Finally you are on the last stretch. Baby could come on any day now and the excitement and frustration are almost too much to bear.

Week 36

Baby is around 20 inches long and the average weight of babies at this stage is 6 pounds although babies at this stage will all vary in weight as they will in birth weight.Baby is swallowing and excreting amniotic fluid and is concentrating on building body fat. You are probably thinking you can’t get any bigger and wondering how to remain polite for another 4 weeks with well meaning friends and strangers saying “Have you not had that baby yet?”

Week 37

You will probably be feeling uncomfortable most of the time. Many women will find relief in swimming or having baths. You may also be feeling tired again but try to keep active as this will help you during the birth and will help encourage baby to start making his or her way down for the head to become engaged.You are now full term so any birth from this point is classed as normal. You may receive a Group B strep test this week although not all doctors do this. Group B Strep is a usually harmless bacteria but can cause problems for baby. Read more on the matter but do not be unduly worried.

Week 38

Most babies will now be between 6 and 9 pounds, although some will be larger or smaller. You are undoubtedly more than ready for your son or daughter to come out now and are probably getting a bit edgy and frustrated. Spend your time getting the house tidy, checking your hospital bag, thinking about your pain relief options and reading up on signs of labour and ways to kick start labour.

Week 39

Yes most of you are still pregnant. How annoying! Reassure yourself that the longer baby stays inside the more weight baby is putting on and a bigger baby can often be easier in many respects such as having a good appetite, sleeping for longer periods and being able to keep warm more easily.

Week 40

This is it. Week 40! That date you have circled on your calendar is here and baby is. Darn! Where is that baby? Many women will get to this point and feel rather annoyed when baby doesn’t appear on it’s due date. That long awaitied date which has been scheduled into all of your arrangements and still no baby!

It is perfectly normal for women (especially first time mums) to go past their due date and, although some doctors will happily schedule in a C-section, there are far more who prefer to leave it to nature and will not operate or induce labour until 42 weeks.

If your baby is overdue force yourself to keep busy. This will hopefully encourage baby to come out and will also keep your mind off the delayed labour. Plan dates and events. Children are great at spoiling carefully made adult plans so maybe an expensive meal which you are looking forward to will encourage baby to make an appearance 2 hour earlier! Also take the time to read what you can expect from inductions and late babies.