38 weeks- still in early stages of labor

Still contracting every 2-3 minutes. Some are much worse than others, but they are just constant. Some are taking my breath away, others are just annoying. I just can't believe this has been going on since friday. I AM EXHAUSTED! 

"38 weeks pregnant 

Your due date is right around the corner and your baby's just waiting for the right time to be born. She's continuing to build a layer of fat, which will help her to control her body's temperature after birth and will put on more weight (boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls). Take it easy during the final week or so — this may be your last opportunity to relax. Instead of spending every available minute decorating the nursery or folding baby clothes, go out and see a film, read a book or take long naps. Don't forget to spend some quality time with your partner too — it will probably be your last chance to have an evening out together for a while.wondering what colour your baby's eyes will be? Most Caucasian babies are born with dark blue eyes and their true eye colour -- be it brown, green or blue -- may not reveal itself for weeks or months. The colour of your baby's eyes in the first minutes after birth won't last -- exposure to light changes a baby's initial eye colour. Most African and Asian babies usually have dark grey or brown eyes at birth -- their dark eyes becoming a true brown or black after the first six months or year. Multiracial children often turn out to have the most beautiful coloured eyes. 

our baby is now ready to greet the world. At this point, the average full-term newborn is still building a layer of fat to help control body temperature after birth. Most babies are between 2.7 and 4.3kg/6 and 9 1/2lb at birth and boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls. All your baby's organs are developed and in place though his lungs will be the last to reach full maturity. 

You may be feeling huge and uncomfortable during these final weeks. Try to take it easy - this may be your last opportunity to do so for quite a while. See a film, read a book that has nothing to do with pregnancy or babies, have your hair or nails done, or just spend time with your partner. Neither of you will have much time for cooking in the few weeks after your baby's born, but you could prepare somehome-made frozen meals to enjoy when you need them. What else can you do? Make sure the car's filled up with petrol, and read our fun baby star signs. 

Your partner should try to relax, too, and enjoy some activities there won't be time for after the baby arrives. Suggest some inspirational reading - he may need it when you go into labour. Is he worried about how he'll cope with a new baby in the house? Read our new dad's survival guide and debunkfive myths of fatherhood. 

Be prepared 

This is a good time to have an in-depth conversation with your doctor or midwife about pain relief in labour. On the practical front, make sure you know where to park and which entrance to use to get to the labour ward quickly and ask about what happens when you arrive at the hospital, if you don't already know. Make sure you take plenty of change with you for vending machines and telephone calls (mobile phones usually have to be switched off in hospitals because they can interfere with medical equipment). If you have other children, make back up plans for childcare when labour begins. 

If you're planning to use a birthing pool, remind yourself of how to use it, including pain relief you can use while in the water. Check whether local hospital protocols will restrict how you can use the pool - just for pain relief or for giving birth as well? If you find that you will not be able to use a birthing pool after all, consider other natural methods of pain relief as an alternative. 

Pregnancy tip: hospital survival kit 

"Pack a cool bag with your husband's favourite foods and snacks to take to hospital - he should be responsible for this. Bring a video camera if you like (and if your hospital allows), a camera, extra batteries and film (or digital camera), presents for siblings from the baby, massage oil, a radio, your address book and something 'fun' to read to pass the time during a long labour." - Anonymous