9 months pregnant

Which weeks are 9 months pregnant?

9 months pregnant covers weeks 36 to 40, in the third trimester. Doctors count pregnancy in weeks from the first day of your last period, so months are only approximate. Not sure how far along you are? Try our how many weeks pregnant am I calculator.

Week 36 Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40

Your baby at 9 months pregnant

Your baby's lungs are mature, most of the lanugo hair has gone and the bowel is full of meconium. Your baby gains weight steadily and practises sucking and gripping. In first pregnancies, the head often drops into the pelvis a few weeks before labour. The average baby at 40 weeks weighs about 3.4 kg and is about 51 cm long.

By the end of the month:

Your body at 9 months pregnant

As your baby drops, breathing gets easier but pelvic pressure and trips to the toilet increase. You may lose your mucus plug (a show), feel strong Braxton Hicks, have backache or a burst of nesting energy. Check-ups are usually weekly.

Common symptoms at 9 months pregnant

• Pelvic pressure as your baby drops
• Needing to wee constantly
• Losing your mucus plug
• Strong Braxton Hicks
• Backache
• A burst of nesting energy

Your checklist for month 9

• Learn when to go to hospital, such as the 5-1-1 rule, and always call first.
• Time contractions with a contraction timer.
• Call straight away if your waters break, you bleed or your baby moves less.
• Ask about a membrane sweep and induction if you go past your due date.
• Rest, eat well and keep your phone charged.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor or maternity unit straight away for bleeding, severe tummy pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache or vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, a high temperature, or, from about 24 weeks, if your baby is moving less than usual.

Questions about being 9 months pregnant

Read next

← Month 8