35 Weeks Pregnant

These days, there are plenty of safe and effective medical options that can take some of the labor out of labor and delivery. It is possible to create a birth plan that ensures little or no pain while you remain awake during the entire process and are able to greet your newborn as he emerges.

Make sure you know about all your labor pain relief options, including local anesthesia and breathing techniques. You may change your mind about the particulars as the time nears.

The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone can make the mucus membranes in your nose swell, making you feel all stuffy. (Little wonder this symptom is known as pregnancy rhinitis.)

To combat congestion, buy a box of nasal strips that open up your nostrils. If your nose is extra dry, dab a little petroleum jelly in each nostril.

You've read all you can about pregnancy and childbirth, you've prepped for labor and delivery as well as anyone can and you're pretty sure you know exactly how you'd like the birth of your baby to go — from the first contraction to the last push.

That’s where a birth plan comes in. Like the name suggests, a birth plan is a written plan that clearly states your preferences for before, during and after labor and delivery. After all, the best plan is to have a plan, so start thinking now about how you'd like the experience to go.

Remember to be flexible, though. Even the best-laid plans can change at the last minute — so you’ll need to check your childbirth ideals at the hospital and let the doctors, nurses or midwives make the best decisions for you and your baby’s health.

Pregnancy insomnia affects an estimated 75 percent of moms-to-be — and it can hit especially hard in the third trimester (just when you need sleep the most!).

What’s more, even if you are tired, your burgeoning belly — and active baby — can prevent you from getting comfortable again and falling back to sleep.

Before you go to bed, try to wind down with a soothing bedtime routine: Do some light reading, take a warm bath and try meditation or relaxation exercises.

If you can’t drift off after 20 to 30 minutes, get out of bed and find a small, boring task to do — like sorting baby onesies. Then try to nod off again.

Nearly half of all moms-to-be have heartburn during pregnancy — so if you’re feeling the burn, rest assured you’re in good company.

Rule number one: Make sure to sit upright while eating and stay that way for a couple of hours after you eat if possible. Lying down, slouching, slumping and stooping will do you in. When you have to bend, do it with your knees instead of your waist — otherwise, you'll send all that acid for a repeat ride up your esophagus.

While you're eating, do your body a favor and eat slowly. Chewing is the first step in the digestive process, but it's the one that's most often neglected when eating's done on the run. The more you chew, the less work your stomach has to do.

Another chew that's good for you: sugarless gum, which will increase saliva and help neutralize acid in the esophagus. Just don't overdo it — too much can cause a laxative effect thanks to the sugar alcohols in it.

Lastly, try to leave stress off the menu whenever possible (easier said than done, we know) — anxious eating compounds digestive distresses of all kinds, including heartburn.

How's this for a payoff? Babies of pregnant exercisers tend to sleep through the night sooner, are less prone to colic and are better able to soothe themselves.

Scientists attribute the positive link to babies being stimulated through changes in heart rate and oxygen levels, as well as the sounds and vibrations they experience in the womb during workouts. But who cares about the science? Pass the sneakers and lace 'em up!

You think you’re being healthy by having a strawberry yogurt, but it turns out a lot of fruit-filled yogurts contain almost as much sugar as a small candy bar (though admittedly, some of it isn't added sugar, it's sugar from the fruit and milk).

Look for yogurts with under 20 grams of sugar per serving on the label, and if possible, even less (as low as 10 to 12 grams).