Pregnancy Week 36
Your baby is getting ready for life outside the womb. The brain and nervous system continue to mature, the lungs are becoming more prepared for breathing, and your baby is gaining more body fat and weight. Many babies are also settling into a head-down position as birth gets closer.
Your Baby This Week
Final Brain Development
Your baby’s brain continues to mature during week 36. The nervous system is becoming increasingly coordinated, supporting movements, reflexes, and other important functions after birth.
Brain development continues rapidly during the final weeks of pregnancy and will also continue after birth.
Maturing Lungs
Your baby’s lungs continue developing and preparing for breathing after birth.
Surfactant production continues, helping the lungs function more effectively when your baby takes the first breaths after delivery.
More Body Fat
Your baby continues to gain weight and store more fat beneath the skin.
This fat gives your baby’s body a fuller appearance and will help provide energy and regulate body temperature after birth.
Getting Ready for Birth
Your baby is increasingly prepared for life outside the womb.
Many babies are in a head-down position by this stage, although some babies may still change position. Your healthcare professional can check your baby’s position during prenatal visits.
Almost Ready
Your baby is about the size of a papaya. The brain and lungs continue maturing while your baby gains more fat and prepares for birth.
Your Body This Week
Your body is getting closer to the end of pregnancy, and you may notice more physical changes.
Pelvic Pressure
As your baby grows and may move lower into the pelvis, you may experience increased pressure in your pelvis or bladder.
More Frequent Urination
Increased pressure on the bladder can make you need to urinate more often.
Stronger Baby Movements
Your baby may have less room for large movements, but you should continue to feel regular movement according to your baby's usual pattern.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may notice more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are often irregular and may become more noticeable as your body prepares for labor.
Tips for week 36
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
- Eat balanced meals containing protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Continue including iron-rich foods.
- Choose calcium-rich foods to support your baby's developing bones.
- Include healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods.
- Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Eat smaller meals if heartburn or indigestion is bothering you.
- Continue pregnancy-safe physical activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Rest whenever you feel tired.
- Use pillows to support your abdomen, back, and legs while sleeping.
- Keep your prenatal appointments.
- Discuss any recommended tests or screenings with your healthcare professional.
- Make sure your hospital or birth-center plan is ready.
- Keep important contact numbers easily accessible.
- Prepare the essential items you will need for your baby's arrival.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day.
- Pay attention to your baby's usual movement pattern.
Nutrition This Week
Your baby’s continued growth and development still require a variety of important nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
Keep meals simple and nutrient-dense during these final weeks. Focus on foods that provide protein, iron, calcium, fiber, and healthy fats rather than relying heavily on highly processed foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is my baby at Week 36?
Your baby is approximately the size of a papaya. Exact measurements vary from baby to baby.
What is developing during Week 36?
Your baby’s brain and nervous system continue maturing, the lungs continue preparing for breathing, and your baby continues gaining fat and weight.
Is my baby considered full-term at Week 36?
Not yet. Week 36 is still considered late preterm. Pregnancy reaches the early-term period at 37 weeks.
Is my baby's position important at Week 36?
Your baby’s position becomes increasingly important as delivery approaches. Many babies are head-down by this stage, but your healthcare professional can assess the position and discuss options if your baby is not head-down.
Should my baby's movements decrease?
Your baby has less room as pregnancy progresses, so the type of movement may change. However, you should continue to feel your baby’s usual pattern of movement.
A noticeable decrease or significant change in movement should be reported promptly to your healthcare professional.
How do I know if labor is starting?
Possible signs include regular contractions that become stronger and closer together, leaking or breaking of the amniotic fluid, and other changes such as a bloody show.
If you think you may be in labor or your water breaks, contact your maternity care team for guidance.
What happens if my baby is born at Week 36?
A baby born at 36 weeks is considered late preterm. Many babies do well, but some may need additional monitoring for breathing, feeding, temperature regulation, or blood sugar.
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