9 Months Pregnant
Month nine covers week 36 until birth. Your baby is early term from 37 weeks and full term from 39 weeks, appointments are usually weekly, and labor can start any time.
Size of a watermelon by week 42
The weeks in month 9
Your baby at 9 months pregnant
Your baby grows from a pineapple to a watermelon, around 51 cm (20 in) long and 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) at 40 weeks. They practice breathing, sucking and gripping, and settle into position for birth.
Your body at 9 months pregnant
Your baby may drop lower into your pelvis, making breathing easier but adding pressure. You may lose your mucus plug and have more frequent Braxton Hicks as your body prepares for labor.
Common symptoms in month 9
- Pelvic pressure
- More frequent Braxton Hicks
- Losing the mucus plug
- Nesting urge
- Trouble sleeping
Your month 9 checklist
- GBS test (36 to 37 weeks)
- Know the signs of labor and the 5-1-1 rule
- Keep counting kicks
- Talk to your provider about going overdue
9 Months Pregnant: your questions answered
How many weeks is 9 months pregnant?
9 months pregnant is weeks 36 to 40+, in the third trimester.
How many weeks is 9 months pregnant?
Month nine runs from week 36 to your due date at 40 weeks, and can extend to week 42 if you go overdue. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, a little over nine calendar months, from your last period.
When should I go to the hospital?
Many providers suggest going in when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about 1 minute, and have done so for an hour (the 5-1-1 rule), or straight away if your waters break, you are bleeding or your baby is moving less.
Sources
Written from public guidance by ACOG, the NHS and the CDC. Month ranges follow the most common week-based convention; providers usually talk in weeks.
General information only, not medical advice.
History of updates
- : Published.