31 to 34 weeks of pregnancy

31 weeks pregnant: If this is your first baby, your midwife or doctor should:

– Review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests from the last appointment

– measure the size of your uterus and check which way up the baby is

– measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein.

34 weeks pregnant

• Your midwife or doctor will give you information about preparing for labor and birth, including how to recognize active labor, ways of coping with pain in labor and developing your birth plan.

They should also:

– review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests from the last appointment

– Measure the size of your uterus

– measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

– offer your second anti-D t treatment if your blood type is rhesus negative.

• Make arrangements for the birth. You can give birth at home, in a midwifery unit or in hospital. If you have children already, you may want to make childcare arrangements for when you go into labor.

• You may want to ask about whether tours of maternity facilities for birth are available.

• Think about who you would like to have with you during labor.

• Get your bag ready if you are planning to give birth in hospital or in a midwifery unit.

• You will probably be attending antenatal classes now.

• You may be more aware of your uterus tightening from time to time. These are mild contractions known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

• You may feel quite tired. Make sure you get plenty of rest.