36 Weeks pregnant: Baby weight, discomfort relief, and delivery prep
- Updated Dec 3, 2024
- Published
CRAFTED BY HUMAN
Crafted by human At Femia, we provide accurate and up-to-date information at every stage of your journey, from trying to conceive, pregnancy and postnatal support. All content is created by a real person based on in-depth research and own professional experience. Femia ensures that you will receive expert advice, strict accuracy and a personalized approach from our authors/medical experts. Learn more about our editorial policy.
FACT CHECKED
Fact checked At Femia Health, we maintain the highest standards of editorial excellence in delivering content focused on helping you conceive, guiding you through pregnancy, and supporting you postpartum. Explore our content review principles to learn how we ensure the accuracy and quality of our health and lifestyle tips for every stage of your journey.
Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USA
At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is nearly early-term and preparing for birth. They are almost ready to meet the world, weighing around 2.6-2.7 kilograms and measuring about 18-19 inches long. Focus on managing symptoms, avoiding unnecessary risks, and getting ready for labor.
You’re now 36 weeks pregnant—just three week away from full term! At this stage, your body is preparing for labor, and you may experience symptoms like pelvic pain and period-like cramps and false labor pains. Let’s explore what’s happening with your baby, and your body, and how to navigate the final weeks before delivery.
Personalized meal plans, symptom tracking, and more with the Femia
36 Weeks pregnant symptoms
Here are common symptoms you may experience at 36 weeks:
- Pelvic pain: Your baby’s position may cause discomfort, making it painful to walk or stand for long periods.
- Period-like cramps: Mild cramping is common as your body prepares for labor.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: Irregular contractions may become more frequent but aren’t labor.
- Nausea: Hormonal changes and pressure on your stomach may cause nausea to return.
- Swelling (edema): Fluid retention can cause swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands.
- Frequent urination: Your baby pressing on your bladder may increase bathroom visits.
Braxton Hicks contractions vs true labor
| Aspect | Braxton Hicks Contractions | True Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Irregular, not progressively closer together | Regular intervals, getting closer together |
| Intensity | Weak, often described as mild discomfort | Increases in strength over time |
| Duration | Short, usually lasting less than 30 seconds | Longer, lasting 30-70 seconds per contraction |
| Location of Pain | Felt mainly in the front of the abdomen | Starts in the back and radiates to the front |
| Effect of Movement | Stops or decreases with activity or a change in position | Continues regardless of movement or position changes |
| Cervical Changes | Does not cause dilation or thinning of the cervix | Causes the cervix to dilate and thin out (effacement) |
👉Find out more: Week 35 pregnancy: Symptoms, baby milestones, and delivery prep
36 Weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore
- Severe pelvic pain: Intense or sharp pain could indicate a complication.
- Regular, painful contractions: Could signal the start of labor.
- Decreased baby movements: A noticeable reduction in activity requires immediate medical attention.
- Severe swelling: Particularly in the face or hands, this may be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a complication of pregnancy.
- Watery vaginal discharge: May signal breakage of your bag of water.
- Bleeding like a period: While bloody mucus discharge may be normal and is called the mucus plug, bleeding like a period requires medical evaluation.
Your body at 36 weeks pregnant
Your body is nearing the final stages of preparation for labor, and you may notice increased pressure in your pelvis as your baby moves lower. Many women experience difficulty walking or sitting due to the baby’s position.
36 Weeks in months
You’re about 9 months pregnant, with just four weeks (or less!) until your due date. A due date (as calculated from the first day of the last period) is 40 weeks. The end of pregnancy should be by 42 weeks.
36-Week pregnant belly
Your bump may feel heavier than ever, and you might notice your baby settling lower, a process called “lightening.” This can ease pressure on your lungs but increase discomfort in your pelvis.
Baby development at 36 weeks of pregnancy
At 36 weeks, your baby is nearly early-term and practicing skills they’ll need after birth, such as breathing, sucking, and swallowing. Their organs are fully developed, though they’re still adding fat to regulate body temperature.
- Weight: About 2.6-2.7 kilograms (5.7-6 pounds).
- Length: The fetus size is approximately 18-19 inches, similar to a romaine lettuce.
