Day 267 of 280, third trimester
You are 38 weeks and 1 day
With labor imminent, you're playing the waiting game, and staying active will make the time pass much more quickly.
13 days until your due date
You'll be resting a lot over the next two weeks. As you get bigger and more tired, it's natural to want to sit out the rest of your pregnancy at home with your feet up, letting voicemail field all the "Has it arrived?" calls! That's fine, but remember that the best way to encourage labor is to keep active, and the hormones released by even gentle walking will lift your mood and help you feel more positive when labor begins.
Give yourself one or two small tasks each day, such as lunch with a friend, a very gentle swim, or buying some last-minute baby items, and stop to put your feet up when you feel tired. Be sensible and avoid anything exhausting or potentially dangerous: your center of gravity is way off balance, so wallpapering the nursery or carrying heavy groceries should definitely not be on your list.
Life may feel on hold, which is why it helps to fill your time as best you can. Just remember that in a couple of weeks your newborn will be taking up all of it.
The lowdown
The power of music
Research shows that women who listen to music during labor tend to feel less stressed and are less likely to need pain relief, and there's some evidence that babies born to music are calmer. One study comparing different styles found classical instrumental music the most relaxing. Familiar tunes and rhythms can distract you from the pain and, with the right track, help you focus on your breathing. Put together a playlist well before labor.
Explainer
Finding the right soundtrack
Try out a range of music to find what you find most soothing or energizing. Labor is a bit like a mini-marathon, and the right tunes might help you reach the finish line.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 38 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.