Third trimester pregnancy

The final part of your pregnancy is the third trimester. Third trimester begins with week 28 of your pregnancy. The third trimester goes from week 28 through week 40 (or birth). This is the last 12 weeks of your pregnancy. In some ways, these final three months are a bit like the first three. You may be more tired and more emotional during this time. A lot of your body’s energy is directed toward supporting a rapidly growing fetus. It’s common to feel the need to reduce your activities and your work load. Try to rest as much as you can. Aches and discomforts in your belly and back are more common.

Heartburn and low back pain are also common complaints at this time in pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your digestive system slows down. This can cause heartburn as well as constipation. Also, the extra weight you are carrying puts stress on your muscles and joints.

It is important that you continue to:

• Eat well — including protein rich foods and vegetables frequently and in small amounts
• Rest as needed
• Get exercise or get a walk in on most days

In your third trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every 2 weeks until week 36. After that, you will see your doctor every week. The visits may be quick, but they are still important. It is OK to bring your partner or labor coach with you.

During your visits, your doctor or midwife will:

• Weigh you
• Measure your abdomen to see if your baby is growing as expected
• Check your blood pressure
• Take a urine sample to test for protein in your urine, if you have high blood pressure

Your doctor may also give you a pelvic exam to see if your cervix is dilating.

At the end of each visit, your doctor or midwife will tell you what changes to expect before your next visit. Tell your doctor if you have any problems or concerns. It is OK to talk about them even if you DO NOT feel they are important or related to your pregnancy.

There are no other routine lab tests or ultrasounds for every pregnant woman in the third trimester. Certain lab tests and tests to monitor the baby may be done for women who:

• Have a high-risk pregnancy, such as when the baby is not growing
• Have a health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Have had problems in a prior pregnancy
• Are overdue (pregnant for more than 40 weeks)

Checking your baby’s movement

In between your appointments, you will need to pay attention to how much your baby is moving. As you get closer to your due date, and your baby grows bigger, you should notice a different pattern of movement than earlier in your pregnancy.

• You will notice periods of activity and periods of inactivity.
• The active periods will be mostly rolling and squirming movements, and a few very hard and strong kicks.
• You should still feel the baby move frequently during the day.

Watch for patterns in your baby’s movement. If the baby suddenly seems to be moving less, eat a snack, then lie down for a few minutes. If you still don’t feel much movement, call your doctor or midwife.

See your doctor any time you have any concerns or questions. Even if you think you are worrying over nothing, it is better to be on the safe side and call.

Pregnancy week 29 to 32

By about 32 weeks the baby is usually lying with its head pointing downwards, ready for birth. Your baby continues to be very active at this stage, and you’ll probably be aware of lots of movements. Leg cramps at night are common around 29 to 32 weeks pregnant.

Your baby

Your baby continues to be very active at this stage, and you’ll probably be aware of lots of movements. There is no set number of movements you should feel each day — every pregnancy is different. You should be aware of your baby’s own pattern of movements, and if this pattern changes contact your midwife or hospital to tell them.

The sucking reflex is developing by now and your baby can suck its thumb or fingers. The baby is growing plumper and the skin begins to look less wrinkled and much smoother.

The white, greasy vernix and the soft, furry lanugo (fine hair) which have covered your baby’s skin for some time begin to disappear. Your baby’s eyes can focus now. The lungs are developing rapidly, but your baby wouldn’t be fully able to breathe on its own until about 36 weeks.

By about 32 weeks the baby is usually lying with their head pointing downwards ready for birth. This is known as ‘cephalic presentation’. If your baby isn’t lying head down at this stage, it’s not a cause for concern — there is still time for them to turn.

The amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus is increasing, and your baby is still swallowing fluid and passing it out as urine.

You

As your bump pushes up against your lungs and you have extra weight to carry around, you may feel breathless.

Leg cramps at night are common around 29 to 32 weeks pregnant. You may find it hard to sleep because you can’t get comfortable. Try lying curled up on your side with a pillow between your legs and a cushion under your bump to see if it feels more comfortable. You might find you need to pass urine a lot as well. You can find out about more common pregnancy health problems.

Your midwife or doctor will measure the size of your womb and check which way up the baby is at every antenatal visit. They will also measure your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment. If you experience vaginal bleeding or severe itching, see your doctor immediately.

Things to think about

• Maternity leave — if you are taking maternity leave from work, you need to tell your employer in writing before your baby is due. Check with your employer for their requirements. If your partner plans to take paternity leave (female partners can take paternity leave too) they also need to inform their employer at this time.
• Starting your birth plan — think about your preferences for labour and birth, such as pain relief, and the positions you would like to be in.

If something happens during your pregnancy, it’s very important you have all the support you need. You can get support from your care team.

