The Ninth Month of Your Pregnancy

The Final Countdown Is On!

“Only 4% of babies are born on their due date.” - NHS

So if you're staring at your calendar wondering where your baby is - breathe. You’re not “late”; your baby’s just taking a perfectly normal route to you and is coming on their own time.

Here we are - Month 9, the final leg of your pregnancy marathon. You might feel excited, exhausted, and if one more person texts “any news?”… - all totally normal! Your baby is fully developed, your body is making remarkable last-minute adjustments, and your mind may be racing with to-dos. This month is about trusting your body, leaning on your support system, and resting while the countdown continues.

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Feeling nervous? Book your FREE Discovery Call and let’s talk birth prep, postpartum recovery, or simply give you a reassuring pep talk.

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Week 36: Almost There

Your baby is now ~3 kg and likely head-down. They have been practicing breathing - sounds weird right? - by practising muscle contractions that bring amntiotic fluid in and out of their lungs instead of oxygen and carbon dioxide as this is something that the placenta does. Now, your baby is building fat stores so that your can squeeze them once they're born! The skull remains flexible for birth and remember that it is still flexible until they become 18-24 months so that it can also allow brain growth. If your baby is breech, your provider may discuss options (including a manual turn by gentle pressure on your abdomen) or you can have a look at the Spinning Babies website that has very valuable information.

Your care now: You’ll usually switch to weekly prenatal visits. Expect checks of your blood pressure, weight and urine. Your care team will also look at your baby’s position and well-being, and will review of any symptoms or concerns. If you give birth this week, your baby is considered “late preterm.” With modern care, outcomes are usually excellent, though some babies may need brief extra support.

What you're experiencing this week hasn't probably changed much from the previous weeks:

• Pelvic pressure or “lightening” as baby drops (hello waddle, goodbye breathlessness)

• More frequent Braxton Hicks; occasional mild cramping

• Back/hip/pelvic twinges (“lightning crotch” is common)

You might notice a change in discharge or you might lose your mucus plug which is also called "the show". The mucus plug is the seal to your cervix and is typically clear, off-white, jelly-like and it could be slightly bloody. Losing your mucus plug means that your body is getting ready for labour but this could happen days or weeks before actual labour begins.

When to call your provider now or any time this month:

If you're exeriencing any of the below this or during the coming weeks, make sure that you call your care team:

• regular, intensifying contractions; more than 6 tightenings/hour

• new or severe headache

• visual changes

• heavy bleeding

• fluid leakage (suspected waters broken)

• reduced fetal movements

• persistent right-upper-abdominal pain

• sudden swelling

Week 37: You’re Full Term!

Your baby now weighs ~3–3.2 kg and they're practicing sucking, swallowing and grasping. Your baby's movements may feel different now as there is less space, but you should stil feel your baby regularly.

This week you might notice:

• Stronger Braxton Hicks and pelvic heaviness

• Increased discharge (including bits of mucus plug)

• Sleep challenges - try side-lying with pillows under your bump and between your knees

Partner tip: Keep the hospital bag by the door, car fueled, chargers/snacks packed. Calm presence is your perfect plan.

Week 38: Every Wiggle Counts

With your baby now weighing between ~3.3–3.5 kg they're likely head-down. Lanugo, which is soft hair that develops on fetuses and newborns that serves as a protective layer during gestation, is now shedding. You should still feel daily movement which looks more like nudges and rolls rather than flips.

During this week you might experience:

• “Bloody show” (mucus mixed with blood) as the cervix ripens

• Stronger, more rhythmic Braxton Hicks

• Nesting energy - pace yourself!

Comfort add-ins for your bag: lip balm, cozy socks/blanket, favourite playlist, long phone cable. Birth is physical and emotional so pack for both!

Week 39: Any Day Now

Your little pumpkin will be in your arms soon (~3.4–3.7 kg). Your due date is fast approaching but as I shared in this blogpost, only 4% of babies are born on their due dates. Movements probably feel different but they should remain consistent for your baby’s usual pattern.

What to watch for:

• A pattern of contractions: stronger, longer, closer together

• Waters breaking (a trickle or a gush; clear or pale straw)

• Low back cramps and increased pressure/discharge

Partner tip: Be the calm in the room - offer water, dim lights, guide breathing, time contractions, and advocate for preferences.

Week 40: Happy Due Date! (Or Just Another Day)

Your baby now weighs between ~3–4 kg and is fully ready - they're just choosing the moment to arrive! Only ~4% arrive today, so try not to stress if all is quiet.

Here are some things that are totally normal:

• Impatience (fair!)

• Braxton Hicks

• Alternating nesting and fatigue

• A swirl of emotions - excitement, nerves, peace, “please come out already”

Next steps: Discuss monitoring with your care team, talk about membrane sweeps, or induction timing if labour doesn’t start soon, based on your health, baby’s well-being, and local guidance.

Quick Week-36 Checklist (and Beyond)

1. Pack your hospital/birth bag: ID/insurance, toiletries, comfy clothes, nursing bra, baby going-home outfit, phone + long charger, snacks.

2. Know your call/transfer plan: Signs of labour, when to call, routes/parking.

3. Line up newborn care: Choose a pediatrician/GP; confirm hours and contact options. Make a list of people that can support you in the postpartum period and consider whether you might need support from a postpartum doula, a breastfeeding councellor or other professionals.

4. Stock the freezer: Double favourite recipes now; you’ll thank yourself later.

5. Rest + reset: Short daily relaxations (music, bath, breathwork) support labour readiness.

Final Thoughts on Month 9: You’ve Got This!

Whether labour begins tonight or next week, your body and your baby are working together. Month 9 is intense, emotional, and powerful - but you are stronger than you feel, and you aren’t doing this alone.

Want extra support or a walk-through of your options?

Book your FREE Discovery Call with me - I'm here for you!