimester now. Your family might find it easier to feel your baby's movements - and possibly even hear her heartbeat.
Advice & tips
Feeling constiapted? Progesterone, a key pregnancy hormone, slows down your bowels, which can leave you feeling bloated and constipated. Try drinking lots of water and eating fibre-rich foods. If these don't work and it's causing you a lot of discomfort, there are gentle medicines you can try. Talk to your midwife first about what is safe to take in pregnancy.
Whe life gets on top of you Life goes on when you're pregnant and you might have to go through stressful events, such as the death or illness of someone in your family, a major renovation or house move, or a break-up with your baby's father. Your pregnancy hormones can also make it harder to deal with stressful situations. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your midwife or doctor about it - it might help relieve some of the anxiety and stress.
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Week 28
Your baby weighs about 1kg now and is roughly the size of an aubergine. He's starting to take up more space in your womb and, as the weeks go by, you may start to feel a bit more uncomfortable and tired.
Advice & tips
Funny feeling in your legs? Do you get an uncontrollable urge to move your legs? Or perhaps a crawling, tingling sensation? This could be restless leg syndrome. It's quite common in pregnancy - and usually strikes when you're resting or in bed. It will go away once your baby is born. For now, take a look at the NHS tips for easing symptoms.
Birth plan If you haven't written your birth plan yet, you may want to start thinking about doing it. Think about the different kinds of pain relief and what, if any, you may like to consider when you're in labour. Bear in mind, though, that your wishes may change and you might also need some extra help during labour and birth, so try to keep an open mind.
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Week 29
Your baby is about 33cm from head to bottom and about the size of a butternut squash. As well as being able to open his eyes and focus, he can turn towards light outside the womb.
Advice & tips
Burning in your chest? Your baby and womb are putting pressure on your stomach, which can give you heartburn. Try to eat little and often, and avoid fatty and spicy foods. A milky drink may also help. If this doesn't work, your midwife or doctor will be able to prescribe you something, which is suitable in pregnancy.
Maternity Leave Week 29 of your pregnancy is the earliest you can start your maternity leave. Many women prefer to work for longer, though, and save their maternity leave for after they have the baby.
Slow down but don't give up As your bump gets bigger, you may start to feel more breathless, especially when you're climbing stairs. Slow down and adjust your pace to a speed that your body can handle. Find out more about staying active in these last few weeks:
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Week 30
Your baby is about the size of a large cabbage. The white, greasy substance on your baby's skin, called 'vernix', and his fine fur, or 'lanugo', start to disappear from now.
Advice & tips
Having bad dreams about giving birth? You may be feeling anxious about labour - lots of women start to have vivid dreams about giving birth. Going to antenatal classes will help you prepare for the reality of labour and will hopefully reassure you. If you are very scared about the birth, talk to your midwife.
Is your body getting ready for labour?
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Week 31
Your baby is about the size of a coconut now. Or, as long as a bunch of leeks! He's still pretty slim but will start piling on the pounds over the next few weeks - gaining about 200 grams each week.
Advice & tips
What are Braxton hicks? You may feel your womb tighten and harden for a few seconds every so often. These painless, irregular Braxton Hicks contractions are normal in the second half of pregnancy. If they become painful or regular, call your midwife.
My fingers hurt and keep going numb Even your fingers can be affected by pregnancy! If you find your fingers are becoming numb, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Give your hands a shake whenever you can and if you use a keyboard, try to keep your elbows above your wrists. If you're struggling to cope with the pain, talk to your doctor or midwife.
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Week 32
Your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon. Needless to say your little melon is growing fast and they might be on the move. Some babies have turned so that they're head down at this stage.
Advice & tips
How much discharge is normal? If you experience a big increase in vaginal discharge, or lots of leaking of something that feels like wee, contact your midwife who will be able to tell you if your waters have broken.
I'm itchy all over Some itching around the tummy area is normal because your skin is stretching. However, if you have severe itching, particularly on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, it's worse at night and there's no rash with it, you should see your midwife and be tested for a liver condition called obstetric cholestasis.
Who is your birth partner? If you're feeling daunted about labour and birth, think about who would be the best birth partner for you. It doesn't have to be the father of your baby - you could have your mum, sister or a close friend with you. You could also consider a doula to help you with breathing, relaxation and positions.
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Week 33
By now your baby's nervous system is fully developed. His bones are also starting to firm up. If you've been worried about how on earth you're going to give birth to a baby bigger than a pineapple - fear not. Your baby's skull is specially designed to make his exit out of the birth canal easier. It stays soft and separated until after the birth so that it can move and slide while still protecting his brain. Amazing.
Advice & tips
Feeling pooped? Tiredness is likely to be kicking in now, especially if you are having trouble sleeping. Try to put your feet up as much as you can.
