Reaching your due date may feel like a milestone, but it's important to remember that your baby has never seen a calendar (he will doubtless continue to behave this way for many years to come), and will probably not materialise to schedule. So, rather than navel-gazing, here are a few tips to keep you occupied while you wait... (And here's our articles on Going over your due date and on being induced!

Things to do while you're waiting for the big day

  • Get stuck into a good book - it'll take your mind off the wait if it's particularly engrossing, and if you keep your feet up it'll help keep swollen ankles at bay.

  • Surf the net - You can order birth announcement cards and any nursery essentials you've forgotten, look up the meaning of your favourite baby names, find out why due dates aren't an exact science (you will be wondering this by now!). You could also email all those friends you didn't have time to catch up with while you were pregnant (but they'll only really want to hear from you when you've had the baby!).

  • Nest a little - but not too much. A spot of light cleaning and organising won't do any harm, nor will putting the final touches to the nursery. Just don't start stripping wallpaper or knocking your lounge and dining room into one…

  • Get cooking - Make up batches of your favourite pasta sauces, soups, anything that will freeze well. They'll really come into their own when the baby arrives, as you'll have a ready supply of delicious, nutritious food to hand without needing to shop - and it'll save you resorting to not-so-healthy ready meals or takeaways.

  • Whisk your partner out for dinner - Evenings out won't be nearly so spontaneous when you're parents. Talk about your hopes and fears, wallow in each other's company - two will soon be three and this together time will soon seem like a luxury.

  • Catch up on some culture - You may feel huge but you can still have a wonder round a gallery or museum. Don't attempt to do the whole of the British Museum in one go, do have regular breaks in the café and don't venture too far from home (or the hospital!). If possible, get a friend to join you.

  • Enjoy some quality time - If you already have children, use this time to give them your undivided attention and help prepare them for the impending arrival without resentment. Play games, have some cuddles - it'll help you relax and take your mind off the waiting.

  • Go for a swim (or a walk, or the gym) - Just because you're due doesn't mean you should cease all physical activity. Walking may even help bring on labour. Keep moving, but don't make yourself uncomfortable (and certainly don't take up anything new at this stage!)

  • Have a curry - Spicy food is supposed to bring on labour, after all (and if it doesn't do the trick, never mind, you had a good meal). If you're prone to heartburn, it may be best to skip this one.

  • Have sex - Making love can trigger the release of oxytocin, which stimulates contractions, and semen contains a high concentration of prostaglandins, which help to soften, the cervix ready for it to dilate.