Your baby
Your baby's fingernails and toenails are filling out toward the tips, and they may even have a head of hair. They are practicing breathing movements, drawing amniotic fluid in and out to get their lungs ready for that first breath. Your baby is laying down more fat, which smooths out their skin and helps them look more like a newborn.
Your body
As your uterus expands, you may feel more pressure on your stomach and lungs, leading to heartburn and breathlessness. Your feet and ankles may swell, especially at the end of the day. Many people feel the baby settling into a head-down position around now, though there is still time for that to change.
This week
Keep track of your baby's movements every day. You should feel them at about the same rate right up to birth. If the pattern changes or movements slow down, call your provider right away, no matter the hour. Comfortable, supportive footwear and regular breaks to elevate your feet can ease swelling. Call your provider right away if you have sudden swelling in your face or hands, a headache that will not go away, changes in your vision, or pain under your ribs on the right side. If you will be between 32 and 36 weeks during RSV season (September through January), ask your provider about the RSV vaccine, which passes protection to your baby for about the first six months. This is a great time to begin packing your hospital bag and finalizing the details of your birth plan.
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Book your prenatal visitAbout this guide
This page is general educational information, compiled from publicly available guidance from trusted medical sources, including the NHS and MedlinePlus. It is not medical advice from Garden OB/GYN or its providers, and it is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. Every pregnancy is different, so always talk with your OB/GYN about your specific situation. See our full medical disclaimer.
