Nesting feelings
This week your baby is around the size of a cantaloupe melon.
There is no perfect way to prepare — a few ready things is more than enough.
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.
The weight you're carrying out front, softened pregnancy ligaments, and your baby's position all put more strain on your back, so backache is common now. A warm bath, good back support whenever you sit, resting when you can, and flat, supportive shoes ease it for many people. It's one of the most common aches this far into pregnancy.
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.
