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Your Pregnancy at Week 36

This week, your baby is as big as a papaya.

Explore your pregnancy at Week 36

Week 32
Week 33
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
Week 37
Week 38
Week 39
Week 40

4 Weeks to go!

At A Glance
Baby Development Milestones
Pregnancy Symptoms
Advice from Our Practitioners
Tips for 36 Weeks Pregnant
Related Pregnancy Blogs

The following information was reviewed by Dr. Chor, Michael

At A Glance

Week-36

The baby is about to be full term

Your baby's organs are of sufficient size, the liver and kidneys are in working order, and the circulatory and immune systems are functioning properly.

Feel like your baby is about to fall out?

The baby moves down in your belly, putting pressure on your lower abdomen or making it uncomfortable to walk.

Watch out for signs of pregnancy toxemia (Preeclampsia)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or severe swelling in your feet, severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain. 

Baby's Development at 36 Weeks

Weight-Gain

Weight gain

The baby is still gaining weight, around 30g per day.

Meconium

Meconium formation

The baby is shedding most of the lanugo (hair) and the vernix (white, creamy biofilm) that protects the skin. When the baby swallows the lanugo, vernix and other secretions, it will produce a black mixture called "meconium", which will be the first stool passed after birth.

Digestive-System

Digestive system fully formed

Your baby's lungs and digestive system are fully formed, and he can breathe and feed on his own after birth. In just one week the baby will be considered "full term".

Turning-Head-Down

Baby's head down

If the baby's head is not down, the obstetrician will discuss with you whether a manual U-turn or a caesarean section is needed. Both are very safe but have different effects on your body, so it is important to consider what will work for you.

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Your Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 36

Loss of appetite

With your baby taking up so much space in your body, it may be difficult for you to eat normal-sized meals, so try smaller, more frequent meals.

Pressure on the lower abdomen and vagina

When the baby "enters the pelvis" and descends into the pelvis at about 36 weeks, you may feel extra pressure in the lower abdomen, making walking more and more uncomfortable and urinating more frequent. With the extra weight now on the vagina, it can feel like having a bowling ball between your legs!

Breathe easier

As baby begins to descend into your pelvis, there is less pressure on your lungs, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.

Advice from OT&P Obstetricians

In addition to regular check-ups and ultrasound to understand the fetal position, screening for Streptococcus B will also be performed at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant women carrying Group B Streptococcus may transmit Group B Streptococcus to their babies, leading to severe early infection of newborns. For pregnant women who screen positive for group beta streptococcal, intravenous antibiotics are recommended at the time of delivery.

Tips for 36 Weeks Pregnant

Pack the delivery "hospital bag".  The main items you need to bring include ID cards, toiletries, comfortable clothes, different forms of entertainment, chargers and newborn baby clothes, etc.

Make a “to-do list” to remind yourself of what needs to be done before maternity leave or childbirth

Try to interact with your baby more. You could play music to them and the baby's head may move in the direction of the sound.

img-pregnancy-week7-tips

Related Pregnancy Blogs

Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Coping with the Uncertainty of Threatened Miscarriage

Navigating the Decision to Terminate a Pregnancy

Related Pregnancy Services

Plan your pregnancy, birth & beyond with OT&P

Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.

   Maternity Concierge