Pregnancy week 33 to 36

Your baby

By 33 weeks of pregnancy the baby’s brain and nervous system are fully developed. Your baby’s bones are also continuing to harden, apart from the skull bones. These will stay soft and separated until after the birth to make the journey through the birth canal easier — the bones can move gently and slide over each other so that the head can be born safely while still protecting the brain.

Your baby is curled up in the uterus now, with legs bent up towards the chest. There is little room to move about, but they will still change position, so you’ll still feel movements and be able to see them on the surface of your bump.

If your baby is a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend from his abdomen into his scrotum.

By 36 weeks your baby’s lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath when they’re born. They will also be able to suckle for feeds now, and the digestive system is fully prepared to deal with breast milk.

You

You need to slow down because the extra weight will make you tired, and you may get backache. From about 34 weeks pregnant, you may be aware of your womb tightening from time to time. These are practice contractions known as ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions, and are a normal part of pregnancy. It’s only when they become painful or frequent that you need to contact your midwife or hospital.

Only around 5% of babies arrive on their due date. If you have children already, you may want to make childcare arrangements for when you go into labor. Pack your bag ready for the birth if you are planning to give birth in hospital or a midwifery unit.

When you are around 36 weeks pregnant, make sure you have all your important telephone numbers handy in case labor starts.

During this stage of pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will also measure the size of your womb and check which way up the baby is at every antenatal visit. They will also measure your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment. If you experience vaginal bleeding or severe itching, see your doctor immediately.

Things to think about

• Pain relief during labor — be prepared by learning about all the ways you can relieve pain during labor, so you can decide what’s best for you.
• Make your birth plan — think about your preferences for labor, such as pain relief and positions you might want to be in.
• If labor starts early — labor that starts before 37 weeks is considered premature. If your baby is born early, they may need special care in hospital.

Pregnancy week 37 to 40

Your baby

At 37 weeks, your pregnancy is considered full-term. The baby’s gut (digestive system) now contains meconium — the sticky, green substance that will form your baby’s first poop after birth. It may include bits of the lanugo (fine hair) that covered your baby earlier in pregnancy. If your baby does a poop during labor, which can sometimes happen, the amniotic fluid will contain meconium. If this is the case, your midwife will want to monitor your baby closely as it could mean they are stressed.

In the last weeks, some time before birth, the baby’s head should move down into your pelvis. When your baby’s head moves down like this, it is said to be ‘engaged’. When this happens, you may notice that your bump seems to move down a little. Sometimes the head doesn’t engage until labor starts.

The average baby weighs around 3-4 kg by now.

The lanugo that covered your baby’s body is now almost all gone, although some babies may have small patches of it when they’re born. Due to the hormones in your body, the baby’s genitals may look swollen when they’re born, but they will soon settle down to their normal size.

Your baby is ready to be born, and you’ll be meeting them some time in the next couple of weeks.

You

When you are around 37 weeks pregnant, if it’s your first pregnancy you may feel more comfortable as your baby moves down ready to be born, although you will probably feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen. If it’s not your first pregnancy, the baby may not move down until labor.

Most women will go into labor between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor should give you information about your options if you go beyond 41 weeks pregnant.

Call your hospital or midwife at any time if you have any worries about your baby or about labor and birth. If you experience vaginal bleeding or severe itching, see your doctor immediately.

Find out what to expect if your baby is overdue.

Get ready for labor

• What happens in labor — find out how to tell if labor is starting, and what happens in each of the three stages of labor.
• Pain relief during labor — be prepared by learning about all the ways you can relieve pain during labor so you can decide what’s best for you.

Be ready for the birth

• When to go to the hospital and what to expect — find out at what point during your labor you should contact your hospital or birth centre, and what to expect when you get there.
• What to take — find out what to take to the hospital for you and your baby.

Common concerns you may have about birth

• Breech birth — a breech birth is when a baby is born bottom first, which is more complicated than a head-first birth.
• Cesarean section — a caesarean section is when you have surgery to deliver your baby.
• Induction — your maternity team may recommend that your labor be started artificially. This is called ‘induction’.

If your baby is born too soon

• If labor starts early — labor that starts before 37 weeks is considered premature.
• If your baby is born early, they may need special care in hospital.

Overdue

Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks (that’s around 280 days from the first day of your last period). Most women go into labor within a week either side of this date, but some women go overdue.

If your labor doesn’t start by the time you are 41 weeks pregnant, your midwife or doctor may offer you a ‘membrane sweep‘ to see if this will trigger labor.

This involves having a vaginal examination, which stimulates the neck of your womb (known as the ‘cervix’) to produce hormones that may trigger natural labor. You don’t have to have this — you can discuss it with your midwife or doctor.

If your labor still doesn’t start naturally after this, your midwife or doctor will suggest a date to have your labor induced, which is when your doctor or midwife uses drugs or tools and techniques to get your labor to start.

If you don’t want your labor to be induced, and your pregnancy continues to 42 weeks or beyond, you and your baby will be closely monitored every 3 to 4 days.

