Nesting feelings
This week your baby is around the size of a cantaloupe melon.
Not feeling prepared enough is an ordinary way to feel in these weeks.
Around this stage many babies move head down into the pelvis, in a staged process called 'engagement'. The drop is sometimes called 'lightening': it frees up space in your abdomen, gives your lungs a bit of a break, and can ease heartburn. It doesn't mean birth is about to start, though — it can still be several weeks away.
Softened pregnancy ligaments strain the joints of your lower back and pelvis, so backache is common in pregnancy. A warm bath, good back support whenever you sit, resting when you can, and flat, supportive shoes ease it for many people. Back pain in the second or third trimester can sometimes be a sign of early labour, so contact your doctor or midwife if it is new or worsening.
A few simple, ready things can feel reassuring — there is no perfect list.
Around week thirty-five many begin final birth preparations.
Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.
