Your belly button pops out

What to expect

Your belly buttons may have officially 'popped' by now if it hadn't already. That innie turning outie? Totally normal. It'll revert postpartum like the rest of your abdomen (give it months, not weeks).

Baby's practicing breathing, sucking, and blinking even though lungs aren't fully mature yet. Those adorable hiccups might now shake your whole belly.

Where all that weight is going

Your honeydew is gaining about half a pound weekly now! Mostly fat that'll help regulate body temperature after birth. Their skin is smoothing out from that wrinkly newborn look too.

• Your bladder. If it feels like a trampoline, that's because it is. Pelvic pressure means even less capacity than before.
• Your ribs. As baby drops, your uppermost organs may finally get some relief... eventually.
• Your back. That forward pull shifts your center of gravity. Counter it by keeping shoulders rolled back.

Things to be aware of

That heavy pressure down low? It's likely your baby settling into your pelvis (called 'lightening' or 'engaging'). For first-timers, this often happens weeks before labor. Repeat parents might not feel it until contractions start.

• Swelling alerts. Some puffiness is normal, but sudden face/hand swelling or headaches could signal preeclampsia. Worth a call.
• Braxton Hicks. Practice contractions might get stronger now. If they come regularly (every 5-10 mins for an hour) or are painful, check in.
• Reduced movement. As space tightens, kicks shift to rolls. But you should still feel 10+ movements every 2 hours.

What might happen

This is prime time for Group B Strep testing. A quick swab (down there) checks for bacteria that could affect baby during birth. If positive, you'll get IV antibiotics in labor.

Your provider might start checking your cervix at weekly appointments now, though this varies. Some skip checks to avoid unnecessary exams (cervix dilation doesn't predict when labor will start).

• Pack your hospital bag (include snacks and long phone chargers)
• Finalize child care for older kids during delivery
• Practice the drive to the hospital at different times of day