You're 36 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect From Your Pregnancy

Your baby’s development

Still growing. Still preparing. Still in there.

At the end of thirty sixth week of pregnancy, it might give you comfort to know that the arrival is approaching quickly. Your baby is considered full term, yet he still has more growing to do. His bones are hardening, but his skull remains soft and flexible for birth.

Here's what else is happening:

He’s grown almost completely into his skin, which was once oversized and loose.

He now has a fully rounded face, in part because his powerful sucking muscles are now developed and ready to get to work.

During the baby development week 36, your baby probably weighs about 2.7 Kg or slightly more.

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Your nutrition and health

You’re slowing down, but don’t stop.

It's natural for your body to begin to slow a little as you get closer to your due date. You're now carrying a full-grown baby inside, and are continuing to adjust to loosening ligaments, swelling, and other challenges.

Continuing consistent, gentle exercise may help you fight fatigue. Walking is a great example of exercise you can usually continue through labor.

Balanced nutrition is not only nourishing you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, but it is also establishing a strong foundation for breastfeeding and your body's recovery after delivery.

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Things to think about now

The difference between true labor and false contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions (the clinical term for false contractions) were named after the British doctor John Braxton Hicks, and play an important role in helping your body rehearse for childbirth. They might become more frequent as you edge closer to your due date.

Braxton Hicks (False Labor) Contractions	True Labor Contractions
Irregular and remain irregular	Regular intervals or regular pattern
Don't get closer together as time passes	Grow closer together over time
Often are weak and stay that way (might have stronger contractions followed by weaker ones)	Increase in strength/intensity over time
Stop when you rest, walk, or change positions	Keep coming no matter what you do
Vary in length and intensity	Usually last 30 to 90 seconds (shorter when they begin and get progressively longer and stronger)
Don't affect your cervix	Cause cervix to dilate (open)
Pain usually felt only in the front	Pain begins in back and moves to front.

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What happens next week?

The home stretch!

Her baby fat continues to form, but her weight gain slows. You, your partner, your baby, and your doctor are all making final preparations for arrival.

See Next Week >

36 Weeks Pregnant

He/She’s full-term, but he’s not fully done growing.

Your baby’s development

Your nutrition and health

Things to think about now

What happens next week?

Breastfeeding Disclaimer