36 Weeks Pregnant
At 36 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a romaine lettuce. You are in the third trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a romaine lettuce
- Length
- 47.4 cm
- Weight
- 2.62 kg
- Trimester
- 3
Your baby this week
- Fat fills out the skin and the wrinkles smooth away.
- The fine lanugo hair starts to disappear.
- The grip is firm enough to hold your finger after birth.
Your body this week
- The baby may drop lower into the pelvis — often called lightening.
- The cervix softens and begins to thin in preparation for labour.
Common symptoms
- Heavy pressure low in the pelvis
- Needing the toilet more often
- Easier breathing once the baby drops
What to expect
The last stretch asks a lot of your body. Sleep gets harder, movement slows down, and your appointments become more frequent. With 4 weeks to go, focus on rest, on knowing the signs of labour, and on having your bag ready.
Tips for this week
- Appointments usually move to weekly from now on.
- Perineal massage from week 34 may reduce tearing during birth.
- Plan your route to hospital, and a backup if your driver is unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 36 weeks pregnant?
36 weeks is about 8.5 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 36 weeks?
At 36 weeks your baby is around a romaine lettuce — roughly 47.4 cm long and about 2.62 kg. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 36 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.