Third Trimester: Week 28 to Birth, Tests, Kicks and Getting Ready

The baby's last stretch

• Gains most of its weight now, from about 2 lb (900 g) at 28 weeks to an average of 7-8 lb (3.2-3.6 kg) at birth. Lungs and brain mature through the very last weeks.
• Most babies turn head down by 36 weeks. If not, ask about turning options (external version) or a planned birth.
• Term words matter: early term is 37-38 weeks, full term 39-40, late term 41, and post-term 42 and beyond. Full term is the goal when all is well.

Your body

• Backache, pelvic pressure, heartburn, swollen feet, peeing often and shortness of breath as the uterus pushes up.
• Braxton Hicks contractions get more frequent. They stay irregular and ease with rest and water.
• Sleep gets harder. See the sleep in pregnancy guide.
• Clumsiness and a shifting center of balance; take care on stairs and ice.
• Colostrum may leak from the breasts. That's normal, and so is not leaking.

Visits and tests

• Every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, then weekly.
• Blood count and sometimes repeat infection tests around 28 weeks; anti-D shot at 28 weeks if Rh-negative.
• Tdap at 27-36 weeks and, in RSV season, the maternal RSV vaccine at 32-36 weeks (or plan an RSV antibody shot for the baby instead).
• Group B strep swab at 36-37 weeks.
• Past the due date, extra checks usually start around 41 weeks with a plan for induction.

Know your baby's movements

• Learn your baby's usual pattern of kicks, rolls and jabs. Movements don't slow down normally near the end, though they may feel more like squirms than kicks.
• Some providers suggest a quiet daily check of how long 10 movements take.

Getting ready

• Pack a bag by about 36 weeks: ID and insurance card, phone charger, comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks, glasses, and an outfit and blanket for the baby.
• Install the car seat and get it checked (see the car seat guide).
• Choose the baby's doctor, and line up help for older kids and pets.
• Make a short, flexible birth plan (see the birth plans and where to give birth guide and the pain relief options in labor guide).
• Plan the first weeks home: meals, night help, visitors, and who can step in if you're unwell.
• Learn the signs of labor (see the signs of labor guide).

Feelings

• Excitement, nesting, impatience and fear of birth are all common. A doula, a class or a talk with your provider about your specific worries can help.
• Partners and co-parents often feel the reality land now. It's a good time to talk about how you'll share nights and leave.

When to check in

• Mention swelling, itching, or worries about the birth at your next visit.
• Contact your provider the same day if the baby is moving less than usual, your water breaks, you have regular contractions before 37 weeks, or you have a headache that won't go away or vision changes.
• See the pregnancy warning signs guide for the full list.
• If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or a seizure, call 911.