Hello aida! 32 weeks pregnant

No wonder you're starting to feel huge - it's crowded in there! The growing pressure on your bladder may mean frequent trips to the loo — which can make a good night's sleep difficult. You may be gaining around 500g / 1lb a week now and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next seven weeks, fattening up for survival outside the womb. Thanks to these fatty deposits, his skin is getting plumper and looking healthier.

How your baby's growing

If your baby's a boy, his testicles have probably moved into his scrotum. Sometimes, one or both testicles don't get into position until after birth but don't worry. Undescended testicles often correct themselves before the first birthday. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

How your life's changing

You're probably gaining around 450g /1 lb a week now, and roughly half of that goes straight to your baby. In fact, he gains a third to half of his birth weight during the next seven weeks, fattening up for survival outside the womb. Thanks to these fatty deposits, his skin is getting plumper and healthier looking. Follow our tips for eating well over the next few weeks.

It's hard enough to get to sleep when you're pregnant without worrying about whether you're disturbing your husband too. Follow our tips for a safe night's snooze. If you're concerned that sex in the final months will harm your baby, stop worrying. For most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their waters break and may even help jump-start labour, if the baby's overdue. So go for it!

Planning ahead

Midwives often recommend staying at home for as long as possible in the early phase of first stage labour. You could use a TENS machine to take the edge off the pain as the strength of the contractions increases - you may be able to hire one from your hospital (you need to check ahead of time) or your antenatal class instructor.

Hello aida! 31 weeks pregnant

Don't panic if you feel your baby moving less frequently now. She's got less room to move in your uterus and can't do the backflips and somersaults you're both used to. As long as you can feel her squirming from time to time, she's fine. By this stage, most babies have turned head down into the "cephalic" position ready for birth. A few take a little longer and a few remain stubbornly upright in the "breech" position. If your baby is breech, there's still time for her to turn.

You are now 31 weeks pregnant (or in your 32nd week if that's how you prefer to count it).

How your baby's growing

Your baby's movements are probably changing - they may seem less frequent and less forcefulmore information on your baby's development this week. because she's running out of room in your uterus and can't turn somersaults any more. Your baby can now move her head from side to side, her organs are continuing to mature and a layer of fat is being laid down beneath her skin. Read

How your life's changing

Until your baby drops down into your pelvis (at about 37 weeks for first pregnancies and not until delivery if you've already had a baby), you may be feeling breathless, as though you can't get enough air. This happens because your uterus has grown so large it presses up against your diaphragm - the large flat muscle that aids breathing. Relaxing helps, so try to rest as much as possible. Resting can also help if your baby is measuring small for dates.

Is your bump giving you backache? Switch to low-heeled shoes if you haven't already and avoid heavy lifting, which puts a strain on your softened ligaments. You may be able to get a maternity corset or belt which supports your back and holds you in place - not sexy but helpful if you find getting around uncomfortable. A lot of women experience hip pain as pregnancy progresses and, in some women, the ligaments supporting the pelvis loosen so much that the joint that holds the pelvic bones together doesn't work properly. This condition is called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and is very painful. Oh, the joys of pregnancy!

If you and your husband are getting nervous about the big day, it may help to go over what you learned in your antenatal classes and practise the breathing exercises you've learnt. Why not run through which pain relief methods you’d be prepared to try and in what order. Will you be going straight for an epidural or are you planning to use entonox for as long as possible. And what are your views on pethidine?

Pregnancy tip: choosing a focal point

"I'm 32 weeks pregnant, and at my classes they've been telling us to concentrate on a focal point during labour. Anything from a picture to a crack in the wall or ceiling can work, so long as it helps you relax and distracts you." - Anonymous
• Share your tips!

Things to consider

Balancing work and your pregnancy can be hard work. Look out for our helpful hints.

If your last baby was born prematurely, this may be an anxious time. Find out if you're likely to go into early labour again?

The glucose tolerance test - what it is and why you may be offered one.

Reading up about Caesareans will mean you know what to expect if you have one.

What isn't safe to eat in pregnancy.

Did you know the hospital may offer you an enema in early labour? You can say no! Find out more.

---

Hello aida! 30 weeks pregnant

Good news - at this point your baby's lungs and digestive tract are nearly mature, meaning she'll do much better in the event of premature birth. Researchers also believe your baby can actually see now, in utero, but no-one knows exactly how much she can make out. She's also becoming more cramped in your uterus and less able to move so freely, although when she does move, it's very noticeable.

You are now 30 weeks pregnant (or in your 31st week if that's how you prefer to count it).

How your baby's growing

From now on, your baby will gain weight fast. His lungs and digestive tract are nearly mature and he's probably been able to open and shut his eyes for a while now, so he can see inside you. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

How your life's changing

You've probably gained quite a bit this month - typically 1.4-1.8 kg/3-4 lb. Gaining 450 g/1 lb a week is quite normal during the last three months. Your baby's demands for nutrients are at their greatest in the final pre-birth growth spurt. You may love or loathe your increasing size - either way, remind yourself of 50 reasons why it's great to be pregnant.

It's never too late to stop smoking, as your baby will benefit from an increased oxygen supply within days of you quitting. Try to encourage those close to you who smoke to give up, too - not only will this help you to stop smoking but it may help your baby in the longer term. Research has shown that babies are at higher risk of cot death / SIDS if a parent or caregiver smokes around them.

Getting a good night's sleep can become more difficult again in the third trimester. As your bump grows, getting and staying comfortable is harder and you may find pressure on your bladder means midnight trips to the loo make an unwelcome but necessary return. Vivid dreams can also affect the quality of your sleep leaving you feeling disturbed or inspired! Don't forget to ask your husband about his dreams, too.