It’s Week 39 of your pregnancy, and there’s just a week to go! You may now be experiencing regular Braxton Hicks contractions, in preparation for the real thing.
Everything you need to know about labour
Strategies for coping with the pain of childbirth
Your baby
Around this stage, the bones of his skull will slide over each other and overlap, allowing his head to pass through the cervix. His head will drop down into your pelvis, or ‘engage’. In a first pregnancy, this can happen up to four weeks before the birth, but may be much later with subsequent babies. He’s now about 48cm in length.
You
You may be missing the sight of your toes and can’t wait to meet your baby, but you’re also feeling apprehensive about the birth. This is perfectly normal, but think positive - you’ve come a long way and your pregnancy is nearly over. Your new life is about to begin!
Find out about different labour positions
Read other mums’ tips on childbirth
Caring for a newborn