Your midwife or doctor will check that both you and your baby are healthy by giving you ultrasound scans and checking your baby’s movement and heartbeat. If your baby is not doing well, your doctor and midwife will again suggest that labor is induced.

Induction is always planned in advance, so you’ll be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think your labor should be induced. It’s your choice whether to have your labor induced or not.

Over 42 weeks pregnant

Most women go into labor spontaneously by the time they are 42 weeks pregnant.

If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have your labor induced, you should be offered increased monitoring to check your baby’s wellbeing.

Once your baby is overdue for sure, an ultrasound might sometimes show that your placenta isn’t supplying as much oxygen and as many nutrients to your baby as it was. There might also be other concerns about you or your baby.

In these cases, your doctor or midwife will probably suggest an induction or a caesarean. If tests show that your baby is fine and your health is good, you might choose to wait and see whether labor starts naturally.

There is a higher risk of stillbirth or fetal compromise (your baby’s health being put at risk) if you go over 42 weeks pregnant, but not every pregnancy over 42 weeks is affected this way. At the moment, there is no way to find out which babies might be affected, so induction is offered to all women who don’t go into labor by 42 weeks.

Third trimester trimester symptoms

As your baby grows, your body will feel even more awkward and heavy. Everyday things—like getting out of bed or standing up from a chair—will require extra effort.

Your body, and your body’s hormones, will affect how you feel during this time.

• The tiredness you felt early in pregnancy may return. Making time for naps is a good idea.
• You will feel your baby move, especially at the beginning of this trimester.
• The “nesting instinct” may kick in. You may feel a need to clean the house or finish getting things ready for baby. Take it slow so you don’t wear yourself out.
• You may feel more emotional as you prepare for labor, delivery, and parenthood.

Your body may experience some physical changes during the 3rd trimester.

Puffiness

Slowed blood circulation and fluid retention are to blame for swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, hands, and face.

If swelling in your hands and face becomes extreme, call your doctor. See your doctor right away if you also have a headache, blurred vision, dizziness, and belly pain. These may be signs of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia.

Tingling and numbness

The swelling in your body may press on nerves, causing tingling and numbness. This can happen in your legs, arms, and hands. The skin on your belly may feel numb because it is so stretched out.

Tingling and numbness in the hands usually occurs because of carpal tunnel syndrome. That is caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist. You may be able to get rid of these symptoms by wearing wrist splints at overnight. Otherwise, the problem usually ends after pregnancy.

Varicose veins

These are bluish, swollen, sometimes painful veins beneath the surface of the skin. They often show up on the backs of the calves or the inside of the legs.

Varicose veins are caused by:

• Pressure your growing uterus puts on the large veins behind it, which slows blood circulation.
• Pregnancy hormones, which cause the walls of veins to relax and possibly swell.
• Constipation, which makes you strain to pass hard bowel movements.
• Increased fluid retention.

Hemorrhoids

These are varicose veins in the rectum. They may stick out of the anus and cause itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. Ask your doctor about taking a stool softener (not a laxative).

Aching back, pelvis, and hips

This may have started in the second trimester. The stress on your back will increase as your belly grows larger. Your hips and pelvic area may hurt as pregnancy hormones relax the joints between the pelvic bones in preparation for childbirth. Sleeping with a pillow behind your back may help with the pain.

Abdominal pain

The muscles and ligaments (tough, ropelike bands of tissue) that support the uterus will continue to stretch as your baby grows. They may be painful.

Shortness of breath

As your uterus grows upward, your lungs will have less room to expand for breathing.

More breast growth

Your nipples may leak a yellowish liquid, called colostrum. If you breastfeed, this fluid will be your baby’s first food.

More weight gain

You’ll likely add pounds at the beginning of your third trimester. Your weight should even out as you get closer to delivery.

Vaginal discharge

Discharge may increase. If you have fluid leaking or see any blood, call your doctor right away.

Stretch marks

As the baby grows, your skin will get stretched more and more. This may lead to stretch marks. These can look like small lines on your skin. They often appear on your stomach, breasts, and thighs.

Less fetal movement

As your baby continues to grow, he or she will start to run out of room to move around in your uterus. That might make you notice fewer movements during the day. If you’re concerned about lack of movement, see your doctor.

Sleeping

As you get bigger, you might have difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. You may also find it harder to change positions while sleeping. Side sleeping will be best. Try to fall asleep on your left side. This will help circulation, which is important for the baby. If you wake up, return to that position before going back to sleep. Putting a pillow between your knees or behind your back may make you comfortable.

Sleeping on your back will be uncomfortable because the weight of your baby presses on the veins in your lower back. Also, this can slow the blood flow from the lower body to the heart.

