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Towards the end of this period, your baby's head will probably
drop into your pelvis (become engaged), in readiness for the birth.
Once the baby's head is engaged, there will be less pressure on
your lungs and you'll be able to breathe more easily. There will
be more pressure on your bladder, though, plus an increasing feeling
of fullness and pressure between your legs. Piles and varicose veins
of your vulva may be troublesome.
The size of your bump may make it difficult to find a comfortable
position for sleeping. Lying on your side, with a pillow under your
bump and one between your knees can sometimes help. It's best to
avoid lying on your back, which can make you feel sick or dizzy
and reduce the flow of blood to your baby.
The muscles and ligaments around your pelvis are softening further,
getting your pelvis ready to open up during labour. This may make
your pelvic joints and your lower
back ache.
You may notice increased swelling
in your legs and ankles, especially towards the end of the day.
Watch for any sudden increase, which could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
You may find yourself feeling anxious
about the birth and about your baby. This anxiety, together with
feeling heavy and tired, can lead to mood swings, irritability and
even depression. Talking about your worries to your partner or a
friend or your midwife can help.
Click here to find out about other minor
discomforts
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Your baby is getting steadily plumper. All the organs are now almost
fully mature, except for the lungs. Although these aren't completely
mature yet, they've started to produce a fluid which keeps them
open ready for breathing. Your baby's eyes can now focus a little
and he can blink. His nails have grown so that they reach the ends
of his fingers, though not quite to the end of his toes.
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Make sure that you have the basic
things that you've decided on for your baby, including clothes
and nappies. If you're planning to breastfeed, now is a good time
to buy nursing
bras. Bear in mind that your breasts will increase in size when
they are full of milk and to allow room for nursing pads.
Start writing your birth plan, if you haven't already done so.
When you do your household shopping, buy two (or more) of everything
and stock up your cupboards and freezer, if you have one, so that
you won't need to worry about shopping straight after your baby's
born.
Pack your
bag to take into hospital with you, or get together the things
you need for a home
birth.
All pregnancies are different, so don't worry if you're not experiencing
everything exactly as it says here.
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