Trimester 3 – Weeks 36-40

Your Baby

The eye color is dark gray.  This may change after birth.

The fingernails become complete and may grow long.

The baby settles into a head-down position.  The baby may seem quieter because there is less space to move.

There are periods of sleep and activity.

The baby’s organs are maturing so the baby will be ready to breathe and grow on his or her own after birth.

About 1 quart of amniotic fluid surrounds your baby.

Baby grows about 2 1/2 in. (to 20 in. long) and weighs 6 1/2 – 7 1/2 lbs.

Your Body

You may be tired of being pregnant and ready for delivery.  You tire easily and often feel drowsy.

Your abdomen is getting bigger.  It may look lopsided when the baby moves.  Your uterus lowers as the baby drops toward the birth canal.  This is called “lightening”

Your hands and feet may swell.

You may feel pressure low in your pelvis as the baby settles into position for birth.

The Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent.  If you have four or more contractions in 1 hour, call your health care provider.

You sleep may be disturbed as you may need to move and urinate more often.

Your Responsibilities

Get a prenatal checkup each week until the baby arrives.

Eat smaller meals more often.

Continue to exercise and practice for childbirth.

Limit out-of-area travel.

Plan for a birth control method.

Cover your mattress and your chair with plastic in case your “bag of water” breaks.

List phone numbers of people to call when labor begins.

Pack your suitcase.  Put in clothes and other items to use at the hospital and what you and your baby will wear home.

Get the baby’s car seat ready.

Treat yourself and your partner to something special.