You are 36 weeks and 1 day

You're in the home stretch and may start maternity leave soon, which can be a relief but also a time of mixed emotions.

27 days until your due date

Going on maternity leave is a big milestone. As you step out of your working role, the reality of becoming a mother may hit you, but hopefully you have a few more weeks to get used to the idea.

It can be a welcome break to take things easy, not rush around in the mornings, and feel less tired without the commute. You do need to rest, but plan some outings too, since having no routine can take some getting used to.

It's good to stay in touch with colleagues, but try not to fall into the trap of checking work email or keeping up with everything at work. You may worry about losing part of your identity while on leave; that's a common feeling, but before you know it your leave will be over and you'll be settled back at work. Enjoy this run-up to the birth and use the time to get organized for your new arrival.

Good to know

When your baby drops

Engagement is when your baby's head starts moving down into the pelvic brim ready for birth. It can happen any time in the last few weeks, right up to the start of labor. In these final weeks your doctor will check whether the head has started to engage, or drop, sometimes called "lightening."

An examination shows where the baby's head is, known as the station. It's measured from -5, with the head floating above the pelvis, through 0, when the head is halfway through the pelvis, to +5, when the head is at the opening of the vagina, a stage called crowning.

Before engagement, more than three- or four-fifths of the head can be felt above the pubic bone and your belly sits high and faces forward. Once the baby has dropped into the pelvis, your belly sits lower and changes shape, easing pressure on your ribs. You may find it easier to breathe, as your lungs have more room, or need to urinate more because of extra pressure on your bladder.

Ask a Doctor

Will I feel different when my baby drops?

You'll feel lighter in that breathing is easier, with more room for your lungs to expand. Your abdomen may look smaller as your belly shifts down and forward and your baby's head enters the birth canal. With pressure on your bladder you may need to urinate more, and you may also have some pelvic pain.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.

When your baby drops

Will I feel different when my baby drops?

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