Between 28 and 40 weeks you’re on the countdown to meeting your baby. Here’s what you need to know about that final third.
Place a hand on your partner’s tummy and you should still be able to feel your baby moving. They’ll move even more between 29 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
At 32 weeks, movement will plateau but ignore anyone who says you can expect movement to stop after that. It’s a myth. Your baby should carry on moving until they are born.
Your baby is getting ready to come out and drink their milk. Their sucking reflex is developing between weeks 29 and 32 .
Other developmental milestones around now are your baby’s eyes starting to focus, and their brain and nervous system developing around week 33. Their bones are also starting to harden around this time, apart from their skull bones.
By 36 weeks your baby’s lungs will be fully formed and their digestive system prepared for milk.
Once your baby reaches 37 weeks, they’re considered full term. So from then on your child is ready to be born.
At 32 weeks, babies are usually lying with their head pointing down, in position for labour. If not, your midwife will speak to you about how you can help them along to change position.
If your partner is planning on giving birth at hospital or at a midwifery unit, she should have her bag ready at least two weeks before her due date. You can help your partner get this ready, and can find a list of things that she might need here.
Things you can pack for your baby include clothes, hat, mittens, booties, nappies, blankets and muslin squares.
Your baby will also need some things packed. Things you can pack for your baby include clothes, hat, mittens, booties, nappies, blankets, muslin squares and a car seat if you have a car.
But don’t forget about yourself, especially if you are staying overnight. In your bag, pack some loose change (if needed) for parking, toiletries, a change of clothes, phone, charger and glasses if needed. Some swimming trunks might be useful for you in case your partner goes into the pool.
You might also want something to pass time in case labour takes a while, which it might if your partner has an induction. For example, take a book or iPad with films loaded on to it.
Once your partner’s due date is near, keep your phone charged, close by and save any crucial numbers like the hospital or midwife.
Load the cupboards up before your partner gives birth. When the baby comes, you might all feel like hibernating for a while instead of queuing at the supermarket. Stock up on toilet paper, maternity pads, nappies, formula (if using) and pre-cooked meals in the freezer.
Have you organised somewhere for the baby to sleep? Now’s the time to get with a new mattress and clean bedding, ideally a Moses basket next to your bed in your room.
Practise fitting the seat before you put your baby in it for the first time
One of the first vital bits of kit you’ll need is a car seat for the baby if you’re driving home. Practise fitting it before you put your baby in it for the first time as it can take a while to get the hang of it. Plan your route to the hospital or midwifery unit where your partner will be giving birth. You’ll also want to make sure that the car has plenty of fuel if you’re driving.
If you are taking the baby home via public transport, you’ll need a pram or buggy. It’s a good idea to think about your route and step-free access, for instance.
It’s useful for dads-to-be to know about the signs of labour. That way you are both prepared. Look out for:
Your midwife might advise your partner to stay at home until her contractions are coming more closely together . Once contractions last at least 60 seconds, and come every five minutes, you should call the midwife. They can advise you whether you need to go to hospital or stay at home a while longer and relax.
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
