Week 36 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a head of romaine lettuce
18.5 inches · 5.5 to 6 lbs
Baby this week
- •Positioning lower in your pelvis as labor approaches
- •Shedding most of the vernix (waxy coating) and lanugo (fine hair)
- •Reflexes fully developed; can blink and respond to light
- •Brain continuing rapid development with billions of neural connections forming
You this week
- •Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Pelvic pressure and heaviness as baby drops
- •Shortness of breath relief as baby settles lower (though pressure increases elsewhere)
- •Frequent urination returning as baby presses on bladder
- •Lower back and hip discomfort
- •Difficulty finding comfortable sleeping positions
- •Emotional shifts—excitement, anxiety, and nesting urges intensifying
This week's tips
- •Practice different laboring positions: hands and knees, standing with support, side-lying. You'll know what feels right when the time comes
- •Prioritize rest now—even short naps matter. Your body is doing enormous work preparing for birth
- •Confirm your birth plan with your care provider and ensure your partner or support person is on the same page
- •Start timing Braxton-Hicks if they become uncomfortable; they should remain irregular. Contact your provider if you have consistent contractions every 5-10 minutes
- •Prepare your hospital bag or birth space with comfort items: music, photos, snacks for your partner, copies of important documents
- •Continue pelvic floor exercises to support recovery postpartum
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're entering the final month—baby could arrive any time after 37 weeks (full term). Next week you'll likely have weekly appointments where your provider checks baby's position and your cervix, giving you a clearer picture of what's ahead.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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