In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Do a final five-minute check: contacts, transport, identification, regular medicines and a safe way to bring the baby home.
Ask when monitoring or a discussion about induction is planned if labour has not started.
Do not use unproven labour-induction methods or supplements; ask what evidence, risks and timing apply to any suggested method.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Waiting can feel emotionally intense. Keep routines gentle and your urgent contacts close.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
The baby is full term in common clinical definitions and continues preparing for birth.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Being full term means birth could happen soon; it does not mean labour must start this week.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Do a final five-minute check: contacts, transport, identification, regular medicines and a safe way to bring the baby home.
- 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 use unproven labour-induction methods or supplements; ask what evidence, risks and timing apply to any suggested method.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Ask when monitoring or a discussion about induction is planned if labour has not started.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Finish practical tasks without repeatedly asking for instructions, and protect the pregnant person's need for calm or company.
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