Planning & Pregnancy

Third Trimester (24-40 weeks)

Time to think about your birth plan. Before deciding what kind of birth you would like and, ideally, what you would like to happen at the birth, talk to your partner and your midwife.
Ask your GP for your form MAT B1, which enables you to claim maternity allowance at any time after 26 weeks of pregnancy. In ROI please ask for your form SW11.
By 32 weeks, you should be thinking about preparing your hospital bag and checking you’ve got everything your baby will need.
As the third trimester of pregnancy continues, your bump becomes bigger until you may find it difficult to get about.
You’re feeling very tired but may experience bouts of energy which accompany those sudden urges to get organised for your baby’s imminent arrival.

By 24 weeks your baby’s able to suck his thumb, hiccup and cough!
By now, your baby has his own sleeping pattern and you’ll possibly be able to tell when he’s awake.
By about 32 weeks, your baby will have moved into position for the birth.
Your baby’s now fully formed and ready for action. He’s now just waiting for his big moment.

If you’ve not got a car seat for your baby, get one now. Don’t buy a second-hand car seat just in case it’s been damaged in an accident. Look for the latest European Safety Standards and ask the shop assistant to check the seat you have chosen is suitable for your car. You should also ask the shop assistant to show you exactly how to fit the seat in your car.