Mum, are you not tired of this yet?

If you are having a planned caesarean section, delivery can safely take place on any day after this week. In some pregnancies where vaginal birth is planned, your doctor may induce labour.

Your baby's head and abdominal circumferences are approximately equal this week. Weight gain slows as fat storage decreases. Your own weight gain will also begin to slow.

Your baby's cheeks and sucking muscles are fully developed, and the baby continually swallows amniotic fluid. Cells shed from the digestive tract and skin, together with fine hairs, form the intestinal contents, or stool. This is called "meconium". Meconium is a dark green-black substance, and a baby in distress for any reason first passes stool.

You may occasionally experience sensations like an electric shock in your legs. These occur when the moving baby, settling into the pelvis, touches nerves around the uterus.

If your partner does not want to attend the birth, you can try to persuade them to accompany you. Most women feel more comfortable with their partner present. Do not press too hard, however: your partner may be uncomfortable around blood and reluctant to admit it. Some women dislike the idea of their partner seeing them during labour. If your partner wants to attend but you are uncomfortable, explain this openly and ask for understanding. If your partner insists despite your wishes, you can privately ask your doctor not to let them into the delivery room.