Other things that disrupt sleep may include:

• Nasal congestion, caused by increased blood flow to the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth.
• Heartburn, the burning feeling in your lower chest. This may get worse as your uterus grows, pushing your stomach out of its usual position. Ask your doctor if you can take an antacid, if needed.
• The need to urinate. This is partly due to hormones. And partly due the fact your growing baby is pushing on your bladder.
• Leg cramps, which may be related to the pressure your uterus puts on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs.
• Restless legs syndrome, in which you feel a need to move your legs often because of an unpleasant feeling in them.
• Strange dreams, which some women have in the last weeks of pregnancy.
• Your baby’s movements.

Sex

You may lose the desire for sex. That may be because of your size and because you are focused on getting ready for labor, delivery, and parenthood. But it’s still fine to have sex, unless your doctor has told you not to.

Labor

Talk to your doctor about the signs of labor. He or she will tell you what to expect and when to call or go to the hospital. But here are some common changes you may notice.

• Your baby may change position, with his or her head moving down in your pelvis. People may notice your belly is lower and say that you have “dropped.”
• Your cervix (the lower end of your uterus) will begin to thin (effacement) and open (dilate).
• Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of your uterine muscles) may happen more often and become stronger. These are often a sign labor will be starting soon.
• You may have a constant backache and cramping, diarrhea, and gas before labor begins.
• You will probably be in labor if your contractions seem to happen in a pattern. Also, the time between each contraction will get shorter. Labor contractions are usually more painful than Braxton Hicks contractions. If your contractions are so painful you can’t talk, call your doctor.
• Your “water” may break. This is caused when a tear in the sac that encloses your baby causes fluid to be released. See your doctor or go to the hospital if you think this has happened. However, for many women, the water doesn’t break until contractions start.

At 28 weeks

You may start getting new symptoms now, such as nosebleeds, heartburn and indigestion. That’s your growing baby and hormones creating havoc with your digestive system.

Your back will also be under strain, thanks to all the extra weight you’re now carrying around. It won’t help that your joints and ligaments are also looser than usual.

Your ankles, feet and face could be puffing out a bit, particularly when it’s hot. This is probably due to water retention, but get it checked out, just in case it’s pre-eclampsia. This is a condition where you may feel perfectly well, but then your blood pressure can get dangerously high, very quickly.

A quick-fix for many niggling conditions in the third trimester is to put your feet up.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 28 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 37.6cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1 kg. That’s approximately the size of a pineapple and the weight of a big bag of brown sugar.

Your baby’s heart rate is changing all the time. Around week 5 or 6, when it was first detectable, it was around 110 beats per minute (bpm). Then it soared to around 170 bpm in week 9-10. Now, it’s slowed down to around 140 bpm and it will be around 130 bpm at birth. That’s still a lot faster than your heart rate, which will be around 80-85 beats per minute. This is partly because babies’ hearts are so small that they can’t pump much blood, but they can make up for this by going faster. It also helps to keep them warm.

Your baby’s heart can be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner might be able to hear it by putting an ear to your pregnant belly – give it a go, but it’s tricky finding the right spot.

At 29 weeks

You might be feeling a bit breathless, as your baby pushes up against your lungs. It puts a strain on your body carrying all that extra weight around too.

You could be feeling awkward and uncoordinated. It takes a while to get used to having a bump and your sense of balance could be all over the place, as your center of gravity changes. If you fall over, don’t panic, you’ve got plenty of padding in there, but let your midwife or doctor know.

You’ll probably feel annoyed when people tell you to enjoy your sleep ‘while you can’, as it’s not very easy right now. You could be getting leg cramps. Plus if the baby’s pressing up against your bladder, then you’ll be up and down all night on the toilet.

Babies seem to have a habit of being really active just as you want to drop off. They have their own sleeping and waking patterns, and you’ll be lucky if your schedules coincide! Get to know your baby’s patterns, and if they change or stop, then contact your midwife or hospital.

Rest when you can in the day. Try supporting your body when you lie down by putting a pillow under your bump, and another one between your legs. It’s best to try and sleep on your side. If you feel unable to cope, because you’re just too tired, then talk to your midwife or doctor.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• sleeping problems
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 29 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 38.6 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.2 kg. That’s approximately the size of a butternut squash and the weight of a small chicken.

Your baby is perfectly formed. Over the next few weeks, the baby has an important ‘to do’ list:

• grow
• get fatter
• let the organs mature

Your baby is also trying out a new look. For the past few weeks, they’ve been covered by a greasy white layer of something called ‘vernix’ (that protects the skin) and soft, downy hair (for warmth). This starts to disappear now. Your baby is getting ready for the big reveal in about 11 weeks’ time.

At 30 weeks

You may be having problems sleeping and then when you do, you could be getting vivid and disturbing dreams. You might dream about going into labor in the middle of the supermarket, or giving birth to a toothbrush, or leaving your baby on the bus. These dreams can be very frightening. The important thing to remember is that they aren’t real! They’re fueled by your hormones, and the anxiety that you’re probably feeling about the big changes ahead. Maybe you’re worried about the birth, or that you won’t be a good enough mother. Talking about your dreams will help you to put everything into perspective. If you are feeling under stress, then discuss it with your midwife or doctor.

