You may begin to experience some swelling in your feet, which is normal towards the end of your pregnancy. It may be harder than ever to sleep well at night, so take it easy through the day. Since your baby is taking up more room inside you, your innards are getting pushed and smashed, particularly your stomach, bladder and intestines. Consequently, you may suffer from heartburn and have little storage space for urine. There is really not much you can do about your bladder except stay close to the bathroom. However, you still need to keep drinking to stay hydrated.

Your Baby

Your baby is now over 350 mm long and weighs a little over 3 kilos. If she was a fruit, she'd be a small watermelon. Her growth is slowing down, but she is still putting on fat and getting plumper. The circumference of her head is about equal with the circumference of her abdomen, but her abdomen may soon get bigger. Her organs are mature and fully functioning, except the brain and lungs. Your baby might still have vernix - the creamy coating that protects the skin - but it is mostly confined to skin creases and folds and the back and neck. Your baby has a firm grasp reflex now. If a light is shown on your belly, your baby will now turn towards it. This is called the 'orienting response'.

Common Complications

• If you experience excessive swelling on your hands or face or severe and sudden swelling in your feet and / or ankles, contact your doctor. This could be a sign of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

Stay Fit

• Since it is time for delivery, prepare for your stay in the hospital. Carry a video camera/camera, baby paraphernalia, an iPod and something 'fun' to read to pass the time of a long labour.