Day 255 of 280, third trimester
You are 36 weeks and 3 days
Your beautiful belly is intruding on your life more and more, affecting how you move and eat.
25 days until your due date
You may be getting frustrated with your size, which makes everyday activities harder. Simple things like fitting through doors or getting off the sofa can be difficult, and everything may take longer. All you can do is be patient and focus on getting through the next few weeks; your body will soon be back to normal.
In pregnancy it's common to eat more often but less at each meal. Your uterus has grown so much that your other organs have shifted and are squashed into less space, so your stomach has less room and you feel full sooner. When it empties, you may be hungry again. Snacking is fine, but reach for healthy foods rather than the cookie jar!
The lowdown
VBAC
Doctors used to think that once you'd had a cesarean, all future babies had to be born the same way. Now it's known that 90 percent of women who've had a cesarean are candidates for VBAC, vaginal birth after cesarean. Depending on why you had your previous cesarean, you may be able to deliver vaginally, especially if you have no major medical problems, the baby is healthy, head down, and of normal size, and whatever made the last cesarean necessary isn't present. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are carrying multiples, you're not a candidate for VBAC.
Focus on
Your baby: Working out with Mom
Your baby will usually move several times in the 20 to 30 minutes after you exercise. Keeping your exercise at a moderate intensity won't compromise his oxygen supply. If you exercise too hard for too long, you may compromise it, and his movements will drop below their usual level.
If you're worried, keep a log of how much your baby moves and compare it with his activity after exercise. If it falls below what you consider normal, speak to your doctor.
Explainer
Driving late in pregnancy
Getting comfortable behind the steering wheel becomes harder in late pregnancy. Keep trips as short as possible, take regular breaks on longer journeys, and always wear your seat belt.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 36 weeks pregnant guide
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.