Asda Baby and Toddler Club Logo
Update my details iconUpdate my details
search button
  • Pregnancy
      1. Go to Pregnancy
        Stages of pregnancy
        1. Getting pregnant
        2. Trimester one
        3. Trimester two
        4. Trimester three
      2. Most popular
        1. Lots & lots for little tots at the Asda Baby & Toddler Event
        2. What to expect from post-natal bleeding after giving birth
        3. Asda wins Supermarket of the Year 2018
        4. Download your birth plan template
        5. Baby shower guides, downloads and more
        6. Ovulation calculator
        7. How big is baby this week?
        8. Baby name inspiration: Vote for your favourites
        9. Due date calculator
        10. What should I pack in my hospital bag?
      3. Brands we love
        1. Welcome to Little Angels
        2. Arla
        3. Bounty
        4. Cow & Gate
        5. Ella's Kitchen
        6. Heinz Baby
        7. Johnson's
        8. Organix
        9. Tommee Tippee
      George Nursery
      Find out more
      Little Angels
      Find out more
  • Newborn
      1. Go to Newborn
        Newborn essentials
        1. Lots & lots for little tots at the Asda Baby & Toddler Event
        2. Little Angels award winning products 2017-2018
        3. How to choose the perfect car seat
        4. Watch: Dr Hilary Jones talks weaning, nappies & baby bath time
        5. A to Z of being a baby
        6. Breastfeeding
        7. Watch your baby grow: A milestone chart
        8. Little Angels nappies
        9. Essential baby changing checklist
        10. Bathing your newborn
      2. Most popular
        1. Asda wins Supermarket of the Year 2018
        2. Free baby food part of family-friendly service at Asda cafes
        3. Beginner's guide to nappies
        4. 14 ways to bond with your newborn baby
        5. All about Moses baskets
        6. 6 practical things to do when your baby is born
        7. Basics of newborn nappy changing
        8. Bringing your newborn baby home
      3. Brands we love
        1. Welcome To Little Angels
        2. Arla
        3. Cow & Gate
        4. Ella's Kitchen
        5. Heinz Baby
        6. Johnson's
        7. Organix
        8. Tommee Tippee
      Little Angels
      Find out more
      Johnson's
      Find out more
  • Baby
      1. Go to Baby
        Baby essentials
        1. Lots & lots for little tots at the Asda Baby & Toddler Event
        2. WIN £100 Asda gift card to spend on reeeally fun toys!
        3. Little Angels award winning products 2017-2018
        4. Visit our weaning & recipe resource centre
        5. Watch: Dr Hilary Jones talks weaning, nappies & baby bath time
        6. Baby stair gate buying guide
        7. Baby weaning recipes
        8. Baby sleep
        9. Baby teething
        10. Breastfeeding
        11. Watch your baby grow: A milestone chart
        12. Car seats
      2. Most popular
        1. Hop into Easter: Activities, crafts and more!
        2. If babies could send text messages
        3. Asda wins Supermarket of the Year 2018
        4. Taking care of your child's oral health
        5. Baby stair gate buying guide
        6. Essential equipment for weaning
        7. Weaning: Getting started with solid foods
        8. Top 10 things you need for baby bathtime
        9. Free baby food part of family-friendly service at Asda cafes
        10. Downloadable baby sleep tracker
      3. Brands we love
        1. Welcome To Little Angels
        2. Arla
        3. Cow & Gate
        4. Ella's Kitchen
        5. Heinz Baby
        6. Johnson's
        7. Organix
        8. SMA Nutrition
        9. Tommee Tippee
      Little Angels
      Find out more
      Ella's Kitchen
      Find out more
  • Toddler
      1. Go to Toddler
        Toddler essentials
        1. Lots & lots for little tots at the Asda Baby & Toddler Event
        2. WIN £100 Asda gift card to spend on reeeally fun toys!
        3. Hop into Easter: Activities, crafts and more!
        4. Easter craft cards for the kids to make
        5. Visit our weaning & recipe resource centre
        6. Watch: Dr Hilary Jones talks weaning, nappies & baby bath time
