Third trimester worries: What to do and what NOT to do

With two trimesters already under your belt, you've long since mastered the art of worrying – and perhaps even managed to ease some of those worries. In the third trimester, you'll have plenty of opportunity to use your newfound coping skills as the final countdown to delivery day begins.

1. I'm worried that I won't figure out that I'm really in labour until I'm about to give birth. We've all read stories about women giving birth in grocery stores because they didn't realize that it was "the real thing" until it was too late. Fortunately, these types of deliveries are relatively rare. While you might have your doubts initially about whether you're dealing with true labour or a particularly nasty imitation, as your labour progresses, you'll have a better idea about what is (or isn't) going on. And even if you're still stumped at that point, your doctor or midwife will be able to step in and help you to make the definitive call

2. I'm concerned that I'll show up at the hospital only to find out that I'm not really in labour. It can happen to the best of us. (Heck, it even happened to my prenatal instructor!) While it may be a bit embarrassing and frustrating to race to the labour and delivery ward only to find out that you're still as pregnant as ever, no one will think any less of you for wanting to check things out. After all, it's a far wiser woman who heads off to labour and delivery prematurely than she who gives birth at the side of the highway!

3. I'm worried that my water will break while I'm dining out at a fancy restaurant. Here's a statistic that may help to reassure you: only 10 per cent of women experience the rupture of their membranes prior to the onset of labour. So unless you're planning to head for the restaurant after the contractions start coming fast and furious, odds are you'll be fine. And even if your water did happen to break in the middle of the restaurant, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Contrary to popular belief, there's no sudden gush unless you're flat on your back. Otherwise, your baby's head would act like a cork, blocking the exit to your uterus and slowing the flow of amniotic fluid to a mere dribble. So while you'd be acutely aware that something unusual was happening (imagine a slight popping sensation followed by a slow leak!), no one else in the restaurant would have to be any the wiser.

4. I'm petrified that I won't be able to cope with the pain of labour. Given the number of scary stories you've no doubt heard over the past nine months, it's hardly surprising that you're being hit with a bad case of stage fright. The best way to combat this particular fear is to arm yourself with the facts. Read as much as you can about giving birth. Sign up for childbirth classes. And talk to your doctor or midwife about your various pain relief options. If you're still feeling pretty freaked out, remind yourself that generations of women have walked this road before and lived to tell. You will, too.

5. I'm worried that I'll lose control during labour. Fortunately, labour has not yet become a spectator sport, so you don't have to be unduly concerned about your "performance." Your doctor or midwife has seen it all and certainly won't think any less of you if you happen to grunt, swear, or otherwise "lose it" during the heat of labour. And as for your partner recoiling in horror, that's one worry you can strike off your list right now. He won't be inclined to take note of anything so trivial: he'll be too busy witnessing a miracle.