The final three months of pregnancy

So you're two-thirds of the way through the pregnancy and the day of the birth is looming. You're planning for the big day in earnest and you've probably worked out the 15 fastest ways to the hospital, avoiding speed bumps. But what's going on with your baby and partner? Here we set out the final changes taking place.

How has the baby developed?

Movement becomes stronger and more frequent as the baby prepares for life outside the womb through improved brain, eye, and muscle function. Though size and weight varies, your baby is likely to be over ten inches long, weighs around 2 ¾ lb and is growing at high speed.

• If it's a boy, by week 29 his testicles may have started to descend into his scrotum (although this can happen quite later in the pregnancy or even after the birth).
• His lungs can breathe air and he can hear sounds outside of the womb. The more you talk to him the more he will grow to recognise your voice and, of course, your Led Zeppelin back catalogue.

  Most babies are born at around 40 weeks (and some as late as 42) but by week 37 your baby is considered full term, meaning that if labour starts now the doctors won't delay it.

• He doesn't have much room for gymnastics anymore but he's still doing plenty of kicking.
• His brain is getting more complicated and he's becoming sensitive to light and can even tell the difference between sunlight and artificial light.

What's happening to your partner?

• Her womb is pushing against the bottom of her ribcage, which may cause her discomfort.
• Her belly button may be stretched and start to protrude and her legs will feel heavy so she may be out of breath more often.
• By week 33 your baby may have moved into the head-down position, ready to be born, which makes your partner's breathing and digestion easier.
• She is having regular ante-natal check-ups every two weeks.
• Your changing partner

Can I go to ante natal classes?

Antenatal classes provide important information for expectant parents including what happens during labour and birth, preparing for your life with a newborn baby and how to care for them.

• Free classes are run by the NHS but unfortunately many NHS Trusts have had to stop doing them due to shortages of midwives.
• There are many smaller, privately run classes, run mainly by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and you can find out where your local classes are from their website.
• You're not legally entitled to time off work to attend them but your employers should really let you (although they might ask to see a note from your midwife or doctor). 
• What goes on at an ante natal class?

What about sex?

Providing your partner does not have a high-risk pregnancy there is no physical reason not to have sex but bear in mind that this stage of pregnancy can be uncomfortable for her, causing symptoms like weak bladder control and back-ache.

• A midwife or health visitor will be able to advise whether there is any risk, but for many couples sex continues through the pregnancy.
• The baby is cushioned by fluids in the amniotic sack and will not be harmed during penetration but if your partner is heavily pregnant certain positions will be impossible!
• Sex in pregnancy

The Birth Plan

This is as simple as it sounds; a strategy for how your partner wants to give birth.

You and your partner will prepare the plan in advance and will include details such as where you want to have the baby, whether it will be a natural, water or caesarean delivery, options for pain relief and who is to be present at the birth. 

The most effective birth plans are flexible enough to acknowledge that things may not map out as you had planned. NHS Direct has a checklist of what to include in a birth plan.

• Birth plan? What's that all about?

The countdown

Most babies are born at around 40 weeks (and some as late as 42) but by week 37 your baby is considered full term, meaning that if labour starts now the doctors won't delay it.

Your partner will be feeling uncomfortable by this stage and from week 37 may experience Braxton Hicks - practice or false contractions.

• The final countdown
• What do I do when she goes into labour?
• The hospital bag: what do we need?
• Helping at the birth: what can I do?

Author

Gavin Evans is a father of two daughters - aged 17 and 13 - and lives in North London. 15 years ago he changed gear from being a full-time reporter to full-time parent and part-time journalist. His writing on issues affecting fathers has been published in a wide range of publications including The Guardian, The Independent, Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, The Times and The New Statesman. He has written five books on sport, a chapter on men in Your Pregnancy Bible and is completing his first screenplay. Gavin also regularly posts blogs at www.gavinevans.net.

Your experiences

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