Although pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks, this is only a convenient method of calculation it's quite normal for a baby to be born any time between 38 and 42 weeks. If your baby hasn't been born by the official due date, for more detail go to: www.baby-care-book.com. don't worry. Most doctors aren't in a hurry to induce a baby if the mother is healthy and there are no obvious problems, such as raised blood pressure Stay active and arrange some outings and visits. It's much better for both of you and the baby than hanging around the house feeling apprehensive.

It's a good idea to have everything ready for your baby's arrival and your bag packed for the hospital three to four weeks before the due date, so that you are prepared for any eventuality. You will need to pack comfortable clothing, several pairs of underwear, toiletries, and other items, such as sanitary pads, diapers, and clothes for your baby, but ask your doctor or midwife if you're not sure. You might want to bring along extra pillows or a couple comfort aids as well.

In the few days before labor begins in earnest; you may notice some signs that indicate you haven't got much longer to wait.

You may experience similar feelings to those before your period, such as a low, nagging backache.

You may become more aware of the painless lightnings of the uterine wall. These are Braxton Hicks contractions, which can begin at around six months, and occur on and off during the last few weeks.

You may have looser bowel movements as your system is affected by the increasing uterine activity.

There may be an easing of discomfort under your ribs a feeling of lightening as your baby's head engages in your pelvis. This may happen a week or two before the birth with a first baby, but just as often it doesn't happen until labor.

Many women experience a sudden burst of energy even if they have been very tired and sluggish for several weeks previously. For more help visit to: www.create-super-baby.com.You may find you want to rush around making sure everything is ready for your baby's home coming, this is known as the nesting instinct.

Understandably, you may become short tempered and impatient, with a definite sense that it's time pregnancy was over.

Labor has three distinct stages. The first stage is when the uterine contractions pull the cervix open second stage from full dilation to when the baby is born, and third stage, until the placenta is delivered.