Although physically you may feel well, you're probably starting to feel rather heavy and tired at this stage of your pregnancy. Now is the time to think about rest and relaxation, and making some time to pamper yourself before the birth.

This article will provide you with information on the final stage of your pregnancy, helping you prepare for the birth of your baby.

Weeks 27-28

At this point in your pregnancy you may find that there is increasing pressure on your bladder, so you may feel like you want to take the opportunity to go to the washroom whenever one arises.

This is the time when your back comes under increasing strain. Some tips to help you ease the pain:

• Put a cushion in the small of your back when you sit down.
• Place a low stool or a couple of phone books under your feet when sitting at a desk or in an ordinary chair.
• Sit up straight and walk tall.
• Don't wear high heels.
• See your healthcare professional for a check-up as your posture changes in pregnancy.
• To relieve aching, lie on your back, head on a cushion, calves resting on a chair seat to form a right angle with your thighs.
• Don't sit for more than an hour without getting up for a stretch or walk.

Weeks 29-30

If you haven't thought about it already, this is a good time to think about a birth plan - a written record of how, ideally, you would like your labour and baby's birth to be handled. For example, whether you want to have your baby at home or in a hospital.

Weeks 31-32

Many prenatal classes start around this time. In most courses there are about six weekly classes, each one concentrating on a different aspect of late pregnancy, labour/birth and sometimes baby care. These classes can also be a great place to meet other pregnant women in your area who are due around the same time as you.

Heartburn is a common complaint at around eight months of pregnancy. It's caused by your growing baby putting pressure on your digestive system and pregnancy hormones 'relaxing' the valve at the top of your stomach allowing acid back into your gullet.

Tips to cope with heartburn include:

• eating small meals
• avoiding fatty foods
• waiting two hours after eating before lying down
• always sitting up straight

If the symptoms continue and are causing you problems ask your healthcare professional about taking an antacid medicine.

Weeks 33-34

You may have thought about what sort of pain relief you might like to use during labour. This is a good time to check out the different methods available at your hospital or at home. There are at least 16 different forms of pain relief - drug-based, natural and do it yourself (DIY) - so there is plenty of choice and help available.

Weeks 35-36

The top of your womb has now reached its highest point, just underneath your breastbone. You may feel jabbing pains there and sometimes be able to feel the outline of a small foot or fist jammed against the womb wall.

• Practice labour squeezes (Braxton Hicks contractions) will be more frequent and powerful.
• If you're feeling uncomfortable go to the swimming pool for a leisurely supported float or ease into a cool scented bath at home.
• If you're planning to breastfeed, now is a good time to get measured up professionally for two or three feeding bras.
• If breathing is difficult for you, get down on all fours, knees well apart with hands at shoulder width, allowing your belly to hang down free.

Weeks 37-38

This week, later if this is not your first baby, the baby's head should engage - move down into your pelvis into the birth-ready position easing the pressure on your internal organs and ribs. Annoyingly, this now squashes your bladder instead so you may be constantly running to the washroom.

It is normal for babies to arrive any time from now onwards as they are fully mature.

This is the time to pack your hospital bag.

For labour:

• Warm non-slip socks - you may become cold in labour
• Loose, comfortable clothing
• Bottles of water
• Glucose tablets - for energy
• Small bottle of plain massage oil
• Hot water bottle - hot compress for backache
• Light/easy reading book or magazine
• MP3 player for soothing music
• Camera/video camera

For after labour:

• Pack of very soft sanitary napkins or maternity pads
• Nursing bras, breast pads and underwear
• Front opening nighties for easy breastfeeding
• Address book and cell phone
• Light dressing gown and slippers
• Toiletries and towels
• Newborn diapers and onesies for your baby

Weeks 39-40

You may be wondering about whether you are in labour yet. The three main signs are:

1. A show - when the plug of protective mucus in the neck of the womb comes away and passes down your vagina.
2. Waters breaking - this can be a little trickle or a gush of amniotic fluid as your baby's amniotic sac ruptures.
3. Contractions - becoming stronger and closer together. They tend to start gently, build up to a peak of intensity then die away and form a pattern, i.e. every 25 minutes.

If you are unsure then contact your healthcare professional for advice.

Weeks 40-42

It is perfectly normal to go beyond the expected or due date. 1 in 20 babies are born after 40 weeks gestation. Normally your healthcare professional will keep a closer eye on you after this date, and may want to wait 10-14 days before considering doing anything to induce the labour.

What the hospital may do

There are various things the hospital may do to bring on labour including:

• Gentle rupture of the amniotic sac - breaking your water
  
• Use of prostaglandin pessaries - a removable device placed into the vagina
  
• An oxytocin drip

Overdue babies may arrive looking thinner than the typical chubby newborn baby, with baggier skin, reddish skin colour and longer hair and nails. This is because after 40 weeks the placenta may not be able to supply your baby with enough nutrients, so fat is lost, leaving the skin baggy. The greasy coating of vernix, which has been protecting your baby's skin, is mostly gone too by this time and so the skin can become dry, red and flaky.