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29-32 weeks
You and your baby at 29-32 weeks pregnant
 Your baby
When you're 30 weeks pregnant the baby’s head-to-bottom length is about 33cm. The baby is growing plumper so the skin, which was quite wrinkled before, is now smoother. The white, greasy vernix and the soft, furry lanugo (fine hair) begin to disappear. By about 32 weeks the baby is usually lying with her or his head pointing downwards, ready for birth.
You
As your bump pushes up against your lungs and you have extra weight to carry around, you may feel breathless.
Leg cramp at night is common around 29 to 32 weeks pregnant. You may find it hard to sleep because you can’t get comfortable. Try lying curled up on your side with a pillow between your legs and a cushion under your bump to see if it feels more comfortable. You might find you need to urinate a lot as well.
When you are 31 weeks pregnant, if this is your first baby, your doctor should measure the size of your womb and check which way up the baby is. They will measure your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment.
Things to think about
Maternity leave
If you are taking maternity leave from work, you need to tell your employer in writing at least 15 weeks before your baby is due. This is when you are 25 weeks pregnant. If your partner plans to take paternity leave they also need to inform their employer at this time.
Starting your birth plan
Think about your preferences for labour and birth, for example pain relief, and the positions you would like to be in. You can save your birth plan online, and also print out a blank version to fill in and discuss with your midwife.
Warning signs during pregnancy
· High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
High blood pressure in pregnancy can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
· Severe itching
Severe itching can be a sign of the rare liver disorder obstetric cholestasis.
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