While your baby is still growing, your weight gain tapers off, and you may even lose a pound or so due to a drop in amniotic fluid production. Many more things are happening this month. Check off those you experience, note when they occur, and call your doctor or midwife with any questions.

__ Groin soreness

__ Backache

__ As your cervix thins and dilates (opens), the soft mucous plug keeping it sealed tight may be dislodged

__ Increased need to urinate

__ Feel shockwaves through your pelvis as your baby settles further down onto the pelvic floor

Braxton Hicks contractions may be more frequent this month as you draw nearer to delivery. You're close enough to be on the lookout for the real thing, however. You know you are experiencing real contractions when they:

• Are felt in the back and possibly radiate around to the abdomen.

• Do not subside when you move around or change positions.

• Increase in intensity with activity like walking.

• Increase in intensity as time passes.

• Come at roughly regular intervals (early on this may be from twenty to forty-five minutes apart).

• Other signs that labor is on its way include amniotic fluid leaks in either a gush or a trickle (your water breaking), sudden diarrhea, and the appearance of the mucous plug. For many women, the bag of waters does not break until active labor sets in.