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
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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.

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