- Movements: Kicks and stretches may feel less sharp as space becomes limited.
36-Week ultrasound
A 36-week ultrasound may be performed to check your baby’s position, amniotic fluid levels, and overall growth. This is also a good time to confirm whether your baby is head-down for delivery.
36-Week preemie: what to expect
A baby born at 36 weeks is considered late preterm but is often healthy with minimal medical intervention.
Development and care:
- Lungs: Although lungs are fully developed, they may not have full function until 39 weeks, though breathing support may occasionally be needed.
- Feeding: Some preemies may require assistance until feeding reflexes mature.
- NICU stay: Babies born at 36 weeks typically require shorter NICU stays compared to earlier preemies.
Most babies born at 36 weeks catch up developmentally with their full-term peers by their first birthday.
Tests to expect at 36 weeks pregnant
Your healthcare provider will focus on monitoring your health and your baby’s readiness for delivery:
- Blood pressure check: Screens for preeclampsia or hypertension.
- Urine test: Detects protein.
- Fetal heartbeat and movements: Monitors your baby’s activity and heart rate.
- Group B strep (GBS) test: Ensures you’ll receive antibiotics during labor if needed. It is routine to collect a vaginal and rectal swab test for GBS from 36 weeks until 37 weeks 6 days. This is not an STI but part of the normal bacteria in some women.
- Fundal height measurement: Assesses your uterus’s growth and the baby’s position.
- TDAP vaccine. 36 weeks is typically the last opportunity to receive the TDAP vaccine if not done. TDAP is given every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks pregnancy.
Things to avoid at 36 weeks pregnant
- Stressful activities: Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm and reduce anxiety.
- Standing for long periods: Take breaks to rest and elevate your feet to reduce swelling.
- Heavy lifting: Avoid activities that strain your back or abdomen.
- Unpasteurized foods: Continue avoiding raw or unpasteurized foods to reduce the risk of infection.
👉Find out more:
37 Weeks pregnant: Labor signs, baby development, and discomfort relief
Health tips and self-care at 36 weeks pregnant
- Stay active: Gentle stretches or prenatal yoga can ease pelvic pain.
- Hydrate often: Drinking water helps reduce swelling and support circulation.
- Track baby movements: Keep a daily log to monitor activity patterns.
- Prepare for labor: Pack your hospital bag and finalize your birth plan.
Personalized meal plans, symptom tracking, and more with the Femia
Questions from the Femia community
How to deal with physical discomfort during sex?
Physical discomfort during sex in late pregnancy is common due to your growing belly and sensitive pelvic area. Try comfortable positions like side-lying or sitting to reduce pressure on your abdomen. Communicate openly with your partner and stop if you feel pain or discomfort. Always consult your provider if you have concerns about sexual activity at this stage.
How to make labor easier?
Start by practicing breathing techniques to stay calm during contractions. For some, aromatherapy helps with labor discomforts. Staying physically active with gentle exercises can improve stamina and flexibility. Packing comforting items, like music or a favorite pillow, can create a soothing environment. Discuss pain relief options, such as epidurals or natural methods, with your provider to feel prepared.
The bottom line
At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is nearly early-term and preparing for birth. Your healthcare provider will focus on monitoring your health and your baby’s readiness for delivery/ Monitor symptoms closely, focus on self-care, and finalize your labor plans to ensure a smooth transition into delivery.
References
- “36 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & Tips.” BabyCenter, www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/36-weeks-pregnant.
- “Week 36 of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development & More.” What to Expect, www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-36.aspx.
- “36 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Tips.” NHS, www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/1-to-12/36-weeks/.
- “Pregnancy Week 36: What to Expect.” American Pregnancy Association, www.americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/36-weeks-pregnant/.
Wondering if you can eat blue cheese while pregnant? Learn when blue cheese is safe, how to check for pasteurization, and guidelines for enjoying it during pregnancy.
Learn the ultimate guide to female orgasm with the orgasm tips, tricks, techniques, and do’s and don’ts to achieve the most satisfying sex experience!
Understand pregnancy signs and symptoms at 11 days past ovulation (11 DPO), body changes, and how to accurately test for pregnancy. Expert advice from Femia.
