Your baby
Your baby continues to be very active at this stage, and you'll probably be aware of lots of movements. There is no set number of movements you should feel each day – every pregnancy is different. You should be aware of your baby's own pattern of movements, and if this pattern changes contact your midwife or hospital to tell them.
The sucking reflex is developing by now and your baby can suck its thumb or fingers.
The baby is growing plumper and the skin begins to look less wrinkled and much smoother.
The white, greasy vernix and the soft, furry lanugo (fine hair) which have covered your baby's skin for some time begin to disappear.
Your baby's eyes can focus now. The lungs are developing rapidly, but your baby wouldn't be fully able to breathe on its own until about 36 weeks.
By about 32 weeks the baby is usually lying with their head pointing downwards ready for birth. This is known as cephalic presentation. If your baby isn't lying head down at this stage, it's not a cause for concern – there is still time for them to turn.
The amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus is increasing, and your baby is still swallowing fluid and passing it out as urine.
You
As your bump pushes up against your lungs and you have extra weight to carry around, you may feel breathless.
Leg cramps at night are 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 pass urine a lot as well. You can find out about more common pregnancy health problems.
If this is your first baby, your midwife or GP will measure the size of your womb and check which way up the baby is when you are 31 weeks pregnant. They will also measure your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and discuss the results of any screening tests from your last appointment.
Find out about the stages of labour and what happens.
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 (female partners can take paternity leave too) they also need to inform their employer at this time.
Maternity Allowance
If you're entitled to, you can claim Maternity Allowance from when you are 26 weeks pregnant. GOV.UK has information about benefits when you're expecting or bringing up children.
Starting your birth plan
Think about your preferences for labour and birth, such as 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.
You can save a to-do list online to keep track of all the essentials for your pregnancy.
Warning signs during pregnancy
High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
High blood pressure and protein in the urine are signs of pre-eclampsia, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
Severe itching
Severe itching at any stage of pregnancy can be a sign of the rare liver disorder obstetric cholestasis.
Pregnancy week by week
Find out what's happening to you and your baby at:
0-8 weeks pregnant
9, 10, 11, 12 weeks pregnant
13, 14, 15, 16 weeks pregnant
17, 18, 19, 20 weeks pregnant
21, 22, 23, 24 weeks pregnant
25, 26, 27, 28 weeks pregnant
33, 34, 35, 36 weeks pregnant
37, 38, 39, 40 weeks pregnant
Over 40 weeks pregnant
