Do you find yourself gasping for air sometimes? It could be that the baby is taking up some of your breathing space. Check with your doctor if you're worried. Even though the baby could be in ideal birth position, the blessed event is still at least one month away.

Your back may be feeling the strain, too, as the baby grows and presses against your spinal column. Try to get as many back rubs as you can from your partner; they can really help minimize your discomfort. Wind down your workload if possible so that you can get the rest you'll need for next month's “Big Event.”

Presenting … Baby!

What's happening with baby? The baby should be in a “presenting” position now, with head down. Not all babies do this, however, and some who decide to stay breeched at this point have good reason for doing so (i.e., the cord is around its neck or a limb). Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of turning a breech baby now; many doctors do not want to take the risk of hurting you or the baby and may recommend a Cesarean section to lessen the dangers. Baby can be sixteen to eighteen inches long and weigh about three and a half to five pounds.

Here's what you might write about in this month's journal entry:

• What you were feeling this month

• Dreams you had this month that worried you or made you laugh

• Fun things you did together (i.e., baby showers, room preparation, etc.)

• Childbirth classes and how they went

• What the doctor said at this month's checkup