See what symptoms you should expect in your 39th week of pregnancy
After seeing countless fictional births on the big screen you might be anxious about your waters breaking when you're in the supermarket, at the bus stop or some similarly inconvenient time. In reality, less than 15% of women experience their waters breaking at the onset of labour and if you're in that percentage, then don't panic, you're also unlikely to experince a great rush of fluid.
If you're standing up then your baby's head will prevent much fluid leaking out, and you may not even notice leakage unless you are lying down. You'll know whether your waters have broken by smelling the fluid to check it isn't urine. Don't be concerned that the baby will have no fluid left, your body will continue to produce it until after birth, but you should still call your doctor or midwife immediately.Depending on circumstances they might recommend that you stay at home and wait for contractions to begin, or that you make your way to hospital.
Now find out what you should be doing this week...
