A week by week guide to what’s happening to you and your baby

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

You may be noticing some swelling of your ankles and legs. Between 40 and 75 per cent of pregnant women will develop mild oedema. It's most common in late pregnancy, particularly on hot days or if you've been on your feet a lot. While mild swelling is normal, it's important to call your doctor or midwife if your hands or face begin to swell, if swelling lasts more than 24 hours or if it's accompanied by a rapid weight gain or a rise in your blood pressure - possible signs of pre-eclampsia. Your doctor or midwife will check your blood pressure, note the degree of swelling present and probably run a quick test to see if there is protein in your urine. Pre-eclampsia affects approximately five to ten per cent of pregnant women. Some studies indicate that proper nutrition can reduce your chances of developing this condition.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Your baby weighs three pounds and measures 14 inches from head to toe, or 27cm. Your baby's eyes may now be wide open. He or she may even have hair.

HEALTHY EATING

Larger babies are easier to care for and considerably healthier than underweight babies (defined as five-and-a-half pounds or less). So it's important to maintain healthy eating habits. Brain growth and development are rapid now, so a nutritionally sound diet is vital.

FACT OF THE WEEK What can you expect during labour? There are four stages to the childbirth process:

First Stage: Effacement and dilation of the cervix. On average, this lasts 12 to 14 hours for a first child and seven to eight hours for the second. There are three parts to this first stage of labour:
Early labour (up to four centimetres dilation): Spend this time at home, resting if possible. Contact your midwife or hospital.
Active labour (four to seven centimetres dilation): You will know you are in active labour when you have to stop and concentrate on a contraction. Now is the time to go to the hospital.
Transition (seven to ten centimetres dilation): Dilation occurs rapidly and can be quite intense. This can be a time of great vulnerability for the birthing woman and it is likely that she will need the constant support of her labour partner.

Second Stage: Your baby is moving through the birth canal. The second stage usually lasts no longer than two hours, less if this is not your first baby. This stage ends with the birth of your baby.

Third stage: Contractions continue and the placenta is expelled, usually within 15 minutes or so following the birth.

Fourth stage: Recovery. Feelings range from exhaustion to exhilaration, and everything in between.

Find out what to expect in week 31 of your pregnancy.

For a list of all the pregnancy week by week articles click here