        7. Toddler development
        8. Toddler sleep
        9. Toddler weaning recipes
        10. Learn to potty train with Little Angels
        11. Car seats
        12. Download your Little Angels potty training guide
      2. Most popular
        1. Little Angels award winning products 2017-2018
        2. Asda wins Supermarket of the Year 2018
        3. A fun guide to No Junk Playdates from Organix
        4. Kids' crafts
        5. Rainy day activities for my toddler
        6. Potty training tips for boys
        7. Potty training tips for girls
        8. 9 tips and tricks for living with a toddler
      3. Brands we love
        1. Welcome To Little Angels
        2. Arla
        3. Cow & Gate
        4. Ella's Kitchen
        5. Heinz Baby
        6. Johnson's
        7. Organix
        8. SMA Nutrition
        9. Tommee Tippee
      George Nursery
      Shop now
      Organix
      Find out more
  • Pre-school
      1. Go to Pre-school
        Pre-school essentials
        1. Lots & lots for little tots at the Asda Baby & Toddler Event
        2. Hop into Easter: Activities, crafts and more!
        3. Peek-a-boo Easter chick: Craft kit download
        4. Child eating & nutrition
        5. Child development
        6. Child sleep habits
        7. Help your child start reading
        8. Fun activities to promote maths skills
        9. 5 ways to teach your child their ABCs
        10. UK schools admissions Q+A
        11. Teaching your pre-schooler to write
      2. Most popular
        1. Free download: Mother's Day colouring cards
        2. Easter craft cards for the kids to make
        3. Asda wins Supermarket of the Year 2018
        4. Kids' crafts
        5. Fun activities for when it's cold outside
        6. Picking up bugs and viruses at nursery or school
        7. Developing good habits in your child
        8. Tips and tricks for disciplining your child
      3. Brands we love
        1. Welcome to Little Angels
        2. Arla
        3. Cow & Gate
        4. Ella's Kitchen
        5. Heinz Baby
        6. Johnson's
        7. Organix
        8. SMA Nutrition
        9. Tommee Tippee
      Cow & Gate
      Kids' crafts
      Organix
      Find out more
  • Little Angels
      1. Go to Little Angels
        Little Angels essentials
        1. Shop the Asda Baby & Toddler event
        2. Welcome to Little Angels
        3. Nappies & pants
        4. Comfort & Protect nappies
        5. Wipes
        6. Toiletries
        7. Bathtime
        8. Food
        9. Food pouches
        10. Accessories
      2. Most popular
        1. Learn to potty train with Little Angels
        2. All about nappies
        3. Essential equipment for weaning
        4. Learn about bottle feeding
        5. How to choose a baby soother with Little Angels
        6. All about baby massage
        7. The basics of newborn nappy changing
        8. Sleep routines for toddlers
        9. Bathing your newborn
        10. Weaning: Foods to avoid
      3. Shop Little Angels
        1. Asda Groceries
      Little Angels Comfort & Protect Nappies
      Find out more
      Little Angels snacking food
      Find out more
  • Special Offers
      1. Go to Special Offers
        Special offers
        1. See our special offers
      2. Shop now on Asda.com
        1. Baby nappies
        2. Baby wipes
        3. Baby & toddler milk
        4. Baby & toddler food
        5. Baby toiletries & healthcare
        6. Baby accessories & nursery
        7. Maternity
        8. Toys & entertainment
        9. Asda Little Angels
        10. Shop baby on Asda.com
      3. Shop now on George.com
        1. Boys' clothes
        2. Girls' clothes
        3. Nursery
        4. Feeding
        5. Travel
        6. Car seats
        7. Bathing & changing
        8. Baby toys
        9. Shop baby on George.com
      Little Angels Comfort & Protect Nappies
      Shop now at Asda
      Little Angels snacking food
      Shop now at George
  • Brands we love
  • Arla
  • Cow & Gate
  • Ella's Kitchen
  • Johnson's
  • Organix
  • SMA Nutrition
  • Tommee Tippee
  • Update my details
Join now
Home > Pregnancy Trimester Three > What’s going on in trimester three?

