Full term — the baby is ready for life outside the womb
Baby this week: about 50 cm — head to heel · about 3.3 kg
≈ 50 cm — about the size of a small pumpkin
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size · head-down, ready position
Your baby this week
- All major organs are considered mature and ready to function outside the womb
- The brain is still growing quickly and will continue to do so through early childhood
- Fat stores continue building to help with temperature regulation after birth
- Movements may feel different now — more pressing and rolling than kicking, since space is tight — but they should not become less frequent. If movements slow down or change from their usual pattern, contact your maternity unit now, even at night.
Your body this week
- Many notice increased pelvic pressure as the baby settles deeper into the pelvis
- Trouble sleeping is common as finding a comfortable position becomes harder
This week's tip: Keep noticing your baby's usual pattern of movements right up to and during labour; if your baby moves less than usual or the pattern changes, contact your maternity unit now, even at night, and do not wait until the next day.
When to get help now
Contact your maternity unit now, even at night, if your baby is moving less than usual or the pattern has changed, you have any vaginal bleeding, fluid leaks from your vagina, you have regular or painful contractions before 37 weeks, or you have a severe headache, vision changes, pain just below the ribs or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. Do not wait until the next day.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.