You
If your baby is breech, encourage him to turn by spending some time each day on hands and knees – this maximises space so he can manoeuvre into the best position. (Doctors can help too, by manipulating your bump, persuading your baby to turn.) Spending time on hands and knees also helps your baby settle into a position with his spine running along your belly (anterior). If he lies spine to spine (posterior) labour is likely to be longer.
Your baby
Most babies will be head down by now, but 4% will remain breech (either feet or bottom down) at the time of the birth. As your baby grows and room in the womb shrinks, changing position will become harder.
In the swim
You may be starting to feel heavy, but it’s important to keep up a gentle exercise routine. From now on swimming will be the best option. It gives all parts of the body a work out, yet can be done at a gentle pace with the water supporting the weight of your bump. Make sure you have invested in a good maternity swimsuit that will see you through to the end of your pregnancy.
Back to front
Many babies lie in the posterior position because of the amount of time we spend slumped on a sofa or driving a car. Sitting like this, with knees higher than hips, encourages your baby to lie with his spine along your spine, which, if he stays in this position during labour, can make for a slower, more painful delivery. Try to sit up straight whenever you can, and spend a little time each day on all-fours so the baby can move around inside you.