Day 272 of 280, third trimester
You are 38 weeks and 6 days
As you head into the final week, you're bound to feel a little anxious, but hopefully excited too.
8 days until your due date
It's normal to feel jittery about labor, especially with a first baby. Don't bottle up your feelings: share your worries with your partner, who may need reassurance too. If you have specific concerns, call your doctor; she's used to these worries and can put your mind at rest. Find ways to occupy your mind, even just crosswords, to stop yourself worrying.
Focus on
Dads: The stages of labor and you
The first stage of labor varies hugely: a woman may be in labor for days in one pregnancy and just hours in the next. As your partner's main support, you have the difficult job of taking charge, staying calm, and giving emotional and practical support. Don't hesitate to call the doctor; a short chat may help you judge how far through the first stage your partner is. Allow plenty of time to get to the hospital, and know the route well beforehand.
There may be times when your partner isn't lucid, but you know what she wants better than anyone, so it's your role to speak up for her with the medical staff when she can't, and to reassure and encourage her in the way that suits her.
In the second stage, when she's delivering the baby, support her in whatever position she chooses and give lots of encouragement. In the third stage, after the birth, you may cut the cord and hold your new baby while the placenta is delivered.
Ask a Doctor
What are the signs that it's too late to go to the hospital?
Generally, if you have an uncontrollable urge to push, it may be too late to reach the hospital before the baby arrives. If this happens, call your doctor, who will advise you and may send paramedics to deliver the baby. Or call the emergency ambulance service yourself and follow their advice while you wait for them to arrive.
Explainer
In it together
You're in this together, and you'll need each other more than ever in these final two weeks.
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.