Your baby
Your baby is filling out and looking rounder as fat continues to accumulate under the skin, which will help with temperature regulation after birth. Most have settled into a head-down position now, getting ready for delivery, and the digestive system is gearing up even though it will not fully kick in until after the first feedings. The skull bones remain soft and slightly separated so your baby can move through the birth canal more easily.
Your body
You may notice your baby has dropped lower into your pelvis, a shift called lightening that can ease pressure on your lungs and make breathing feel easier, while adding more pressure on your bladder. Pelvic discomfort, occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, and trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position are all common and normal right now. Many people feel a mix of excitement and impatience this close to the finish line.
This week
This is a good week to finalize your hospital bag and confirm your birth preferences and route to your delivery location. Around now your prenatal visits often shift to weekly, so keep those appointments and bring any questions about labor signs. Around this visit your provider will also do a group B strep swab, a simple test of the vagina and rectum. If it is positive, you will get antibiotics through an IV during labor to protect your baby. Rest when you can, stay hydrated, and call your provider if you notice regular contractions, leaking fluid, decreased movement, or any bleeding.
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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.