What’s going on in trimester three?

Published 22nd March 2018
Find out more about weeks 29 to 40 and the third trimester of pregnancy, as you start to prepare for labour and the birth and arrival of your baby.
Share via Facebook Share via Twitter Share via Google Plus Share via Pinterest Share via Email Share via Print
Week 29
Week 30
Week 31
Week 32
Week 33
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
Week 37
Week 38
Week 39
Week 40

Week 29: Your baby's skin will smooth out as they put on weight.
Read more about week 29

Week 30: Your baby is now fully developed by this stage.
Read more about week 30

Week 31: Your baby's little eyes are now able to focus.
Read more about week 31

Week 32: Your baby will start to move into the head-down position.
Read more about week 32

Week 33: Your baby's brain and nervous system are now fully developed.
Read more about week 33

Week 34: Your baby should now be curling up in your uterus.
Read more about week 34

Week 35: Your baby's legs will now be bent up towards their chest.
Read more about week 35

Week 36: Your baby's digestive system is also now ready to have their first feed of breast milk.
Read more about week 36

Week 37: You're now at full-term pregnancy.
Read more about week 37

Week 38: Your baby's head will be moving down into the 'engaged' position.
Read more about week 38

Week 39: Your baby is now just waiting to meet you!
Read more about week 39

Week 40: This could be the week...!
Read more about week 40

Week 29

With just 11 weeks to go, your baby will be continuing to grow and develop at speed. In fact, they will double in size between now and birth, so prepare for your bump to get even bigger!

This bump development can lead to breathlessness as it pushes up against your lungs, not to mention the extra weight you’re having to carry round.

Your baby’s skin should now be starting to smooth out and they’ll become less wrinkly as they continue to put on fat, which is now being used to for energy as they up their activity level inside your womb1. Some women feel lots of movement while others don’t, each pregnancy is different.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a papaya

Week 30

By this stage you can start to count down to seeing your baby for the first time. They’re fully developed by this stage, with a bit of fine tuning going on before they’re born. For instance, the greasy vernix and soft, furry fine hair which covered their skin for a while is starting to disappear2.

Leg cramps at night time are a common occurrence for many pregnant women at this stage of pregnancy, and they could continue until around week 32. This could lead to a few restless nights in the meantime.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a leek

Week 31

Your baby’s little eyes are now able to focus by week 31 and although their lungs are developing quickly, it’ll be another four or five weeks until they’re able to breathe on their own.

You will probably also have an appointment with your midwife or GP to measure the size of your womb and check which way round your baby is lying3.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a butternut squash

Week 32

You might be counting down the days until you see your baby, and even they’re now getting ready for birth. By around 32 weeks they are normally lying with their head pointing downwards, and this is known as cephalic presentation4.

However, if they’ve not done this yet then don’t worry as there’s still time for them to turn.

Furthermore, by 32 weeks your uterus will have an increased amount of amniotic fluid inside it, which in turn your baby will be swallowing and now passing it out as urine5.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a Chinese leaf cabbage

Week 33

Your baby’s brain and nervous system are now fully developed and their bones are also continuing to harden, although their skull won’t fully harden and fuse together until after they are born – this makes their journey through the birth canal easier as the bones are able to move and slide over each other while still offering protection to the brain6.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a pineapple

Week 34

By week 34 your baby should be curled up in your uterus, with their legs bent up towards their chest7. Because of the lack of room to move about you will be able to see any changes in position or movement on the surface of your bump.

It’s understandable that this late in pregnancy you might be needing to slow down a bit. You might also experience your uterus tightening from time to time (Braxtono Hicks contractions) as it ‘practices’ for the tightenings and contractions that will come during labour. This is completely normal, but you should contact your midwife if they become too painful.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a corn on the cob

Week 35

At this stage, if your baby is a boy then their testicles will start to descend from his abdomen into his scrotum8.

If you haven’t done so already then you should really get your hospital bag packed (try our handy checklist to help you out), and it’s also wise to have a list of important telephone numbers ready in case you go in to labour.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a winter melon

Week 36

Your baby’s preparation for birth is almost complete now: their lungs are fully formed and will be ready to take their first breath once born, while they’re also able to suckle for feeds by week 36. In turn, their digestive system is also now ready to have their first feed of breast milk9.

