Day 260 of 280, third trimester
You are 37 weeks and 1 day
Start preparing for the birth now; by being practical and positive, you can make it memorable for all the right reasons.
20 days until your due date
Probably the best way to remember as much as possible about your labor and your baby's birth is to be as healthy and rested as you can beforehand. This gives you the best chance of staying strong and clearheaded throughout.
Feeling strong and energetic may also help you stay upright and active in labor, reducing the need for pain relief such as Demerol (pethidine), which can sometimes cause memory loss and make the finer details harder to recall. Having your birth partner with you throughout helps too, as they can fill in any gaps later, and photos and videos are good prompts.
If there are parts you can't remember afterward, you can ask your doctor to let you see your birth notes. You might also like to write up your experience in a journal.
As a matter of fact
Hypnosis and labor
Being hypnotized during pregnancy can make you more confident in the run-up to labor. A study found that first-time mothers who had hypnosis also had shorter labors, pushing for an average of one hour in the second stage, compared with the usual two hours for a first baby.
Focus on
Dads: Health professionals and you
As the birth gets closer, and especially during labor, you'll have more contact with health professionals. They're a source of reassurance and knowledge, but as a man you may sometimes feel sidelined or that your opinion doesn't count, which can be very frustrating if you want to be closely involved.
Remember they're caring for the person who needs it most: your partner. If you want to be heard, write down your questions before you meet them. Labor nurses will do their best to help you feel involved and to support you in supporting your partner.
Keep in mind that your partner's most important relationship is with you, and a positive attitude from you can make a real difference to her pregnancy and birth. So be patient and persistent, but not pushy.
Explainer
Rest before labor
Get plenty of rest over the next few weeks so you're in the best frame of mind for labor and birth.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 37 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.