Brief Answer: EXPLAINED BELOW Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX It is really nice to hear from you again. SO finally the D - Day is close by ! AM sure you must be quite excited and apprehensive, but relax. It occasionally occurs that most women do not go into labour or feel any pains till the due date, and sometimes past that too, particularly if this is your first pregnancy. So dont worry on that score. A big bump and tummy stretching are to be expected, as this is the biggest your baby will grow inside the uterus ! The baby movement count is fine. THe movements would be perceived as less, because now the baby has grown bigger and has less space to move around and do somersaults :) If the birth gets delayed, there can be the following complications possible - 1. Amniotic fluid reduces. 2. Baby size increases making delivery difficult. 3. Baby can asphyxiate inside the uterus due to less fluid, and it can pass meconium ( stools ) past the due date, which it can aspirate inside and swallow. You need to take the following precautions - 1. ONce you cross your due date, please visit your obstetrician every 1 - 2 days. If she can see no complications or difficulties, you can wait for a week past your date for natural labour to set in, else induction of labour is advisable. 2. There are no special diets proven to help normal labour. Taking fresh , home made food and drinking lots of water will help. SOme old time practitioners recommend taking Castor oil orally, it is supposed to help in beginning contractions, again no scientific evidence supports this, and it is best to consult your doctor before taking it. 4. You should regularly count fetal movements. 5. NST ( non stress test ) should be done twice a week to check baby's heartbeat. 6. A sonogram, particularly measuring amniotic fluid levels should be done twice a week also, including Colour Dopper once a week. 7. Check up by your doctor is a must every 1 - 2 days after you cross your due date. 8. BE careful, and visit the hospital any time should you have pain, cramps, spotting, bleeding etc. 9. Pelvic antenatal exercises are specially taught to pregnant women, if you had enrolled in antenatal classes, if you did not , do not try any new exercise at this stage. Just daily walking is sufficient. If sexual intercourse has not been restricted for some reason, you can have sexual intercourse, it might sometimes start labour pains. If you / your husband are not against it, he can gently massage and stretch your perineum ( your doctor can specifically demonstrate how to do this ) - ironing of the perineum will help to induce labour. 10. By now, your doctor should have assessed your pelvis and your fitness to undergo trial of vaginal birth. There is no need to be hesitant about a C section as many women go through it. I understand your preference for a vaginal birth, and you should definitely try for it , in case a C section is done for inevitable circumstances, do not worry as it is quite safe for you too. All the best Please feel free to discuss further. WIsh you a happy journey into motherhood !

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