36weeks
pregnant

Written by Megan Rive

IN THIS ARTICLE

Highlights this week

Do you know what Braxton Hicks contractions are?

Baby development at 36 weeks

Congratulations! By the end of this week, your pregnancy will have come full term. This means your baby can be born any day now. Babies born before 37 weeks are premature or pre-term, and those born after 42 weeks are post-mature or post-term. All babies are different, but a typical 37-week-old weighs 2.8kg.

Read more about your baby's development this week.
See for yourself how your baby is growing in our 3D video.
See other BabyCenter mums' baby bumps at 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Your baby is shedding the protective vernix
Most babies are head-down by now, but some are breech
Meconium is building up in your baby's intestines – you’ll see it in your baby’s first poo
Your baby's feet now have toenails

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Your baby is about as long as a large cos lettuce

length

47.4

head to toe

weight

2.6

Pregnancy symptoms at 36 weeks

You may begin to feel increased pressure in your lower belly and notice that your baby is gradually dropping. This is called lightening or engagement. The good news is that your lungs and tummy will finally get a chance to stretch a bit, so breathing and eating become easier.

You may find walking becomes increasingly uncomfortable, however. Your experience of carrying your baby may feel quite different. Some mums-to-be say they even feel as if their baby is going to fall out. Try not to worry, as this can't happen!

You may feel as if you need to go for a wee all the time, as your baby presses on your bladder. Practising your pelvic floor exercises can help.

baby in body at 36 weeks moving toward birth canal

Your baby's head may drop down into your pelvis
You'll probably breathe easier if your baby drops – it takes pressure off your lungs
If your baby drops, you'll feel their head pressing on your bladder

How your life's changing

As your baby's birth day approaches, how will you know if it's the real thing? We have tips on spotting the signs of labour. If you have a car, keep it topped up with petrol to get you to hospital, rehearse the best route to the hospital and have plenty of money for the car park.

You and your partner can prepare yourselves by understanding the stages of childbirth.

You may want to fit in a hair cut now -- you may not have time later!

Are you having twins? We've got plenty of tips on caring for twins once they're born. Find out if it's safe for twins to sleep in the same cot.

What you need to know

How about throwing a baby shower? Or asking a kind friend to throw one for you? We've got lots of ideas to make your baby shower a success.
Chances are you won't need to cope with an emergency homebirth, but read this guide so you're prepared, just in case.
Is your baby in breech position? Can you turn a breech baby? Find out about your options.
How to encourage your baby into the best position for birth.

Parent tip: pick a pack of tunes

"Make a playlist of your favourite tunes and put a note on the bag you'll be taking to the hospital to remind yourself to pack your device. Put some pacy, high-energy music in with the calming classical variety." -- Kristina

Megan Rive

Megan Rive is a communication, content strategy and project delivery specialist. She was Babycenter editor for six years.

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