It's Week 36 of your pregnancy. You’ve probably stopped work by now, so make the most of this time on your own, while you still can! If your baby hasn’t turned upside down already, she’s probably about to - unless you have a breech birth.

See our
• labour channel for the low-down on B-day
• Six secrets of an easier birth
• Labour stages explained
• All about your third trimester

Your baby
She's about 44cm and continues to gain weight - this week she may well put on around half a pound (250g). Most of the lanugo will have disappeared by now and she’ll be covered in thick, waxy vernix. Her lungs are developing in preparation for breathing outside the womb.

Amazing guide to your growing baby

You
You may experience 'practice' contractions - also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These can get quite strong, so you may mistake them for labour. If you’re not sure, time them over the course of an hour. If they get longer and closer together, call your midwife. Use them to practise your breathing exercises.

Coping with the final weeks of pregnancy

Get in contact with mother and baby groups in your area. Having a network you can call on will be a vital support and help you feel less isolated once the baby is born.