You are 30 weeks exactly

You probably won't want to stop work yet, but you may need some adjustments if you're very tired.

70 days until your due date

Later in the third trimester, you may feel more tired than usual as the strain on your body shows. Things that never bothered you, such as standing for long periods or walking a lot, may get harder, and your commute may tire you much more. If so, see if you can change your hours to avoid the busiest times, and if you do travel in rush hour, don't be shy about asking for a seat.

If there's somewhere to rest at work, a short nap around midday or early afternoon may help.

Talk to your employer about making your job less physically demanding, or ask for help if you need to carry heavy files or walk long distances. With a few adjustments you should manage until your maternity leave starts, but above all, listen to your body: if you're tired, rest; if your feet and legs hurt, sit down.

Good to know

Using a birthing pool

Laboring and giving birth in water can relieve much of the pain, discomfort, and stress of childbirth, help you relax, and lower blood pressure. Research shows warm water on the lower back (where the nerves from the lower abdomen enter the spinal cord) can reduce labor pain, and levels of endorphins, natural painkillers, rise. Whether a birthing pool or a warm bath, water is a great way to cope with contractions.

If you give birth in water, the umbilical cord keeps supplying oxygen, but your baby must be brought to the surface quickly to start breathing. Water birth should be supervised by your doctor, and many birthing centers and hospitals now offer it; include it in your birth plan. It won't be recommended if your birth is high risk, and it's worth checking pool availability on your hospital tour.

Focus on

Twins: Cesarean birth

Twins are more likely to be delivered by cesarean than single babies, often planned in advance so the mother doesn't go into labor. It's major surgery, but it's often the best way for the babies to arrive and a small price for the mother.

Vaginal birth can be complicated for twins, especially the second, who goes through two rounds of contractions, and it's considered high risk if the babies are premature.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.

Using a birthing pool

Twins: Cesarean birth

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