Overview
You are getting close to the birth of your child, and you will start to notice common changes and early signs of labour very soon. For months, you've been taking care of yourself and the baby. Now you can still take steps that will help you have a healthy labour and birth. You can take classes to help prepare for the birth. You also can talk with your doctor about what you would like to happen during your labour.
In the last 2 months of your pregnancy, your baby becomes too big to move around easily inside the uterus and may seem to move less. At the end of your pregnancy, your baby probably will settle into a head-down position and your healthcare provider will be checking your baby’s position regularly. You will likely feel some pressure in your pelvis as you get close to the birth.
You may notice moments when your belly (uterus) tightens and becomes firm to the touch, then relaxes. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions, which sometimes occur as often as every 10 to 20 minutes. These contractions usually stop after a few hours. (True labour pains continue or increase if you move around.)
Rupture of your membranes ("breaking of the water") often is a sign that labour has started or is about to start. This happens when a hole or tear develops in the fluid-filled bag (amniotic sac) that surrounds and protects your baby. You may feel a huge gush of water or a steady trickle of fluid. Call your doctor, or midwife, or nurse advice line or go to the hospital if you think this has happened. Contractions may start, or if you are already having contractions, they may get stronger.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter H862 in the search box to learn more about "Preparing for Childbirth: Care Instructions".