Day 257 of 280, third trimester
You are 36 weeks and 5 days
Don't worry about embarrassing yourself in labor; your caregivers have seen it all before.
23 days until your due date
Many women worry about losing control in labor, for example urinating or passing stool while pushing. You may well pass a little stool when you push, but you probably won't notice; your doctor will simply wear gloves and remove it with gauze. The reality is that in the throes of labor you really won't care, you'll just want the baby out!
Ask a Panel
What if I can't deal with the pain of labor?
Doctor: If you're worried, look into the pain-relief options before labor so you know what's available, even if you don't plan to use it. There's no shame in departing from your birth plan; the goal is a healthy baby while keeping your energy and spirits up. Ask for pain relief as soon as you feel things are getting away from you.
Mom: In labor, the pain literally took my breath away, and I really felt I couldn't go on. Changing position, walking around, and using a birthing ball were good distractions, even if they passed the time more than relieved the pain, and I chanted "You can do it!" over and over. I dimly remembered that when the pain is at its worst you've reached "transition," the start of the delivery itself, and knowing I was near the end helped, even if it seemed a long time coming. Focus on how much you want your baby in your arms, and see every contraction as one step closer.
Midwife: Moms who are prepared for the pain often find it's not as bad as they feared and cope with breathing exercises and massage. The best advice is to know your limits: if the pain is unbearable, ask what options are available to take the edge off. No woman can predict how her labor will go, and babies sometimes lie awkwardly or enjoy life inside a little too much to arrive promptly. Take it one step at a time, and when you've had enough, save your energy by getting the help you need. Any woman who delivers a healthy baby has had a successful delivery, and that's what matters most.
Explainer
Keep an open mind about pain relief
You won't know how you'll handle the pain, or what your pain threshold is, until you're actually in labor, so keep your options open.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 36 weeks pregnant guide
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.