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Bumps to Babies - Birthclassesuk, Pinelands York, York (2025)

24/08/2023

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22/01/2023

You and your baby at 38 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 38 weeks

If your baby does a poo during labour, which can sometimes happen, the amniotic fluid will contain meconium.

If this is the case, your midwife will want to monitor your baby closely as it could mean the baby is stressed.

You at 38 weeks

Labour usually starts between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor should give you information about what to expect if your baby is overdue.

Read Choices When Pregnancy Reaches 41 weeks (PDF, 536kb) to find out more about your options.

Call your hospital or midwife at any time if you have any worries about your baby, including your baby's movements, or about labour and birth.

Read about pain relief in labour, and things you can do yourself to cope with the feeling of contractions.

03/01/2023

You and your baby at 37 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 37 weeks

At 37 weeks, your pregnancy is considered full-term. The average baby weighs around 3-4kg by now. Your baby is ready to be born, and you'll be meeting them some time in the next few weeks.

Your baby's gut (digestive system) now contains meconium – the sticky green substance that will form your baby's first poo after birth. It may include bits of the lanugo (fine hair) that covered your baby earlier in pregnancy.

You at 37 weeks

When you're around 37 weeks pregnant, if it's your first pregnancy, your baby moves down ready to be born. You may feel more comfortable when this happens, and you'll probably also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen.

If it's not your first pregnancy, the baby may not move down until labour.

You may notice some leaking from your ni***es, and this is normal.

Things to think about

the signs of labour
pain relief in labour, including things you can do yourself
what happens at the hospital or birth centre and when to contact your antenatal team
tips for your birth partner to support you during labour and birth
what happens if your baby is breech, when a baby is born bottom first, which is more complicated than a head-first birth
a caesarean, when you have surgery to deliver your baby

24/12/2022

You and your baby at 36 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 36 weeks

By 36 weeks, your baby's lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath after the birth.

The digestive system is fully developed and your baby will be able to feed if they're born now.

You at 36 weeks

From around now, you may be aware of a tightening feeling in your lower tummy from time to time. These are a normal part of pregnancy, known as Braxton Hicks contractions – your uterus is "practising" for the tightenings, or contractions, of labour.

Find out about signs that labour has begun and what happens.

When contractions become longer, stronger and more frequent, it can be a sign that labour is starting.

Information:
Call your midwife or hospital when your contractions are in a regular pattern, coming every 5 minutes and lasting at least 60 seconds.
It can help to keep a record of how long your contractions are and when they come, so you can tell your midwife when you call.

Things to think about

pack your bag for labour if you're planning to give birth in hospital or a midwifery unit
have all your important phone numbers handy (your midwife, hospital, any family and friends) in case labour starts
if you have children already, make childcare arrangements for when you go into labour
pain relief in labour, including things you can do yourself
epidurals: are there any side effects?
breastfeeding: positioning and attachment
washing and bathing your baby
During childbirth, your midwife or doctor may offer to help avoid a tear or help the baby out by making a cut (episiotomy) between the va**na and a**s (perineum).

18/12/2022

You and your baby at 35 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 35 weeks

Your baby is curled up in the uterus now, with legs bent up towards their chest.

There's little room to move about, but they'll still change position, so you'll still feel movements and be able to see them on the surface of your bump.

If your baby is a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend from his abdomen into his sc***um.

You at 35 weeks

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

Find out about premature labour and birth.

You'll probably find you need to slow down because the extra weight makes you tired, and you may get backache.

You should still be feeling your baby move, right up until they're born. If you notice any change in your baby's movements, call your midwife straight away so your baby can be checked.

Do not use a home handheld device (Doppler) to check your baby – these are not reliable, and even if you hear a heartbeat this does not guarantee your baby is well.

Things to think about

tips for your birth partner
what you'll need for your baby, including clothes
what happens when your baby needs help to be born with forceps or vacuum delivery
your newborn baby: what to expect

04/12/2022

You and your baby at 34 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 34 weeks

Your baby's bones are continuing to harden, apart from the skull bones. These will stay soft and separated until after the birth to make the journey through the birth canal easier.

