Tired and excited
This week your baby is around the size of a coconut.
Braxton Hicks are usually painless. Because you are under 37 weeks, if tightenings become painful or start coming regularly, call your midwife or maternity unit urgently — do not wait until the next day, even if it is the middle of the night.
Braxton Hicks are your bump tightening and then relaxing again — often called practice contractions. NHS describes them as usually painless, though they may feel uncomfortable; they generally do not last long, do not happen very frequently, and do not build up the way labour contractions do.
During pregnancy the ligaments in your body naturally soften and stretch to prepare you for labour, which can strain the joints of your lower back and pelvis. Flat, supportive shoes, resting when you can, a warm bath, and good back support when you sit help many people. Because back pain in the second or third trimester can sometimes be a sign of early labour, contact your doctor or midwife if it is new or worsening.
Pacing yourself and accepting help can make a real difference.
Your baby often settles toward a head-down position over the coming weeks.
Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.
