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Medically reviewed by
Layan Alrahmani, M.D., Ob-gyn, maternal-fetal medicine specialist
Soon your baby will drop into your pelvis, giving your lungs more room but putting more pressure on your bladder. This is one way your body's preparing for labor – but it doesn't predict when labor will start.
Hormonal changes plus sleep disturbances can lead to vivid and bizarre dreams in late pregnancy. It's common for pregnant women to dream about their baby, body changes, water, and being in labor.
If you're feeling nervous about taking care of your new baby, check out these newborn tips from veteran parents.
You're in your eighth month!
Your baby is cushioned and protected by about a quart of amniotic fluid. It increases during pregnancy until about 36 weeks, then gradually decreases until you give birth.
Your baby's kidneys are fully developed now – they've actually been making urine since you were 13 weeks pregnant. (Your baby pees into the amniotic fluid!) Your baby's first bowel movement (called meconium) is building up in their intestines.
Your baby now has distinct sleeping patterns. You may start to recognize these cycles: You'll probably feel your baby moving more when they're awake and less when they're asleep.
Your uterus now reaches up under your rib cage. It's crowding your internal organs, which is one reason why you may be dealing with increased heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux) and other gastrointestinal issues such as gas and bloating now.
During late pregnancy, you can't always avoid heartburn. However, there are things you can do to decrease your discomfort while you wait for your baby to arrive.
Begin by paying close attention to the foods that bother your stomach. These may include carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, mint products, processed meats, and foods that are fatty, spicy, fried, or highly seasoned. By avoiding these, you may be able to eliminate some of your heartburn.
Also, as your uterus grows, you may find that you can't eat full-sized meals comfortably. Considering eating small, frequent meals instead.
As bedtime approaches, stop eating a couple hours before going to sleep. Propping yourself up with pillows can also make heartburn more manageable. If you're in pain, and prevention strategies aren't helping, talk to your provider about heartburn meds that are safe for pregnancy.
You might feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable at 35 weeks pregnant. If you've tripped and fallen, or found yourself bumping into corners and spilling drinks more often, you can totally place the blame on your pregnancy.
There are several factors that contribute to increased clumsiness now. Not only are you heavier, the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax and your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being off.
Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome can affect your grip and contribute to dropping and spilling. Swelling and changes to how your shoes fit could affect how you walk. Also, you may have vision changes during pregnancy due to fluid retention in your eyes. So, if you're feeling especially clumsy, take it slow and go easy on yourself.
In late pregnancy, headaches may strike when you're tired, hungry, or dehydrated. Vision changes related to pregnancy can cause headaches, too – as can stress, depression, and allergies.
To get a handle on headaches, try these strategies:
Figure out your headache triggers. Headache specialists often recommend keeping a headache diary to help you identify specific triggers. The next time you get a migraine or headache, write down everything you ate for the 24 hours prior and what you were doing when your headache started.
Use a compress. You may be able to find relief if you apply a warm or cool compress to your forehead or the base of your skull.
Don't go hungry or thirsty. To prevent low blood sugar (a common headache trigger), eat small meals frequently.
Exercise. Some evidence shows that regular exercise during pregnancy can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and reduce the stress that can cause tension headaches.
Massage, meditation, prenatal yoga, and acupuncture may also help relieve headaches.
Important: If you have a severe headache, call your doctor or midwife right away. It could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are very common, especially during the third trimester. These small, swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are likely to happen now because of pressure from your growing uterus, plus increased progesterone levels and pregnancy constipation.
Hemorrhoids are often itchy, sore, and mildly uncomfortable – or downright painful, especially if you're straining during a bowel movement. In some cases, hemorrhoids cause rectal bleeding or blood in the stool during pregnancy.
By managing constipation, you can help lessen the severity of hemorrhoids or prevent them altogether. Making sure you're hydrated, eating high-fiber foods, and staying active are daily habits that can keep your bowel movements regular. Avoid straining when you're using the restroom, and if you're already constipated, take a stool softener. Sitting for too long can also trigger hemorrhoids, so get up and move around throughout the day as much as you can.
If you're already dealing with hemorrhoids, get relief by using cold compresses or taking a warm bath (alternating cold and heat can be effective). Clean yourself gently with an unscented wipe after you have a bowel movement. Also, check in with your provider about using medication for hemorrhoids.