The bones can move gently and slide over each other so the head can be born safely while still protecting the brain.

You at 34 weeks

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that sometimes develops in pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks, and it can be serious.

The blood pressure and urine checks you're offered at your midwife appointments check for the early signs.

Know the others signs of pre-eclampsia to look out for, including a bad headache, swelling and vision problems.

Gas and air (Entonox) is a form of pain relief you can be offered in labour, including at a home birth.

Find out more about pain relief in labour, including gas and air.

Things to think about

what you'll need for your baby
when to pack your bag for labour, and what to put in it
how to make a birth plan to note your preferences for labour and birth
The Start4Life site has more about you and your baby at 34 weeks pregnant.

You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

27/11/2022

You and your baby at 33 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 33 weeks

By 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's brain and nervous system are fully developed.

You at 33 weeks

Too much caffeine in pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or your baby being born with a low birthweight.

If you're pregnant, do not have more than 200 milligrams (200mg) of caffeine a day – that's about the same as 2 mugs of tea, plus 1 can of cola.

Heartburn or acid reflux in pregnancy is common, caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach.

Changes to your diet and lifestyle may be enough to control your symptoms. If not, your midwife or GP can recommend treatment.

Find out how you can ease indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy.

Your placenta grows in your womb during pregnancy. It brings oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and takes waste products out of your baby's blood.

Things to think about

What happens if your baby is breech – some babies may be born bottom first or feet first (breech).

Learn about pain relief in labour, including things you can do yourself.

You may get help to buy food and milk with the Healthy Start scheme if you're pregnant or have a child under 4 years old and receive certain benefits, or you're under 18.

26/11/2022

You and your baby at 32 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 32 weeks

By about 32 weeks, the baby is usually lying with their head pointing downwards, ready for birth. This is known as cephalic presentation.

If your baby is not lying head down at this stage, it's not a cause for concern – there's still time for them to turn.

The amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus is increasing, and your baby is still swallowing fluid and passing it out as urine.

You at 32 weeks

Being active and fit during pregnancy will help you adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It can also help you cope with labour and get back into shape after the birth.

Find out about exercise in pregnancy.

You may develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is not harmful to your baby, but it can cause severe pain and make it difficult for you to get around.

Find out about ways to tackle pelvic pain in pregnancy.

Read about the benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. It's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to feed your baby, and you do not have to make up your mind until your baby is born.

21/11/2022

You and your baby at 31 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 31 weeks

Your baby's lungs are developing rapidly, but your baby would not be fully able to breathe on their own until about 36 weeks.

You at 31 weeks

Your midwife and doctors will offer to check your blood pressure at every appointment. This is because high blood pressure can be harmful for you and your baby, and can be an early sign of pre-eclampsia.

Find out about the risks of high blood pressure (hypertension) and pregnancy. Other signs of pre-eclampsia include a bad headache, vision problems and pain below your ribs.

Knowing what to expect in the first few days of breastfeeding can help to get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Things to think about

where to give birth: the options, including epidural
Message Birthclassesuk about antenatal classes!

Week 31 – your 3rd trimester
This might be hard to believe, but you are almost there! You're very unlikely to go beyond another 9 or 10 weeks. You could have your baby in just 6 weeks, and this would not be considered early.

What's happening in my body?
Your baby and bump are still growing. In a couple of weeks, you will both go through a final growth spurt. Your baby still has lots of fattening up to do before the big day arrives.

If this is your first baby, then your midwife or doctor will probably check the size of your uterus (womb). This can be estimated by measuring up your stomach, from the top of your p***c bone, to the top of your bump.

They will also gently feel your belly to work out which way up your baby is positioned. Some babies will be head down, ready for birth. You may have felt your baby move into place and seen your bump shift downwards.

If your baby is head up, there's still time for them to get into position. Some babies will not move down into the pelvis ("engage") until labour starts.