It’s probably more of an effort now to walk up the stairs without getting out of breath, that’s because your baby is pushing up against your lungs.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 30 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 39.9 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.3 kg. That’s approximately the size of a cabbage and the weight of a big bag of muesli.

Your baby’s eyes can now focus and their vision will continue to develop inside and outside the womb. After the birth, your baby will be able to focus on your face, when you’re around 20-25cm away, which is almost exactly the distance that most people automatically position themselves when they’re talking to or feeding a baby.

Your baby won’t be able to follow moving objects with their eyes until they’re about three months old.

At 31 weeks

Your baby and your bump are still growing. In a couple of weeks, you will both go through a final growth spurt. Your baby still has lots of fattening up to do before the big day arrives.

If this is your first baby, then your midwife or doctor will probably get out a measuring tape and check the size of your womb. This can be estimated by measuring up your stomach, from the top of your pubic bone, to the top of your bump.

They will also gently feel your pregnant belly to work out which way up your baby is positioned. Some babies will be head down, all ready for birth. You may have felt your baby move into place and seen your bump shift downwards.

If your baby is head up, then there’s still plenty of time for your little one to do a big somersault and get into position. Some babies don’t move down into the pelvis (‘engage’) until labor starts.

If your baby stays head up, in the ‘breech’ position, then that could affect the type of birth you are able to have. In some cases, if the baby is in an awkward position, or the placenta is blocking their way down, then a caesarean may be recommended. You will be able to talk through the risks and benefits with your midwife or doctor before making your decision.

Are you getting fake contractions? You may feel your bump tighten up for 20-30 seconds, then relax again. It shouldn’t hurt. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions and often referred to as ‘practice contractions’. You can get them after sex and other vigorous activities, or if someone touches your bump. These are perfectly normal and harmless. However, if they’re painful, or you start to get them at regular intervals, then it could be a sign of early labor, so contact your midwife or doctor.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 31 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 41.1 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.5 kg. That’s approximately the size and weight of a coconut.

Your baby is very active, moving around, sucking their fingers, and doing the odd somersault. Day by day, your baby is getting plumper and looking less wrinkled. The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby is increasing and that’s due to your baby peeing into it.

Your baby will start to recognize voices outside the womb, so encourage your partner and any other children to talk to your bump, to help create a strong bond between them.

At 32 weeks

It’s quite normal to start waddling like a penguin, when your bump gets big. That’s your body’s way of compensating for all that extra weight up front. It might look a bit silly but it’s your best chance of staying stable. So happy waddling!

You probably thought you couldn’t get any bigger, but over the next 4 weeks, you’ll be gaining around a pound a week. Your baby will be bulking up too, with around a kilogram of extra fat. The extra chubbiness will help your baby to stay at the right temperature after they’re born – it’s very easy for little bodies to get too hot or too cold.

Your baby is probably head down now, ready for birth (the fancy term for this is cephalic presentation). Don’t worry if your baby’s not there yet, there’s still time for a cheeky turn or two. If you get to week 36, and your baby’s still not playing ball, then your doctor or midwife might offer a gentle helping hand, to encourage the baby to turn into position.

Are you tired of feeling tired? Remember that putting your feet up every now and then isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sensible strategy to help you get through the day.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 32 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 42.4 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.7 kg. That’s approximately the size of a kale leaf and the weight of a joint of beef.

Your baby is perfectly formed but needs more fattening up. That’s what the next few weeks are all about. As your baby gets bigger, space will get tighter in your womb. However it’s a myth that your baby will stop moving as they get more cooped up. You should still feel movements, at the same rate, until you give birth. If there are any changes to the patterns, or your baby stops moving, then contact your midwife or hospital as soon as possible.

At 33 weeks

Your bump is probably getting in the way of everything now – sitting down at a table, fitting into the car or cuddling up to your partner. It’s also very hard to judge how big you are, particularly as you’re expanding all the time, so allow more space than you think you’ll need.

You may start to feel like something’s weighing down on your pelvis and the heavy feeling can be a sign that your baby’s in the head down position, all ready for birth.

You might be feeling really tired now, which is hardly surprising, as you’re carrying around an extra couple of kilos. However, bear in mind that the end is in sight. In around 7 weeks, you’ll have a beautiful baby.

Your womb could start preparing for the birth with Braxton Hicks contractions, which are sometimes referred to as practice contractions. These can feel like a tightening over your bump for 20-30 seconds, before the muscles relax again. It shouldn’t hurt. If the contractions become painful or strike at regular intervals, then contact your midwife or hospital, in case you’re going into labor.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 33 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 43.7cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.9kg. That’s approximately the size of pineapple and the weight of a laptop computer.

Your baby’s brain and nervous system are now fully developed. The bones are hardening up, apart from the skull bones, which will stay soft and separated until the baby’s around 12 to 18 months old. Having this slight flexibility with the head makes the journey down the birth canal a bit easier.

