Pregnancy > Month-by-Month Pregnancy Guide

Mother
Even though you may be feeling as big as a house, your previous digestive problems and shortness of breath should ease up as the baby's head drops into your pelvic cavity. Sleeping will become more difficult, and you may be having more Braxton Hicks contractions, which will give you a chance to practice your breathing techniques. You will probably be attending your antenatal clinic at least every two weeks. Try to rest as much as possible and avoid standing for long periods of time. You may have a heavy vaginal discharge; use sanitary pads for protection, never tampons.

By the 40th week, you will probably be feeling very heavy and tired. You may have pain in your groin and pins and needles in your legs as the baby presses into your pelvis. Your skin may feel tight and stretched. Braxton Hicks contractions may increase in frequency and in strength. Now it's only a matter of time!

Baby
Your baby is now fully formed and, if it is a boy, his testicles should have descended. His fingernails are surprisingly long and he may have scratched himself. The vernix has mostly disappeared. He will gain weight at the rate of about an ounce per day during the last month before the birth.