Most expecting moms develop a dark, vertical line down the center of their belly called the linea nigra. If your hair or skin is dark, this line is likely to be more pronounced. The "pregnancy line" appears because of hormones: Increased progesterone and estrogen act on melanocytes, the cells that determine the pigment of your skin.
The linea nigra is just one of the ways that skin can change during pregnancy. Some women develop darker patches on their face called melasma or "mask of pregnancy." Often, other pigmented areas of skin get darker. You may notice this on your areolas (the area around the nipples); your labia majora (the folds of skin around the vagina); and where your skin creases, such as by your armpits and where your legs meet your torso.
You can't prevent these pregnancy skin changes, but any darker areas will fade after you give birth and likely return to their pre-pregnancy color. To keep areas of darker skin from becoming more pronounced, wear sunscreen, use hypoallergenic skin care products, and don't wax the affected areas.
During the second half of pregnancy, it's common to have vision changes like blurry vision and dry eye. An estimated 14 percent of all women, in fact, report becoming more nearsighted or having blurry vision during pregnancy. These symptoms are considered normal, and they're nothing to be concerned about unless they become severe. Often vision changes happen because of pregnancy-related hormonal shifts – and they're temporary and mild.
However, if your eyesight is markedly different or you're experiencing double vision, temporary loss of vision, flashing lights in your line of sight, or anything else concerning, call your healthcare provider. More extreme vision changes are associated with serious health conditions including preeclampsia, eclampsia, and hyperthyroidism.
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Now's the time to get familiar with the signs of labor, so you'll know when it is time to call your provider and go to the hospital or birth center.
Before you start labor, you may see some early signs that the big day is approaching. You might notice that your baby has dropped lower in your pelvis and your Braxton Hicks contractions have increased. This doesn't necessarily mean that labor is happening soon, but these are signs you're getting closer. Some women notice some blood in their underwear, increased vaginal discharge, or slightly bloody mucus before going into labor. (Note: You may not see your water break – this often doesn't happen until during labor.)
Once you're full term, your healthcare provider may offer to check your cervix. They'll note changes like dilation and effacement, which means your cervix is becoming softer and thinner and starting to open in preparation for birth.
The most tell-tale sign of labor, of course, are contractions. Labor contractions are regular and grow stronger, longer, and more frequent as they cause your cervix to dilate. Find out more about what contractions feel like.
Once contractions become more frequent and intense, start timing them – and follow your healthcare provider's instructions on when to call. (And if you're unsure whether it's time, go ahead and call!)
It's important to have the right car seat for your baby and install it in your back seat if you haven't already. If you're having trouble getting your car seat positioned just right, or you'd just like to have an expert look it over, you can find a car seat safety event or a certified technician on the Safe Kids website.
Throw all those adorable little outfits and blankies in the wash to remove any irritants in the fabric. You can use a gentle detergent designed for babies, or one that's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Avoid detergents with anti-static and fabric softening properties, since these have ingredients that may be irritating to newborn skin.
As you get closer to the end of pregnancy, do your best to stay active. To keep exercising safely, you might need to make a few modifications. It's always a good idea to start slow and increase your intensity as you feel comfortable. Listen to your body and back off if you're feeling pain, overheating, or getting breathless.
In your third trimester, avoid risky activities that could lead to a fall or trauma to your uterus, such as contact sports, skiing, and snowboarding. When you exercise, take time to warm up and cool down, dress in loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating, and keep hydrated.
If you were very active before pregnancy and during the first and second trimesters, you may not need to make many changes now to your usual routine. However, it's always a good idea to be patient and go easy on yourself. After all, slow and steady wins the race.
Do you feel warm all the time? It's not just you – many women feel hot while pregnant, regardless of the temperature outside. There are several reasons for this: You're carrying around more weight, your heart is working harder to support your developing baby, and you have more blood circulating and making your skin feel warmer.
Plus, you may have hot flashes during pregnancy. Fluctuating hormone levels – particularly drops in estrogen – as well as an increased metabolic rate during pregnancy can cause the surges of heat that may leave you kicking off your sheets at night or fanning yourself wildly in the grocery store.
If you're dealing with hot flashes or simply trying to avoid overheating, make sure you're drinking plenty of water and wearing cool, loose-fitting clothing. During the winter, dress in layers so you can stay warm and then peel off an outer layer when you need to.
Mary Sauer is a freelance parenting and health writer living in Kansas City. She is a mom of four and loves to hike with her kids, read, and knit. Cooking a complicated meal her kids probably won't eat is one of her favorite pastimes.