At 34 weeks

You may be feeling all squashed up inside and some of your pregnancy symptoms could have vanished almost overnight. This can happen when your baby moves head down into the pelvis, in a staged process called ‘engagement’. It frees up space in your abdomen, and gives your lungs a bit of a break, so if you’ve been feeling breathless, then that should ease off. It also reduces the pressure on your stomach, so symptoms such as heartburn could disappear as well.

This drop down is called ‘lightening’, and for many women, it’s a welcome relief. However it doesn’t mean you’re about to give birth, as you’ll probably have to wait several more weeks for that to happen. Also, you may find that you now need to wee more, and walking could be more difficult. But at least you can eat more, without feeling ill.

Your breasts could feel huge and they may be leaking small amounts of yellowish colostrum. This is an early milk that’s rich in antibodies and will help to protect your baby from diseases if you choose to breastfeed. If your breasts are sore, then it may help to wear a light bra at night, and a more supportive bra during the day.

Continue to eat healthily, take gentle exercise, be kind to yourself and rest when you can. Also, don’t forget to attend your antenatal appointments as they’re important for you and the baby, and will make sure that everything’s on track for the big day.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 34 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 45 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 2.1 kg. That’s approximately the size of a school bag and the weight of a cantaloupe melon.

Your baby is curled up inside your womb, with the little legs bent up towards the chest. There’s not a lot of space in there, but you should still feel your baby shifting around and see your bump change shape too.

If you’ve got a little boy in there, then his testicles will be descending from his abdomen into his scrotum. When he’s born, his genitals may look quite enlarged – this is swelling caused by extra fluid or a late rush of hormones, it goes down after a few days.

At 35 weeks

Your breasts are probably busting out of your bras, as your breasts prepare for the birth. The first milk you’ll produce is colostrum, which is a yellowish liquid that is rich in antibodies. Some pregnant women start to make it weeks or even months before the birth. If you’ve spotted any stains in your bra, then that’s probably colostrum. This early type of milk is a superfood for babies and sometimes referred to as ‘liquid gold’. When you breastfeed, this will helps to protect your little baby from stomach bugs and other infections.

Around 3 to 5 days after the birth, your milk will come in, and your breasts will look even bigger. Make sure you’re ready for this by getting measured for a feeding bra that will allow a bit of growth. You could also stock up on breast pads to soak up any extra milk, so that you don’t stain your clothes.

You may be getting sore ribs now. That could be because your baby is head down, and kicking away. If the pain is really bad, or under your ribs, then talk to your midwife or doctor, just in case it’s a sign of a dangerous condition called pre-eclampsia. However it’s far more likely that your little one is just doing a bit of football training.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 35 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 46.2 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 2.4 kg. That’s approximately the height of two bananas and the weight of a honeydew melon.

Your baby is getting chubbier, which will help them to stay at the right temperature when they’re born. It’s getting rather cramped in your womb now, but your baby should still be moving around, and you should feel movements as strongly and regularly as you have done in previous weeks. If the movements change or stop, then talk to your doctor or midwife.

At 36 weeks

Do you feel an urgent need to clean the cooker, tidy the cutlery drawer and sort your baby’s clothes into alphabetical order? This is typical nesting behavior and something that many women and their partners report around this time. It can be therapeutic and very useful, but don’t overdo it. Put your feet up in between bouts of activity.

You may noticed a bit of urine leaking out when you laugh or cough. This is your body’s way of preparing for the birth by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles around your bladder. If it’s a problem, then try wearing maternity pads. Also practise your pelvic floor exercises.

You’ll have an antenatal appointment around now with your doctor or midwife. This will check on your blood pressure, urine, and the size of your bump. You may not feel like going, as it’s such an effort to get anywhere, but make them a priority. These appointments save lives as they can pick up on changes in your body that you might not be aware of, such as very high blood pressure.

Your baby may already have moved head down into your pelvis, which means that they’re good to go (or ‘engaged’). However this doesn’t mean that labor’s on the way – it could still be weeks away.

If your baby’s not head down yet, then you may be offered external cephalic version (ECV). This is where your doctor or midwife gently applies a helping hand to your bump to encourage the baby to turn – it’s successful around half the time.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 36 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 47.4 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 2.6 kg. That’s approximately the size of a romaine lettuce and the weight of a small turkey.

By now, your baby’s lungs are probably mature enough to breathe outside the womb without any help. Your baby will also be able to suck and digest breast milk. If you’re not sure about breastfeeding yet, then check out the benefits. Breastfeeding is good for your baby, as it helps to fight off infections, and it’s good for you too, as it burns around 300 calories per day. It’s also great for bonding. Some women think that their breasts are too small, but that’s a myth – your baby will be very happy, whatever size and shape you are!

