What's happening in my body?

Around 95% of babies will now be head down, facing their mother's back, which is the best position for labour. When the baby's head moves down into the pelvis, it's said to be "engaged". You might see your bump drop a bit when this happens.

If your baby's still in the bottom-down position (breech) don't worry, there's still time for them to turn. Some babies don't move into place until labour starts. When you're sitting down, try leaning forwards, with your hips above your knees. It's not a proven technique but many women say that it coaxes the baby into position and it certainly can't do any harm.

You might find that you're getting more vaginal discharge now and Braxton Hicks contractions. These are the "practice contractions", which can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.

You could also be getting a sudden urge to spring clean. That's your "nesting" instinct kicking in. Just don't overdo it, you should try to rest as much as possible.

Talk to your midwife about group B strep

Group B strep is a common bacteria – up to 2 in 5 people have it living in their body. If you carry group B strep while you're pregnant, there's a small risk it could make your baby seriously ill. Most group B strep infections in newborn babies are preventable.

For more information talk to your midwife, or visit the Group B Strep Support website.

5 signs that baby's on the way

Look out for these signs:

1. The "show": you may see a sticky blob of mucus in your pants, which might be yellow or bloody. This is called a "show". This plug used to seal up your cervix and when it comes undone, this can be one of the first signs of labour. However, you may still have days, or even weeks to wait.

2. Your waters break (rupturing of the membranes): don't expect a massive gush like you see in films – it could just be a little "pop" and a trickle. The liquid should be clear. If it drips, then use a pad, not a tampon. Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if it's smelly or coloured.

3. Back pain: this is caused by your baby's head on your spine. When their head meets your sacrum (tailbone) it can be quite uncomfortable!

4. The urge to go to the toilet: this is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bladder or bowels. You may find that you wet or poo yourself. It's very common, so no need to be embarrassed.

5. Contractions or tightening around your bump: it hurts when your bump goes hard, and then the pain goes away when the muscles relax. It feels like period pains to start with or a heavy dragging feeling in your pelvis and legs. Then your contractions get longer, stronger and more frequent.

When your contractions last for at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes, it's time to call your midwife or hospital. Phone straight away if:

• you're losing blood
• you're in too much pain
• you're worried that something's wrong
• your baby stops moving

3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 37 weeks)

As your baby moves down into your pelvis, you may start to feel some relief from pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion and needing to pee every 5 minutes.

Your pregnancy symptoms could include:

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
• stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page)
• swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
• piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
• bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
• leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

• mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
• morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page)
• weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
• a heightened sense of smell
• sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page)
• a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 48.6cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 2.9kg. That's approximately the length of 2 cucumbers and the weight of 14 baked potatoes.

Your baby will be trying out different facial expressions, such as frowning and smiling.This is random and not linked to sadness or happiness.

By now, you will hopefully know when your baby's active and when they're calmer.

Go back to week 36

Go to week 38