What's happening in my body?

At your antenatal appointment, around now, your midwife or doctor will measure the size of your bump with a tape measure, check your blood pressure and look for any protein in your urine that could indicate that you've got a dangerous condition called pre-eclampsia. This tends to strike in the second half of pregnancy or after the baby is delivered.

If you're having a planned caesarean, otherwise known as an elective caesarean, then you'll probably be booked in when you're at least 39 weeks' pregnant. This is to give your baby's lungs the best chance of being fully developed.

You'll have a chat about what might happen if you go beyond 41 weeks. There could be risks for you or the baby, so you may be offered induction. This is where labour can be brought on artificially by putting a tablet or gel in your vagina. Around 1 in 5 labours are started this way.

Tell us about your pregnancy!

We hope you're having a happy pregnancy. Please contact us through Start4Life's Facebook page and let us know how you're getting on. Have you found this website useful? Do you have any tips for other mums? Send us a picture, as we'd love to see you with your bump or your baby!

5 tips for a happy home birth

Around 1 in 50 women in England have their babies at home, supported by a midwife. Here are some tips for a happy, healthy home birth…

1. Be super-organised and have everything put aside for the big day. That includes something to wear in labour, a nursing bra, breast pads, maternity pads, and new baby essentials. Plus keep the fridge stocked up. You won't want to nip to the shops – guaranteed!

2. Plan pain relief with your midwife – will you need to buy or borrow a TENS machine, birthing ball, or aromatherapy oils? How about a birthing pool? You can arrange for your midwife to bring Entonox (gas and air) and pethidine on the day.

3. Put aside some towels and waterproof sheets – you'll need them to soak up the fluids. Worrying about the carpet should be the last thing on your mind!

4. Think about the atmosphere you'd like to create – will you burn scented candles and play your favourite music?

5. Have a bag packed just in case there are complications and you need to get to hospital in a hurry. This is more likely to happen if it's your first baby.

Flexibility's the key, whatever type of birth you choose. Ultimately your baby's the boss – and all everyone wants for you is a safe, peaceful delivery.

Third trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 38 weeks)

One new symptom this week could be frustration or even boredom. It really won't be long now, but the wait can be maddening!

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• tiredness and sleeping problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your pregnant belly, caused by your expanding womb (round ligament pains)
• piles
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches - this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair
• symptoms from earlier weeks, caused by pregnancy hormones, such as mood swings, morning sickness, weird pregnancy cravings, a heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Tommy's the baby charity has produced a pregnancy guide with a further list of symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 49.8cm long from head to heel, and weighs just over 3kg. That's approximately the length of 3 carrots and the weight of 3 butternut squash.

In the second trimester, your baby was covered in a furry coat of soft, downy hair (lanugo). That's mostly gone now, although some babies are born with patches here and there.

Your baby is storing up some sticky green slime in their bowels (meconium). This is made up of everything they swallow in the womb, including bits of amniotic fluid and hair. It will normally come out after the birth as the first poo. If the baby does a poo during labour, it can be a sign of distress and your baby will need close monitoring.

This week's treat

Feeling hot? It's really easy to overheat, due to your hormones, increased blood volume, and extra baggage on board. To beat the heat, buy a small bottle with a spray top from your local chemist. Fill with water and add a dash of your favourite perfume, if you can still stand the smell! Pop this in the fridge and then spritz your body when the temperature soars.

Go back to week 37

Go to week 39