I know I’m pregnant because

….I know the location of every public toilet within a five mile radius of my house

Pregnancy: Weeks 39-40

Your growing baby:
* Full term is considered anything from 37 weeks. Nobody knows quite what triggers labour to begin, but only 4% of babies arrive on their due date. Some babies arrive early, but the majority of babies that haven’t arrived by their estimated due date make an appearance within the following 10 days.

You:
* Your cervix is softening, ready to open up when your contractions start and labour begins
* You’re probably feeling a mixture of elation, anxiety and perhapos even sadness that this pregnancy will soon be over. But most of all you’re probably feeling impatient to meet your baby and begin life as a new family.

Pregnancy: Weeks 37-38

Your growing baby:
* Your baby is now gaining weight at about 198gm (7oz) per week.

You:
* You may find that you suddenly have a ‘nesting’ instinct, clearing out cupboards, cleaning the oven and even scrubbing floors!

Pregnancy: Weeks 35-36

Your growing baby:
* If this is your first baby your baby’s head will probably drop down (become engaged) anytime from now, which will make it easier for you to breathe, although it may squash your bladder

You:
* If your baby has engaged then now is a good time to have a fitting for a feeding (nursing) bra.

Pregnancy: Week 33-34

Your growing baby:
In most cases your baby will now be lying with his head down, poised ready for birth. f he isn’t then try and encouarge him to a better posistion.

You:
* Your pelvis will be expanding in preparaation for the birth, so your pelvic joints might ache.
* The size of your bump might make it difficult for you to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Lie on your left side and try putting one pillow under your bump and another between your legs. Lying on your back can lead to a drop in blood pressure and to faintness, so try to avoid it.

Pregnancy: Weeks 31-32

Your growing baby:
* By week 32 your baby’s head is in proportion with the rest of his body
* He will have delicate eyebrows and eyelashes. He may also experience hiccups as he prepares himself for breathing

You:
* Your uterus will be putting pressure on your other organs. There will be less room for your stomach, so you may feel you aren’t able to eat so much at a time and that you frequently experience heartburn. Try avoiding rich, spicy or greasy foods. Some women find drinking milk, fizzy water or peppermint tea can help.

Pregnancy: Weeks 29-30

Your growing baby:
* Your baby will be fully formed by this stage. His movements will be getting stronger and you may even see the outline of a foot or knee against your abdomen when he kicks hard.

You:
* You may start to fell Braxton Hicks contractions from this stage. These are tightenings of the uterus in preparation for your real contractions. You may find that you can squeeze colostrum (the first milk) from your breasts.
* You can start your maternity leave at any time from now.

Pregnancy: Weeks 26-28

Your growing baby:
* Your baby’s bones are hardening and his nails are growing. His muscles are developing and his toenails are visible.

You:
* Around week 26 you will need to inform your employer that you are pregnant by giving them a copy of your MAT B1 certificate (which you should get from your doctor or GP), plus a letter from you stating that you are pregnant, your due date and when you plan to go on maternity leave.

Pregnancy: Weeks 23-25

Your growing baby:
* Your baby is starting to establish sleeping and waking patterns and the brain cells that make thinking possible are starting to mature. By 24 weeks your baby is sufficiently developed to have a chance of survival if born prematurely, but would need specialist care to limit the potential problems of being born so early.

You:
* By now many of the niggles of early pregnancy will have gone but may have been replaced by some new ones. Swollen gums, backache and nasal congestion are all caused by hormones. Varicose veins and piles may also cause problems – resting with your legs raised and drinking lots of fluids can help. Thrush can be a common complaint and can be treated with pessaries from your pharmacist.

Pregnancy: Weeks 21-22

Your growing baby:
* Your baby’s hearing is now developed enough for him to be able to recognise your voice. His lungs are also beginning to mature and tiny teeth will be developing under the gums.

You:
* You’ve probably noticed your bust expanding. This is your body getting ready for breastfeeding your baby. It’s worth buying a maternity bra as they are designed specifically for pregnancy, and a good supporting bra will help to make you feel more comforetable.