You have made it to your last trimester! You will see your GP/midwife more at this stage and could have appointments every week until you go into labour.

It is normal for your baby to be born any time between 37 and 42 weeks.

If your blood is Rhesus negative, you will be given an Anti-D injection at this time. It is really important that you get these injections because they protect the baby from antibodies.

In the last couple of weeks of your pregnancy, you might start thinking about:

• Packing your bag so you are ready if you go into labour.
• Getting a few things for the baby: car seat, clothes, blankets, nappies, face clothes

For you:

• Bottles of water or a sports drink to keep you hydrated (NB: like Gatorade not Red Bull, etc!!!)
• 2-3 nightdresses
• Socks
• Slippers
• Wash stuff
• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Loose underwear and bra
• 2 pairs of pajamas
• Clothes to go home in
• Nightgown
• Phone charger
• Pads for bleeding
• Breast pads for leaking
• Face cloths
• Towels
• Snacks (water, food, etc.)
• Money for parking and nappies

For the baby:

• Nappies
• Wipes
• Powder/cream
• Baby grows
• Vests
• Hat
• Cardigans
• Socks
• Bibs and blanket
• Baby towel
• Car Seat (you won’t be able to leave the hospital without this)

You may want to think about who want as your main visitor as hospitals are strict about visitors.

If you have any late pregnancy concerns or issues, call your GP right away and they will tell you if you need to go to the hospital.  If you think there is a serious problem, call 999 or 112.

 You may feel:

• Out of breath sometimes
• Heartburn
• Uncomfortable
• Cramps in your leg

Labour pains feel different for every woman – these are called contractions. Some women say it feels like:

• Bad period cramps
• Pressure in the lower part of the stomach/hip
• Pain in your back and stomach
• Burning feeling in stomach
• Squeezing, stretching heat
• Pressure in your stomach
• Bad stomach ache
• Your water might break before contractions start (sometimes it doesn’t)
• You might get a show or having some spotting

You don’t always need to go the hospital right away, contact the hospital or your midwife and they will tell you what to do next. Remember to:

• Stay calm
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat small, light meals for energy
• Sitting up/walking to ease the pain
• Have a bath/shower if you can

Mild contractions: 15-20 minutes apart and last less than a minute (stay at home)

Regular contractions: Less than 5 minutes apart (stay at home but start getting ready to go to the hospital)

Strong contractions: 3-4 minutes apart and lasts more than a 1 minute (go to the hospital)

You will be assessed by the nurse or midwife. If you are in labour, you will be admitted by the hospital and monitored by the nurses.

They will:

• Look at your medical charts
• Ask you about contractions and if you’ve had a show
• Do an examination:
  • Check your blood pressure
  • Do a urine test
  • Measure your stomach
  • Check the baby’s heartbeat and position on the scan machine
  • Internal examination
• Ask you if you want pain relief

Some women like to have pain relief during labour, this will not harm you or your baby.  You can ask your nurse or midwife for pain relief.

• Gas and Air: This works right away but doesn’t last long.
• Pethidine: This is given through a needle in your bottom and helps with the pain but doesn’t get rid of it altogether. It takes about half an hour to work. It might make you sleepy and you might get sick.
• Epidural: This is given through a need in the back. You will feel numb from the waist down and after the epidural but some women feel numb all the way up to their neck. You will be awake after having an epidural, but you won’t be able to walk around as it might leave your legs numb after a few hours after the birth.

Induction: when your labour is started by a midwife by breaking your waters and putting you on a medicine in a drip. Your contractions will begin quickly and can be more painful.

• C-section (Caesarean section): This is an operation to get the baby out. The operation will be done after you have an epidural so you do not feel anything.
• Forceps birth: Forceps are used to help the baby get out. Some women might have some problems pushing out the baby or it might be in an awkward position (sometimes called ‘breach’).
• Suction: Sometimes a machine (‘vacuum’) needs to be used instead of the forceps to help the baby out.
• Episiotomy: A small cut just as the baby’s head comes up. It is done with a local anaesthetic. You will have stitches afterwards.

If you are unsure about any of these, ask your nurse or midwife in the hospital.

You will be taken into a private room where you will have your baby. A midwife or consultant will be there to help you deliver your baby.

You will be asked if you want the baby to be put on your stomach or chest, this is called skin-to-skin and it is really good for you and your baby. This helps the mother and baby bond, keeps the baby warm and helps with breastfeeding.

After delivery, the baby will be checked over and you will be brought back to the ward.

The nurse will come around to check on you and the baby and will ask about feeding. It is important that they know you are an Irish Traveller so they can test the baby for Galactosaemia. The baby will be put on a special feed until the test comes back. This shouldn’t take more than 2 days.

You won’t be able to breastfeed until this test comes back but if you want to breastfeed, tell the nurse or midwife as soon as possible and they can help you express the milk. They can also try to get the results back for you faster.

Important: If the baby isn’t tested and has the condition, breast milk or formula can be really harmful and can damage the baby’s brain.

If you and your baby are well, you may decide to go home early and have the midwife visit you at home.