37weeks
pregnant

How your life's changing

Are you worried about how your older child will cope with meeting the new baby? Watch our video about preparing your child for a new baby. And if you're planning to have your child at the birth get some tips from other parents on how to make this a great experience.

Is your bag packed if you're giving birth in hospital or in a birth centre? In case there are a few last-minute items that you haven't thought of, take a look at our hospital packing checklist.

Sort out the clothes you want your baby to wear after they're born and for the journey home. And remember to pack comfortable clothes for yourself.

You'll probably be in your maternity clothes for a little while longer, as you'll still have a bit of a bump after having your baby. Big, stretchy knickers are a must! You'll need to use maternity pads for at least a week after having your baby, even if you're having a caesarean.

This is also your birth partner's last chance to brush up on how to help you. You have probably made your birth plan together, but what if you need to abandon parts of the plan during labour and birth? You may have to rely on your partner to guide you through decision-making just when you're least prepared for it. So help them understand what's most important to you. And make sure they remembers all the details of the birth to tell you afterwards. You may not remember clearly yourself.

What you need to know

• You're likely to have an antenatal appointment this week so tell your doctor or midwife about any new symptoms you're experiencing.
• It's common to have a little tear in your perineum after a vaginal birth. Find out whether there's anything you can do to avoid this happening to you, and how to cope afterwards if you have a tear that needs stitching.
• While you still have time, why not check out what you will need in your nappy bag once your baby is here.
• If you've hired a birth pool to use at home, it will be delivered, or ready to collect, about now. It's worth putting it up and filling it so you know how long it takes and how easily you can adjust the water temperature.
• Find out if a bumpy car ride can bring on labour.

Pregnancy tip: helping in labour

"My partner rubbed my lower back and held me for hours while I was in labour. What really helped was when he rocked my hips. He was fantastic. He must have worked as hard as I did." -- Paige