Week 36 is the final week that a labour starting now would be considered as premature, and you can find out all about premature birth and the care that’s available.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a celery

Week 37

Welcome to full-term pregnancy – you could be meeting your baby in a matter of days, or it could take a bit longer than planned (especially if it’s your first one). Your baby is likely to weigh between three and four kilograms by now, so it’s understandable if you feel like you ‘just want it out now’.

Development-wise, your baby’s digestive system will now contain something called meconium, which is the sticky green substance which makes up their first poo after they’re born10.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a Swiss chard

Week 38

By this stage your baby is a perfectly developed newborn and they’re ready to meet their parents now. Their head has more than likely already moved down into your pelvis by now into the ‘engaged’ position. This new position is often more comfortable, especially for first-time mums, although there will be increased pressure in your lower abdomen11.

As your baby’s head engages you might notice that your bump has lowered, however in some cases babies will only ‘engage’ at the beginning of labour.

Most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, so the next few days and weeks is all about getting ready for labour!

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a marrow

Week 39

At week 39 your baby is really just hanging around and waiting to meet you. They’re just waiting for the green light.

As long as they’re inside you they’ll try and build up a layer of fat which helps to control their temperature after the birth, while their hair will be continuing to grow.

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a watermelon

Week 40

This should be the week! You’ll be meeting your newborn very soon, but first you might have to encounter a few false starts, especially if this is your first baby12.

You should have discussed with your midwife what the signs of labour are, such as contractions of tightenings, a ‘show’ where the plug of mucus from your cervix comes away, and your waters breaking.

It’s likely that your midwife will ask you to stay at home until you have frequent contractions, which are in a regular pattern and last at least 60 seconds, occurring every five minutes13.

If you’re planning to have your baby in a maternity ward then you should phone the hospital because the birth isn’t far away!

How big is baby this week? Around the length of a pumpkin

Find out what’s going on in trimester one or what’s going on in trimester two of pregnancy.

References:

NHS Choices: You and your baby at 29-32 weeks pregnant [1,2,3,4,5]

NHS Choices: You and your baby at 33-36 weeks pregnant [6,7,8,9]

NHS Choices: You and your baby at 37-40 weeks pregnant [10,11,12,13]
Disclaimer

Related

plate of pink and blue cupcakes next to presents
Ultimate baby shower planning guide
Ask the expert with Lil-Lets maternity pads
What to expect from post-natal bleeding after giving birth
Pregnant woman asleep on the sofa with hospital bag waiting
What should I pack in my hospital bag checklist
Hands off my bump!
Hands off my bump!
Two friends hugging at a baby shower
How to throw a baby shower
+

About ASDA

  • Store Locator
  • Blogs & Stories
  • Sustainability
  • Asda Group of Companies
  • Asda Foundation
  • Corporate & Press
  • Company Details
+

Useful Links

  • Contact Us
  • Jobs & Careers
  • Help
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Returns
  • Product Recalls
+

Opticians

  • Contact Lenses
  • Glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Kids's Glasses
  • NHS Glasses
+

Other Services

  • Tyres
  • Mobile
  • Good Living
  • Baby & Toddler Club
  • Gift Cards
  • Scan & Go
+

Groceries

  • Your Orders
  • Favourites & Lists
  • Special Offers
  • Delivery Pass
  • Ways to Shop
  • Click & Collect
+

George.com

  • Women
  • Men
  • Kids
  • Baby
  • Home & Garden
  • Furniture
+

Money

  • Credit Cards
  • Loans
  • Travel Money
  • Car Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Home Insurance
+

Photo

  • Prints & Posters
  • Canvas & Wall Art
  • Calendars
  • Photo Books
  • Drinkware
  • Protective Cases
Site map
Asda Baby and Toddler Club Logo

© ASDA 2018

ASDA Stores Limited, Southbank, Great Wilson Street, Leeds, LS11 5AD (registered in England & Wales, company no. 00464777). VAT registration no. 362012792. Contact us.

Triad Retail Media UK Ltd, 40 Strand, London, WC2N 5RW (registered in England & Wales, company no. 08529446). VAT registration no. 170942211.

NY1TR1PWEBWV01 - 4/21/2018 1:43:08 AM