34 weeks and 4 days pregnant

This 2D ultrasound has captured the moment that the baby is sucking his thumb. Your baby is gradually learning to co-ordinate this complex activity with breathing movements even though surrounded not by air but by the amniotic fluid.

Inside the uterus your baby is already practising the suckling reflex, which will enable him to feed when he’s born.

The suckling reflex is present earlier in pregnancy but it is known from assessing premature babies that it’s usually not until around this time that the baby is strong and co-ordinated enough to suckle with ease. Your baby regularly practises suckling and this, in combination with the rooting reflex, will enable him to feed.

After birth you will see the rooting reflex as your baby turns towards anything that strokes his cheek. The head will turn, and your baby will move his mouth in a series of gradually diminishing circles until the object is found. Once feeding is well established, at about four months, the rooting reflex disappears. From this point on, your baby has much more control over the process, and is able to turn and directly latch on to the nipple.

While in the uterus, there is no chance of your baby accidentally swallowing amniotic fluid into the lungs. The lungs are already filled with fluid and the high pressure of this, together with your baby’s larynx, keeps out amniotic fluid. After birth, babies have a series of reflexes designed to keep breathing and drinking separate. To help with feeding, babies always breathe through their nose.

My mum has offered to stay with us after the birth. Is this a good idea?

Some couples prefer to get to know their baby on their own, taking the first few days to settle in and get used to the idea of being new parents. It’s also good to try to do things your own way when it comes to caring for your newborn. Having said that, you’ll find an extra pair of hands invaluable.

It really depends on your relationship with your mum: if it’s good and you feel she’ll be supportive, then it’s more likely to help than hinder. However, gently establish some guidelines – namely that while you welcome her help, you’d like to do things your way and have space to bond with your baby. Encourage your mum towards helping around the house, rather than just with the baby, not least so that your partner doesn’t feel excluded at this important time.

You may find that you soon become too tired to shop.Try to buy items gradually, but there are certain things that it’s worthwhile purchasing by around 37 weeks, just in case you go into labour. First, buy those small babycare items you’ll need straight after the birth plus a car seat and a Moses basket or cot. You won’t need a pram immediately after the birth.

If going out shopping becomes difficult in late pregnancy, consider buying some items online.

By this stage of pregnancy you may not feel up to spending hours shopping for equipment and clothes for the baby. You can save a lot of time by getting catalogues from the major stores and making some preliminary decisions from the comfort of your armchair.