In 60 seconds
What to know now
- Sleep disruption, reflux, pressure, breathlessness, swelling, back pain and irregular tightenings can increase. Sudden or severe changes need a different response from gradual discomfort.
- Brain, lungs and nervous system continue maturing while the baby gains fat and often moves toward a birth position. Position and timing vary.
- Save urgent maternity contacts and plan transport for any time of day.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Sleep disruption, reflux, pressure, breathlessness, swelling, back pain and irregular tightenings can increase. Sudden or severe changes need a different response from gradual discomfort.
The baby's movement style may change as space tightens, but a clear reduction or change from the usual pattern still needs prompt maternity contact.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
Brain, lungs and nervous system continue maturing while the baby gains fat and often moves toward a birth position. Position and timing vary.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
What 'months 7–9' means here: weeks 28–31 are month 7, weeks 32–35 month 8, and weeks 36–42 month 9.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Save urgent maternity contacts and plan transport for any time of day.
- Discuss birth preferences, feeding support and early recovery.
- Notice your baby's usual movement pattern and act promptly on a clear change.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not wait for perfect contraction timing when there is reduced movement, bleeding, concerning fluid loss, severe headache, vision change or severe constant pain.
- Ask when a recommendation depends on your history, symptoms or pregnancy.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Visits may become more frequent and cover blood pressure, growth, movement, position, vaccines, birth plans and options if pregnancy continues past the due date.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Own transport, contacts, chargers, documents and dependant care; be reachable and support informed choices if plans change.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs