The baby is practicing breathing and is passing amniotic fluid. Your baby can grasp strongly, although the only thing he can grab is himself and the umbilical cord. You can feel how your baby’s head presses against your pelvic bone, making it hard to move about or change positions.
You may find that you can’t get up from a couch or bed. Try turning on your side, moving to a seated position, and then stand up.
If you feel a strange tingling in your legs or pelvis, this can mean that the baby is pressing against the nerves in your pelvis.
Although you are certainly waiting impatiently for the birth of your baby, enjoy the last moments you have to yourself, or do something fun with your partner. Later, it will be more difficult to make time for that. Don’t worry about missing the beginning of labor. You will recognize labor pains when you get them. They usually start at the upper part of your uterus and radiate down to your lower back and pelvis. The pain will become more frequent and intense and won’t be alleviated by changing positions. If in doubt, or you need reassurance, call your doctor or midwife.