You are 39 weeks and 3 days

The inquiries may start flooding in this week, and it can feel as though the whole world is waiting for news of your baby.

4 days until your due date

In this final week, the weight of expectation can be immense, and it may feel as though everyone is waiting for you to pop, especially with a first baby. You'll probably cope this week, and may even enjoy the attention, but if you go overdue you might get frustrated by constant calls and repeating yourself. Be patient: people are simply excited for you and just as impatient as you are.

The due date doesn't help. Everyone has it in mind, but few babies stick to a schedule; they arrive when they're ready, and up to 42 weeks isn't really considered late by doctors. If it gets too much, let people close to you field the calls, and make it clear you'll be in touch as soon as there's news.

Ask a Doctor

Is it worth paying extra for a private room in the hospital?

It's entirely up to you. It's expensive, possibly a few hundred dollars a night, but some women find it money well spent. As well as more privacy and time to bond with your baby and partner, a private room is quieter, with fewer interruptions because staff aren't coming in to see a roommate. It can also help you rest at night, especially if you're a light sleeper.

Focus on

Your body: False labor

Toward the end of pregnancy you may have deep, painful twinges and practice (Braxton Hicks) contractions. It's easy to mistake these for the real thing and rush to hospital while your body is still practicing. You may also have regular contractions for a while that then stop. All of this is normal.

Losing your mucus plug is a sure sign labor is near, as is your waters breaking, but sometimes neither happens until labor is established, so don't panic if they don't. You'll definitely know you're in labor when contractions come regularly, about every 15 minutes (time the gaps), and get longer, stronger, and closer together, and don't go away when you walk around or change position.

Explainer

Keeping people posted

Text messaging is a handy way to stay in touch in the final days. A group "baby hasn't arrived yet" message saves a lot of calls.

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.

Is it worth paying extra for a private room in the hospital?

Your body: False labor

Keeping people posted

Appointments and key dates around now