During the third trimester we are seeing you in clinic every two weeks and then weekly from 36 weeks. At about 35 weeks you will have an extended appointment to discuss your birth plan and make sure we know how you wish to be cared for during labour. Your partner should also attend this appointment.

Baby’s movements may start to follow more of a pattern with movements being more marked in the evening or at bedtime. Many women do not sleep well in late pregnancy so make time for a rest during the day. Do call if you are worried that baby is moving less often or you experience any abdominal pain or bleeding.

Most women will go into labour within a few days of their due date. For some women it may be safer for their baby to be born earlier by induction or caesarean section and if we have any concerns about how or when your baby should be born we will discuss those with you. We will also organise closer monitoring of you and your baby if you are still pregnant after your due date.

You may also wish to express and store colostrum in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, particularly if an early birth is anticipated, you have had problems breastfeeding before or have diabetes in pregnancy. You can read or download a brochure from National Women’s Health with information on antenatal expressing and how to store colostrum here.