Your baby is now considered to be ‘full term’. That means it’s capable of feeding and breathing outside the womb without any medical assistance.
Your baby is starting to look nice and plump, and will continue putting weight on steadily until it’s born.
Your baby is also showing all the reflexes it will have as a newborn, curling fingers and toes, turning its head and opening its mouth when something touches its cheek (rooting reflex). Your baby will need this last reflex to find your nipple once it’s born.
What's happening to you?
The big day is nearly here! It's time to make any last minute preparations so you can get plenty of rest before the birth.
You and your partner may want to give the house a good spring clean before your little one arrives. As you clean you may want to think about your baby's safety too. You can buy a fridge thermometer and check that your fridge is at the right temperature to store bottles of milk. Replace the battery in your smoke alarm and make sure you have a proper first aid kit in the house.
Cook up big batches of hearty stews, curries and casseroles and freeze them in meal-sized batches for you and your partner.
If you haven’t read any further than the chapter about labour in your baby books, now is the time to do it. If you're first-time parents you'll be amazed at how clumsy you feel when bathing a slippery little baby or how worrying it is when your baby doesn't seem to be feeding well. Getting clued up on baby basics now will give your confidence a welcome boost when the time comes.
Expert Opinion
"Labour is hard work for the body and uses lots of energy and fluids. This is why you should make sure you keep up your energy in early labour by eating foods such as cereal bars or wholegrain sandwiches. It is a good idea to pack a snack box to take into hospital. And remember to keep sipping fluids throughout your labour to keep yourself hydrated."
Anne Sidnell, Nutritionist
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