If your baby stays head up, in the "breech" position, that could affect the type of birth you are able to have. In some cases, if the baby is in an awkward position, or the placenta is blocking their way down, then your midwife or doctor might recommend a caesarean. You can talk to them about the risks and benefits before you make a decision.

Feeding: breast or bottle
Have you thought about how you would like to feed your baby?

Breastfeeding is great for your baby because:

breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight infections
your baby is less likely to get stomach bugs and develop breathing problems
it's available whenever your baby needs it
Find out more about breastfeeding.

However, not everyone is able to breastfeed. There may be health reasons why you can't, for example if you are taking medication that could go into your breast milk, or if you're recovering from surgery. You can still get your baby off to a great start feeding with formula and lots of cuddles. Get advice about bottle feeding on the NHS website.

Right now, your baby will be practising sucking, which is a vital skill for feeding.

Baby sling safety
Many parents use a sling or baby carrier instead of a pram to keep their baby close to them. If you decide to use a sling, make sure you know how to use it safely, as a small number of deaths from suffocation have been linked to slings.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advises the safest slings are the ones that hold your baby solidly against your body, in an upright position. Make sure you can see your baby, that their face is not restricted, and their airways are always clear.

The “T.I.C.K.S” rule to keep your baby safe when wearing a sling or carrier is:

T – Tight

I – In view at all times

C – Close enough to kiss

K – Keep chin off the chest

S – Supported back

Read more about sling safety and the “T.I.C.K.S” rule on the RoSPA website.

3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 31 weeks)
Are you getting fake contractions? You may feel your bump tighten up for 20 to 30 seconds, then relax again (it should not hurt). These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions and often referred to as "practice contractions".

These are perfectly normal and harmless. However, if they're painful, or you start to get them at regular intervals, it could be a sign of early labour, so contact your midwife or doctor.

17/11/2022

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17/11/2022

You and your baby at 30 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 30 weeks

The sucking reflex is developing by now and your baby can suck its thumb or fingers.

The baby is growing plumper, and the skin begins to look less wrinkled and much smoother.

The white, greasy vernix and the soft, furry, fine hair (lanugo) that have covered your baby's skin for some time begin to disappear.

You at 30 weeks

Leg cramps at night are common at around 29 to 32 weeks.

You may find it hard to sleep because you cannot get comfortable. Try lying curled up on your side with a pillow between your legs and a cushion under your bump.

You might also find you need to p*e a lot – find out about common health problems in pregnancy.

Itching is common in pregnancy and often gets better with self care, but sometimes it can be a symptom of a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC).

Find out about itching and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Things to think about

what happens if your baby is breech
pain relief in labour, including things you can do yourself
Pregnancy can be a trigger for domestic abuse or violence, and existing abuse may get worse. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, and it puts you and your baby in danger.

If you're being abused by your partner or a family member, you can:

speak to your midwife or doctor
call the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247

16/11/2022

You and your baby at 29 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 29 weeks

Your baby continues to be very active at this stage, and you'll probably be aware of lots of movements. There's no set number of your baby's movements you should feel each day – every pregnancy is different.

You should be aware of your baby's own pattern of movements. If this pattern changes, contact your midwife or hospital to tell them.

You at 29 weeks

As your bump pushes up against your lungs and you have extra weight to carry around, you may feel breathless.

Your midwife will start to measure your abdomen around this time.

Swollen ankles are common in pregnancy.

Find out what you can do to avoid and ease swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy.

10/11/2022

Congratulations you are now in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

You and your baby at 28 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 28 weeks

By 28 weeks, your baby weighs around 1kg and is perfectly formed.

The baby's heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner may even be able to hear it by putting an ear to your bump, but it can be difficult to find the right place.

Your baby keeps putting on weight, as more and more fat appears under the skin.

You at 28 weeks

At your 28-week antenatal appointment, your midwife or doctor will:

measure your blood pressure
test your urine for protein
discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment
Heartburn or acid reflux is common in pregnancy. It can be uncomfortable but is not harmful.

Find out how to avoid indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy and how to ease the symptoms.

