Pregnancy

Your baby

By 33 weeks of pregnancy the baby’s brain and nervous system are fully developed. Your baby's bones are also starting to harden, even though the skull bones will stay soft and separated to make the journey through the birth canal (cervix and vagina) easier. Baby boys’ testicles are now beginning to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum.

You

You need to slow down because the extra weight will make you tired, and you may get backache.

From about 34 weeks pregnant, you may be aware of your womb tightening from time to time. These are practice contractions known as Braxton Hicks contractions, and are a normal part of pregnancy. It’s only when they become painful or frequent that you need to contact your midwife or hospital.

Only around 5% of babies arrive on their due date. You can find out more about labour signs and what happens in labour.

If you have children already, you may want to make childcare arrangements for when you go into labour. Pack your bag ready for the birth if you are planning to give birth in hospital or a midwifery unit.

When you are around 36 weeks pregnant, make sure you have all your important telephone numbers handy in case labour starts.

Find out more about your options for where to give birth, and the signs of labour.

You can also read guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the care of women and babies in labour (PDF, 212KB).

Things to think about

Pain relief during labour

Be prepared by learning about all the ways you can relieve pain during labour so you can decide what’s best for you.

Make your birth plan

Think about your preferences for labour, for example pain relief and positions you might want to be in. You can save your birth plan online, or print out a blank form to fill in and discuss with your midwife.

You can save a to do list online, to keep track of all the essentials for your pregnancy.

If labour starts early

Labour that starts before 37 weeks is considered premature. If your baby is born early, he or she may need special care in hospital.

Warning signs during pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding

Bleeding from your vagina may be a sign of a serious problem, so seek help.

High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia

High blood pressure in pregnancy can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which can be life-threatening if untreated.

Severe itching

Severe itching can be a sign of the rare liver disorder obstetric cholestasis.