At 37 weeks

Your baby could come any day now and it wouldn’t be ‘early’. That’s right, your baby is now ‘full term’, which means that they’re probably big enough, and mature enough, to survive in the outside world. However you still may have to wait another few weeks, as babies tend to come in their own sweet time. If you’re carrying twins, then you will probably give birth this week. Twin pregnancies rarely go beyond 38 weeks.

Around 95 per cent of babies will now be head down, facing their mother’s back, which is the best position for labor. When the baby’s head moves down into the pelvis, it’s said to be ‘engaged’. You might see your bump drop a bit when this happens.

As your baby moves down into your pelvis, you may start to feel some relief from pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion and going to the toilet every 5 minutes. Alternatively, you may still be suffering, in which case, hang on in there, it really won’t be long now.

If your baby’s still in the bottom-down position (breech) don’t worry, there’s still time for them to turn. Some babies don’t move into place until labor starts. When you’re sitting down, try leaning forwards, with your hips above your knees. It’s not a proven technique but many women say that it coaxes the baby into position and it certainly can’t do any harm.

You might find that you’re getting more vaginal discharge now and Braxton Hicks contractions – these are the ‘practice’ contractions around your bump, which can feel uncomfy but shouldn’t be painful. You could also be getting a sudden urge to spring clean. That’s your ‘nesting’ instinct kicking in, and partners can get it too! It’s not a scientifically proven phenomenon but many people report feeling the urge to tidy and clean shortly before the baby comes. Just don’t overdo it, you should try to rest as much as possible.

5 signs that baby’s on the way

Look out for these telltale signs – and be patient. Remember, babies come when they’re good and ready.

1. The ‘show’: you may see a sticky blob of mucus in your pants, which might be yellow or bloody. This plug used to seal up your cervix and the fact that it’s come undone shows that something’s happening down there. It’s called a ‘show’ and can be one of the first signs of labor. However, you could still have days, or even weeks to wait…
2. Your waters break (rupturing of the membranes): don’t expect a massive gush like you see in films – it could just be a little ‘pop’ and a trickle. The liquid should be clear. If it drips, then use a pad, not a tampon. Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if it’s smelly or colored.
3. Backache: this is caused by your baby’s head bashing away at your spine. When their head meets your sacrum (tailbone) it’s agony!
4. The urge to go to the toilet: this is caused by your baby’s head pressing on your bladder or bowels. You may find that you wet or poo yourself. It’s very common, so don’t be embarrassed!
5. Contractions or tightening around your bump: it hurts when your bump goes hard, and then the pain goes away when the muscles relax. It feels like period pains to start with or a heavy dragging feeling in your pelvis and legs. Then your contractions get longer, stronger and more frequent.

It’s time to call your doctor or hospital when your contractions last for at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes. Phone straight away if you’re losing blood, in too much pain, worried that something’s wrong, or if your baby stops moving.

Your signs of pregnancy could include:

• painless contractions around your pregnant belly, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb (’round ligament pains’)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 37 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 48.6 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 2.9 kg. That’s approximately the length of 2 cucumbers and the weight of 14 baked potatoes.

Your baby will be trying out different facial expressions, such as frowning and smiling. They might also practise silent crying. This is just random – it’s not linked to sadness or happiness.

By now, you will hopefully know when your baby’s active and when they’re calmer. These patterns are likely to continue after the birth.

At 38 weeks

There’s a chance that your baby might be due this week. Only about 5% of babies are born on their due date. Don’t forget that your due date is only a guide. It’s not necessarily the best day for the birth. Your baby tends to decide on that. One new symptom this week could be frustration or even boredom, and the wait can be maddening.

At your antenatal appointment, around now, your midwife or doctor will measure the size of your bump with a tape measure, check your blood pressure and look for any protein in your urine that could indicate that you’ve got a dangerous condition called pre-eclampsia. This tends to strike in the second half of pregnancy or after the baby is delivered.

If you’re having a planned caesarean, otherwise known as an elective caesarean, then you’ll probably be booked in when you’re at least 39 weeks’ pregnant. This is to give your baby’s lungs the best chance of being fully developed.

You’ll have a chat about what might happen if you go beyond 41 weeks. There could be risks for you or the baby, so you may be offered induction. This is where labor can be brought on artificially by putting a tablet or gel in your vagina. Around 1 in 5 labors are started this way.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your pregnant belly, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 38 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 49.8 cm long from head to heel, and weighs just over 3 kg. That’s approximately the length of 3 carrots and the weight of 3 butternut squash.

In the second trimester, your baby was covered in a furry coat of soft, downy hair (lanugo). That’s mostly gone now, although some babies are born with patches here and there.

Your baby is storing up some sticky green slime in their bowels (meconium). This is made up of everything they swallow in the womb, including bits of amniotic fluid and hair. It will normally come out after the birth as the first poop. If the baby does a poop during labor, it can be a sign of distress and your baby will need close monitoring.

