Key Milestone Weeks in Pregnancy

Yes, you can generally keep working at 37 weeks pregnant in Australia, provided your job is safe and your doctor agrees. Here are the key points:

Your rights and options:

No law forces you to stop at 37 weeks. Many women work until 36–38 weeks or even until labour if they feel well and the work is safe.

• Parental leave: You can start unpaid parental leave up to 6 weeks before your due date (or earlier if your employer agrees).
• Medical clearance: If you want to work within 6 weeks of your due date, your employer can request a medical certificate confirming you’re fit for work.
• Safe job entitlement: If your usual duties are unsafe (e.g., heavy lifting, long standing, exposure to hazards), your employer must offer a safe alternative role with the same pay. If none exists, you may be entitled to paid “no safe job” leave.
• Special parental leave: If you have a pregnancy-related illness and can’t work, you can take unpaid special parental leave without reducing your main parental leave entitlemen.

Health & safety considerations:

• Employers must do a risk assessment and adjust your duties if needed (e.g., reduce heavy lifting, allow more breaks, avoid long hours).
• If your job involves hazards like chemicals, excessive travel, or physically exhausting work, adjustments or leave may be necessary.

Yes, you can express colostrum before birth at 37 weeks pregnant, and it may be especially helpful in certain situations. Expressing colostrum can be beneficial if:

• You want to store milk for use after birth.
• Your baby may need extra support feeding (e.g. if they’re expected to be small or have medical needs).
• You have gestational diabetes, and your baby may need help maintaining blood sugar levels after birth.

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, rich in antibodies and nutrients, and can be expressed by hand or with a pump. It’s recommended to speak with your midwife, lactation consultant, or child and family health nurse before starting, especially to learn proper technique and storage guidelines. Expressed colostrum can be stored in sterile containers or syringes and frozen for later use.

Colostrum Expression Tips (if recommended by your midwife):

• Use clean hands or a breast pump, following sterile technique.
• Express gently for 1-2 minutes per breast, 2-3 times per day.
• Label, refrigerate or freeze in small volumes (0.5-2 mL in syringe or small containers).
• Thaw gently (in warm water) and never re-freeze.
• Keep your midwife/lactation consultant informed about amounts and technique.

• Pack your hospital bag
  Include essentials like your pregnancy health record, comfortable clothes, toiletries, maternity pads, baby clothes, nappies, and snacks.
• Review your birth plan
  Discuss your preferences for pain relief, support people, and interventions with your care provider.
• Practice relaxation techniques
  Breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle movement (like yoga or walking) can help you stay calm and focused.
• Know the signs of labour
  Learn what to expect - like contractions, waters breaking, and the “show” - so you know when to contact your hospital or midwife.
• Organise support
  Make sure your birth partner or support person knows what to do and how to help during labour.
• Prepare your home
  Stock your fridge, wash baby clothes, and set up your sleeping and feeding space.
• Rest and nourish your body
  Eat well, stay hydrated, and rest when you can.

Include relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, gentle stretching, or guided visualisations. Emotional preparation - like talking through fears or birth preferences - can help you feel more confident as your due date approaches.

• Cramps or period-like pain: Mild cramping in the lower abdomen or back may signal early labour.
• Backache or pelvic pressure: Increased discomfort or heaviness as the baby moves lower into the pelvis.
• Diarrhoea or loose bowel movements: A common sign that your body is preparing for birth.
• Waters breaking: This may be a gush or a slow leak of amniotic fluid.
• A “show”: Blood-stained or pink mucus discharge, indicating the cervix is starting to open.
• Regular contractions: Contractions that become stronger, longer, and more frequent are a sign that labour has started.
• Nesting instinc: A sudden burst of energy and urge to clean or organise may occur just before labour begins.

If you experience any of these signs, especially waters breaking or regular contractions, contact your midwife, doctor, or hospital immediately.

• Your pregnancy health record 
• Comfortable clothes, night clothes, undies and toiletries
• Baby essentials, nappies, wraps, and clothes
• Phone and phone charger, water bottle, essential oils, eye mask and other comfort items 
• Extra underwear or maternity pads
• Snacks + electrolyte drinks
• A copy of your birth preferences