Pregnancy weeks 21 to 30...

Babies are most active between 21 and 30 weeks and kicks may be strong enough for your partner to feel them through your abdomen, or to keep you awake at night. Your heart and lungs are doing 50% more work than they were before you conceived and you may put on a spurt of weight at this stage.

If you eat healthily and according to your appetite there's no need to worry about this. Skin pigmentation often becomes more noticeable - you may have darker nipples, a brown line running down your abdomen (the linea nigra) or a 'butterfly' mask on your cheeks and nose. These changes disappear after pregnancy.

Interest in sex often fluctuates during pregnancy. You may be keener at this stage because of an increased blood supply and vaginal secretions. Your partner may be afraid of hurting you or the baby, but sex that's comfortable for you won't harm your baby - you just have to be creative to find suitable positions. At work, you may feel unsettled when plans are made for events that will happen after you leave.

Your partner may feel out of his depth, too, complaining of symptoms often associated with stress, such as stomach ache or headaches. Some men withdraw to ground that feels safer, spending extra time at work, on leisure activities or out with the lads. Be patient - adjusting to parenthood does not happen to a timetable.

Tips

• This is a good time to go on holiday, visit distant relatives or make major shopping expeditions - you'll have less energy later on.
• Pace yourself, especially if you have a demanding job. Whenever possible sit down instead of standing, and try to get some early nights.
• Write the cut-off dates for telling your employer that you want to return to work on your calendar so that you do not miss them. If you want to carry on working after your date for maternity leave find out if your employer needs a doctor's letter.
• Take regular exercise to improve your stamina and suppleness ready for the birth. Swimming or brisk walking are suitable.
• If you get heartburn or other pregnancy-related discomforts talk to your midwife or see Common pregnancy complaints.
• In warm weather wear layers that you can peel off, or carry a battery fan or mineral water spray. Try to complete major projects such as moving house, decorating the nursery and buying baby equipment.
• Don't leave everything until you stop work - by then you may not have much energy.
• If you have a special occasion to attend consider hiring maternity wear. Look in your local paper or Yellow Pages.