At 39 weeks

Pregnancy normally lasts around 40 weeks and most women will go into labor a week either side of their due date. That means your baby is due any time now.

Check your pants, you might be getting a lot more discharge than usual. This should be thin, white and not smell of very much. If you spot a slimy blob of mucus that’s yellow or bloody, then that’s a show. This sticky stuff used to plug up your cervix and when it comes out, it can be one of the first signs that your baby’s on the way. However don’t grab your hospital bag just yet, as you could still have days to wait.

You may be getting back pain as your baby moves down your pelvis and starts head butting your spine. You’ll probably feel increased pressure at the bottom of your bump now.

You could be getting a lot of practice contractions, but if they start getting painful, then they could be the real deal. Phone your hospital or midwife when your contractions last for at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes – or call any time if you’re worried that something is wrong, such as if your baby stops moving or if you’re losing blood.

You could also be getting sudden bursts of energy and urgently want to fold baby clothes or tidy drawers that you haven’t opened for years. That’s your nesting instinct kicking in.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your belly, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts , a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 39 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 50.7 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 3.3 kg. That’s approximately the length of 5 courgettes and the weight of a mini watermelon.

A few weeks ago, your baby’s skin was almost transparent but now they’re growing a tougher new layer that’s looks more solid. This is better at protecting their internal organs and helping with temperature control.

The skin will be coated in a white, waxy substance called vernix, which means varnish in Latin. This creamy layer helps to protect their skin and eases your baby down the birth canal. Your baby could come out covered it in, or it could be mostly gone by the time they emerge – you’ll just have to wait and see.

At 40 weeks

If this is your first baby, then you’ll have an antenatal appointment this week. Your blood pressure will be checked, your bump will be measured and you’ll hand over a urine sample. You know the drill! Your midwife or doctor will be checking for signs of pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition that’s characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

You’re probably getting a lot of practice contractions now, which shouldn’t be painful. These are Braxton Hicks contractions. When you start getting labor pains, you’ll know all about it! Real contractions hurt when your bump goes tight, and then the pain goes away when the muscles relax.

Labor is divided into 3 stages:

1. The first stage is when you have contractions and your cervix opens up until it’s 10cm across (fully dilated). The first stage lasts 6-12 hours, or less if you’ve had other children.
2. The second stage is where the baby is delivered.
3. The third stage is when the placenta comes out.

Do you feel like you’ve got premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Or do you have lower backache? These could be early signs of labor.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your belly, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts , a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 40 weeks

Your baby or fetus is around 51.2 cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 3.5 kg. That’s approximately the size of 2 Romano peppers and the weight of a small pumpkin.

Your baby is getting rather squashed up now, but should still be moving around in their usual pattern. Movements shouldn’t slow down or stop, and if they do, it could be an important sign that something’s wrong. If you notice any changes, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away – there will be someone there to answer calls 24 hours a day.

At 40+ weeks

It’s not unusual to go past your due date, but obviously this can’t go on forever. It’s usually fine to go over by a week or so without any extra risks. However about 10 or 12 days after your due date, your placenta starts to work less well, and your chance of a stillbirth increases. Your doctor will discuss the best ways forward with you, which could involve extra monitoring or induction.

You might be offered a membrane sweep to start with. This is where your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around inside you and separates your cervix from the membranes around your baby. The idea is to stimulate hormones that could bring on your contractions. You can watch a little video about it here.

For many women, it does the trick, and labor starts within 24-48 hours. However you may need a couple of sweeps to get going, and it doesn’t work for everyone.

Around 1 in 5 births are induced, which means that drugs are used to get the labor going.

You might be offered a membrane sweep to start with – this can feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t harm you or the baby.

A drug called prostaglandin is then used to open up the cervix and get contractions going. It’s put into the vagina as a gel or tablet. It can also be delivered through a pessary, which looks like a mini tampon and releases the drug over 24 hours.

You may need to have your waters broken if they don’t break naturally. You may also be offered a drip containing another drug called syntocinon if the labour needs to be speeded up.

There’s a lot to consider when you’re offered an induction, so ask as many questions as you like. Here are a few things to consider:

• there could be medical reasons why it’s important for your baby to be delivered sooner rather than later
• induction can often avoid the need for a cesarean (C-section)
• it could be more painful than a spontaneous delivery – you may end up with an assisted delivery using forceps (which are a bit like tongs) or a ventouse (which is a special suction cup).

Your signs of pregnancy could include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your belly, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts , a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Your baby at 40+ weeks

The average baby is now around 3-4 kg. The fast period of growth is now over. Your baby should be chubby enough, and mature enough, to survive in the big wide world, without any assistance.

Overdue babies tend to have red, dry and peeling skin. This is usually because they’ve lost their vernix, which is the greasy layer that stops their skin from drying out in the amniotic fluid. Don’t be tempted to moisturize your baby’s rough skin, as it could make it even worse. The red layer will peel off after a few days, without any help, revealing perfect skin underneath.