If you've been told your blood type is rhesus negative, you'll be offered an injection in pregnancy to protect your unborn baby. You'll be offered tests for your blood and your baby's blood at birth, and you may be offered a second injection to protect your babies in any future pregnancies.

Things to think about

The stages of labour and birth and signs labour has started.

What happens when you have a caesarean section.

Exercise is good for you and your baby at any stage of pregnancy – find out about exercise in pregnancy and the sports and positions you should avoid.

10/11/2022

Your baby at 28 weeks
By 28 weeks, your baby weighs around 1kg and is perfectly formed.
The baby's heartbeat can now be heard through a stethoscope. Your partner may even be able to hear it by putting an ear to your bump, but it can be difficult to find the right place.
Your baby keeps putting on weight, as more and more fat appears under the skin. You are now in your 3rd trimester . For more information about you in pregnancy and to see how you need to prepare for birth go to https://www.facebook.com/Birthclassesuk

09/11/2022

Your baby at 27 weeks

By now your baby's heart rate will have slowed to around 140 beats per minute. This is still considerably faster than your own heart rate.

Your baby's brain, lungs and digestive system are formed but not fully mature and are still developing.

You at 27 weeks

Nosebleeds are quite common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Often there's nothing to worry about and they usually stop with a treatment you can do yourself.

Find out more about treating a nosebleed.

Not everyone gets stretch marks. If you do, they may appear on your tummy, thighs or breasts. Stretch marks are not harmful and there's no treatment for them, but they usually fade with time.

Things to think about

how your birth partner can help during labour
have you had your whooping cough vaccination? If not, ask your midwife or GP

07/11/2022

You and your baby at 26 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 26 weeks

The baby's eyelids open for the first time around now and they will soon start blinking. It's not until some weeks after the birth that your baby's eyes become the colour they will stay.

You at 26 weeks

Pregnancy and birth can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor and you may notice you leak p*e when you cough, sneeze or strain your stomach muscles.

Your pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscles inside your body that stretch like a hammock from the p***c bone (in front) to the end of the spine.

Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles so they work better.

Things to think about at 26 weeks

Find out if you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

You can download a birth plan template to fill in and save, stating your preferences for labour and birth, such as pain relief, and the positions you would like to be in.

You will be advised to have the whooping cough vaccination between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy – ask your midwife or GP if you have not had yours yet.

Read about travelling safely in pregnancy.

Massaging your perineum (the area between your va**na and a**s) from 35 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the chance of tearing, needing a cut (episiotomy), and postnatal perineal pain in those having their first va**nal birth.

Varicose veins are common in pregnancy – find out about common health problems in pregnancy.

Start4Life has more about you and your baby

05/11/2022

Photo how your bodies organs move to accommodate your baby.

You and your baby at 25 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 25 weeks

The baby is moving about a lot and responds to touch and sound. A very loud noise may make them jump and kick, and you'll be able to feel this.

Your baby is regularly passing urine into the amniotic fluid. Sometimes the baby may get hiccups and you can feel the jerk of each hiccup.

You at 25 weeks

You may have some swelling in your hands or feet. This might be caused by water retention, which is normal – try resting and lifting up your swollen feet to ease it.

Be sure to mention any swelling to your midwife or GP so they can take your blood pressure and rule out a condition called pre-eclampsia, which can cause swelling.

Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include severe headache, vision problems such as blurring or flashing lights, and pain under the ribs.

It's common to get backache in pregnancy as your bump grows and your body prepares for labour and birth.

Find out ways to cope with back pain in pregnancy and how to protect your back.

Things to think about

Are you drinking too much coffee? See how much caffeine you can safely have in pregnancy.

If you're taking maternity leave from work, you need to tell your employer in writing at least 15 weeks before your baby is due – this is when you're 25 weeks pregnant.

If you're entitled to maternity allowance, you can claim from when you're 26 weeks pregnant.

Find more information on maternity allowance and other benefits for families at GOV.UK.

Find out about infections that can harm you or your unborn baby, including toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and rubella, and how to protect yourself against them.

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