At a glance
Week 36: 4 weeks to go. This week: Group B Strep swab, weeks 35 to 37.
- Trimester 3
- 4 weeks to go
- Baby about 47.4cm
Check-ups and screens
Group B Strep swab now · weeks 35 to 37
A vaginal and rectal swab for Group B Streptococcus, recommended for mothers planning a vaginal delivery.
Coming up from week 37: full term, weeks 37 to 40.
Typical windows from HealthHub, KKH and NUH. Your doctor decides your own schedule.
When to get help
Baby moving less than usual? HealthHub says: “If you feel that your baby is moving less than usual, monitor your baby’s movement for a while. If you are worried, see your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.”
HealthHub’s signs to act on, from 25 to 37 weeks:
See your doctor
- Headache and swelling of limbs: if these are severe or associated with dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision or upper abdominal pain
Go to the hospital as soon as possible
- Abdominal pain: regular, painful and persistent uterine contractions or tightening of the abdomen
Go to the hospital immediately
- Vaginal bleeding: bright red bleeding (like menses), or blood-stained mucus with painful contractions
- Reduced foetal movement
- Leaking of water: a continuous flow or a sudden gush of clear fluid from the vagina
How big is your baby?
About 47.4cm long, head to heel. NHS compares it to a romaine lettuce.
Leave and Baby Bonus
Maternity leave can start now
By default the 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave start 4 weeks before the birth. With your employer's agreement, start any day in those 4 weeks.
Coming up from week 37: after the birth: register on LifeSG. Register the birth within 42 days (S$18) and apply for the Baby Bonus or the SG Child Support Package in the same LifeSG flow. Paternity leave: by default 4 weeks within 16 weeks of the birth.
Which baby scheme applies follows the actual birth date. Born before 1 April 2027: the Baby Bonus Scheme. Born on or after it: the SG Child Support Package.
Plan ahead
- Due date and antenatal timeline: every window and leave date on your own calendar.
- When is my baby due, and what happens before the birth?
- Hospital bag and admission list: a printable list.