Your baby
Another milestone: if your baby is born this week, you may give birth at home. It is an odd thought. Your child could come at any moment now — or it could still be a good month away.
You may well feel your baby move less now. There is no need to be alarmed: there is simply less room, and your baby lies in the womb with the legs drawn up. You will still feel the odd kick from a foot or a nudge from an elbow. Only if you no longer feel your baby at the moments you are used to is it wise to contact your midwife.
You
Because your baby now sits low in your womb and presses on your bladder, you probably need to pass water more often. Leaking urine is a common complaint among pregnant women towards the end, caused by a sphincter that no longer works quite as well. Sadly there is not much to be done about it at the moment. After the birth you can do exercises that train your pelvic floor muscles and put the problem right.
Because your bump keeps growing, there is not much room left around your navel by now. It may well start to stick out.
Pack your bag
Even if you plan to give birth at home, it is sensible to have a bag of things ready in case you unexpectedly have to go to hospital. Put out some clothes for the baby: 2 bodysuits (size 50), 2 pairs of trousers and 2 pairs of socks (or 2 pairs of leggings), 2 tops and 2 hats. For yourself, pack toiletries, pyjamas and warm socks or slippers.
Keep the tank full
Make sure your car is never left with an empty tank from now on. If you suddenly have to go to hospital in the middle of the night, most petrol stations are shut. Would you rather take a taxi? Then keep the number of the taxi firm to hand.
Third trimester
