Practicing for Birth

Baby is practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing in preparation for life outside the womb. Things are moving toward the finish line.

Lungs nearly mature

This week's tip

💡 If the nesting urge is strong, channel it into tasks you can do sitting down — folding baby clothes, organizing the nursery drawer, or meal planning for after birth.

Baby this week

🍍

About the size of

a large pineapple

Length

42.4 cm

Weight

1.70 kg

Development

Baby is practicing breathing movements — the lungs are nearly mature.
Sucking and swallowing reflexes are well developed.
Baby may have turned head-down in preparation for birth.
Fingernails have grown to the tips of the fingers.
Skin is becoming less translucent and more opaque.

How you might feel

Braxton Hicks contractions may be intense and frequent.
Heartburn and breathing may worsen as baby takes up more space.
Pelvic pressure increases as baby moves lower.
You may feel the urge to nest — cleaning, organizing, preparing.

Things to do this week

Confirm hospital pre-registration and insurance details
Prepare newborn essentials: diapers, onesies, swaddles, feeding supplies
Finalize childcare arrangements if returning to work
Rest, rest, rest

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if you experience regular contractions before 37 weeks.

Partner tip

Channel the nesting energy together — setting up the home for baby's arrival is meaningful shared work.