Sore back? Are you struggling under the strain of your heavy load? Make sure you bend your knees rather than your back when you pick things up, and try to avoid carrying anything too heavy (although this is easier said than done if you already have a young child). It's not too late to try something like pilates or aquanatal to help strengthen your back.
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Week 34
Anyone made any unhelpful comments recently about hiding a melon under your top? Well, it's official, your baby is now about the size of a cantaloupe melon. His brain is fully developed and he might even be dreaming.
Advice & tips
Pelvic pain? As many as 1 in 5 women experience pelvic pain at some point in their pregnancy. The symptoms and pain varies from one woman to the next. If you're struggling to cope and Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is affecting your daily life, there is support out there. Talk to your midwife about getting a referral.
Hunger strikes It can be hungry work baking a baby. However, the whole 'eating for two' thing isn't actually true. At this point in your pregnancy, you only need an extra 200 calories a day to fuel you and your growing baby. Find ways to keep you feeling full for longer:
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Week 35
Your baby is becoming plumper by the day. The little cherub is now a bit like a Honeydew melon in size.
Advice & tips
Is your bump stoppinf you from getting comfy in bed? It's very hard to get to sleep when you're so big and uncomfortable. It doesn't help that some babies are more active at night and keep you awake. Use as many pillows as you need around your bump. You can also try putting pillows between your legs. Try gently massaging your tummy and practising your breathing and relaxation techniques.
Sore ribs? If your baby is head down and kicking her legs, you may have sore ribs. If this is because of your baby's position, the soreness will ease as she moves down into your pelvis ready for birth. Your midwife will be able to tell you whether it's due to the position your baby is in.
If the pain is severe and under your ribs, or you feel any heavy pressure on your chest, this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia and you should call your midwife, doctor or labour ward immediately.
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Week 36
Your baby weighs an impressive 6 pounds (2.7kg) - give or take - and is about the size of a Romaine lettuce. It's getting a little snug in there for her now - but you should still feel movements every day. Please get in touch with your midwife or maternity unit if you have any concerns.
Advice & tips
Antenatal care You should have a routine antenatal appointment in week 36. Your midwife will feel your tummy to work out the position of the baby and the height of your womb, which gives them an idea of the size of the baby. Your midwife may also use a tape measure to check your baby is growing as expected. Make sure you don't miss any antenatal appointments in these last weeks - your midwife will want to keep a close eye on you and baby as your due date approaches.
Ready for action Try practising some positions for labour with your birth partner. Talk to them about how you would like them to be involved - for example, you might want them to massage your back or encourage you to control your breathing during contractions. Many couples find working together as a team during labour can benefit you all.
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Week 37
Your baby is considered 'full term' now. He's about the length of a stalk of Swiss chard. During this final month, your baby will move further into the pelvis. About 95 percent of babies are positioned head down, and most face their mummy's back.
Advice & tips
Piles One of pregnancy's least fun side-effects. These small lumps inside or outside your anus can be uncomfortable and particularly sore when you do a poo. Use a cool cloth to ease the discomfort - and don't hesitate to chat to your midwife about ways to manage them.
In a cleaning frenzy Noticed a sudden burst of energy and the need to 'nest'? You're not alone - lots of mums get this. Getting your home ready for its new addition is great, but try to avoid the temptation to do lots of heavy-duty cleaning. This is a time to rest! If you find that you are over-cleaning or find yourself needing to do some things over and over again, speak to your midwife about this.
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Week 38
Your baby is about the length of a stalk of rhubarb. His soft lanugo fur has disappeared and he's ready for the real world. Now it's all about plumping up and shifting into position for his big moment.
Advice & tips
Leaking nipples Your boobs are producing colostrum - a very special 'gold top' milk rich in nutrients - so don't be alarmed if you spot yellow marks in your bra, or any wetness. If needs be, buy some absorbent breast pads - they're likely to come in handy when your baby arrives too.
How will I know when labour has started? The question on so many of your minds right now. You might be feeling worried about going out, making plans, being alone - in case you go in to labour. Or you might be worried about knowing when you should go into hospital, especially if it's not close by. Read our info, and don't hesitate to talk through any concerns with your midwife.
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Week 39
Your baby is now the size of mini watermelon - and you're probably feeling a bit like a whale. Hang on in there - you'll soon be meeting your baby.
Advice & tips
Keep needing to wee? This can be particularly annoying in the middle of the night! Make sure you drink plenty of fluids during the day - but perhaps avoid glugging down gallons in the evenings. You might find it helps to rock backwards and forwards when you're on the loo to help you empty your bladder.
Checklist: Ready, steady, go!
- Give your partner, family or friends a list of emergency contacts
- Keep the phone numbers of reliable taxi firms to hand or have someone on standby with a car (and petrol) to take you to the hospital when the time comes
- Take your hospital notes with you wherever you go, just in case - even to the supermarket!
- Make sure your hospital bags are packed and easy to grab at short notice.
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Week 40
Advice & tips
