36 weeks pregnant
At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a large papaya: around 47.4 cm head to heel and 2.62 kg. Baby may drop lower into your pelvis, ready for birth.
Your baby at 36 weeks
Baby may drop lower into your pelvis, ready for birth.
| Size | About the size of a large papaya |
|---|---|
| Length | 47.4 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 2.62 kg |
Most of the fine lanugo hair has gone, and your baby has plump cheeks and strong sucking muscles. In a first pregnancy, your baby's head may move down into your pelvis (engage) over the next few weeks; in later pregnancies it often happens nearer to labour. Your baby weighs about 2.6 kg.
How far along are you at 36 weeks?
At 36 weeks pregnant you are in the ninth month of your pregnancy and the third trimester. You have about 4 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 36 weeks your baby has been growing for about 34 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 36 weeks
Sleep gets harder. Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks and plan your route.
Common symptoms at 36 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Lightening. As your baby drops, breathing gets easier but there's more pressure on your bladder.
- Pelvic pain. Your baby's head is pressing down.
- Frequent weeing. Very little room for your bladder.
- Nesting. A sudden urge to clean and get things ready.
- Braxton Hicks. Can be strong and uncomfortable.
- Tiredness. Rest whenever you can.
Your checklist for week 36
- Go to your 36-week check. Your doctor will check your baby's position.
- If your baby is breech, ask about ECV (turning the baby) or the options for birth.
- Have your hospital bag by the door or in the car.
- Check flight rules: most airlines don't allow flying from 36 weeks.
- Expect weekly check-ups from now until birth.
Tip of the week: Learn the signs of labour
Signs that labour may be starting include regular, painful contractions that get closer together, your waters breaking, a show (a plug of mucus, sometimes streaked with blood), backache and an urge to go to the toilet. Our signs of labour guide explains when to go to hospital, and our contraction timer helps you track them.
For your partner
Sleep is harder and the bag needs packing.
- Pack the hospital bag together
- Save the hospital number in your phone
- Do a practice drive to the hospital
When to call your doctor at 36 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smelly.
- Bleeding, constant tummy pain, reduced movements or signs of pre-eclampsia.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes, or fewer baby movements.
Questions about 36 weeks pregnant
What is an ECV?
External cephalic version is when a doctor gently pushes on your tummy to try to turn a breech baby head-down. It is usually offered from 36 to 37 weeks and works in about half of women. It is done in hospital with monitoring.
What does it mean when my baby has dropped?
Your baby's head has moved down into your pelvis. You may breathe more easily, but feel more pressure low down and need to wee more often. In first pregnancies it can happen a few weeks before labour; it doesn't mean labour is about to start.
Is 36 weeks full term?
No. 37 weeks is early term, and 39 to 40 weeks is full term. A baby born at 36 weeks is called late preterm and usually does well, but may need some extra help with feeding or temperature.