36 Weeks Pregnant: Is It Almost Time? Here’s What You Need to Know

36 weeks pregnant? Can you believe it yourself? This simply states how powerful, strong and enduring you are! You have been carrying that tiny munchkin inside you for so long, and importantly, doing superb! Kudos to all the moms who bear babies and bring them into this world. And now we feel great that the time has almost come. You’re very close to holding your little baby in your arms. This feeling is a mix of excitement, nervousness and anxiety- everything all together, right!

To ease this, we have curated all the information for you. From symptoms to tips and baby development at this stage, everything is ready to be served. All you have to do is just sit, relax and read!

Key Takeaways At 36 Weeks Pregnant

• Moms-to-be, you are officially in the 9th month of your pregnancy. Feels like an achievement. Yes! You are just a few weeks away from your due date and holding your baby. 
• Your baby is growing and may look like a big cabbage. 
• Another key point to notice is that the baby has lost lanugo and now has hair on the head. Big development! 
• Don’t be surprised if we tell you that your baby’s digestive system is in place. If they are born now, they will be able to feed as well. 
• Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable. 
• Your belly feels heavier, and you may notice increased pelvic pressure. 
• It’s high time you create a checklist of all the essentials and pack your hospital bag. You might need it any time now.
• If you have not planned your maternity leave (obviously, if you’re working), then do it. What are you waiting for?
• Do you know about stem cell banking? If not, then do talk to your gynaecologist about it in the upcoming prenatal visit. They may guide you on its benefits for your baby’s future health!

Baby At Week 36

At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is rapidly putting on weight, averaging about 5.7 to 6.2 pounds (2.6 to 3.1 kg) and measuring approximately 18 to 19 inches (44.5 to 48.3 cm) long. Their skin is smooth, hair is growing on the head, and practising breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. 

Your baby's shedding most of their downy covering of hair (lanugo), as well as the waxy substance (vernix caseosa) that protected their skin in the womb. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, creating a blackish mixture called meconium that you'll see in their first few poops. 

Your baby might have turned into the head-down position by now. If not, no need to panic. There is still some time left for them to be in that position. That tiny fetus has now turned into a full-fledged baby (getting ready to be born). Additionally, your baby's skull bones are flexible and can overlap, allowing them to fit through the birth canal easily. This flexibility is called molding, and it helps make delivery smoother. 

How Big Is The Baby At 36 Weeks?

Your baby is now about the size of a big lettuce or a honeydew melon. While growth will slow down slightly in the coming weeks, weight gain continues to be steady, roughly half a pound per week.

36 Weeks Pregnant Is Equal To How Many Months?

At 36 weeks pregnant, you are nine months along. Pregnancy is generally counted as 40 weeks, so while you are in the ninth month, you still have about four more weeks to go until your due date.

36-Week Ultrasound

At 36 weeks of pregnancy, a fetal well-being ultrasound is typically performed to assess how the baby is developing and to check for signs of health and readiness for birth. Here's what you can generally expect during this scan: 

• Check how the baby is growing, developing, and gaining weight.
• Measures the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby, which helps the baby move freely and stay protected.
• Shows the baby’s position in the womb, helping doctors plan for the best birthing method.
• Look at blood flow in the umbilical cord, which carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby.
• Checks where the placenta is and how it's doing, since its position can affect delivery.
• Reviews the baby’s overall health, including heartbeat, movement, and activity levels.

Is Baby Fully Developed At 36 Weeks?

By 36 weeks, your baby is considered late preterm. While most of the critical development is complete: 

• The lungs are still maturing. 
• The brain continues to develop rapidly. 
• The baby will benefit from remaining in the womb for a couple more weeks. 

Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 36

Here’s what you might be experiencing at this stage: 

• Mild, painless tightenings around your bump (Braxton Hicks contractions)
• Trouble sleeping
• Stretch marks on your skin
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Sharp side pains from your growing womb (round ligament pain)
• Piles or haemorrhoids
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Bloating or constipation 
• Leg cramps 
• Swollen hands or feet
• Urine infections
• Vaginal infections
• Dark patches on your face (chloasma or "mask of pregnancy")
• Oily or spotty skin
• Mood swings (universal problem)

Your Pregnant Belly At 36 Weeks

Your belly is likely at its largest and may feel tight or heavy. You may notice:

• Stretch marks are becoming more prominent. 
• Linea nigra (a dark line running down your belly). 
• Itchiness due to stretched skin. 
• As your baby drops lower, your bump might even shift in shape slightly, giving you more room to breathe. 

Is It Safe To Deliver At 36 Weeks?

While 36 weeks is considered late preterm, many babies born at this time do very well. However, there are a few risks: 

• Respiratory issues due to immature lungs
• Potential feeding difficulties
• Slightly increased risk of jaundice or temperature regulation problems

Signs Of Labour At 36 Weeks

Although full-term pregnancy is considered 39 to 40 weeks, labour can begin at any time now. Watch out for signs such as: 

• Cramps that feel like period pain
• Low backache
• Diarrhoea
• Change in vaginal discharge
• Bloodstained discharge
• Waters breaking

Tips For 36 Weeks Pregnant

As you prepare for labour and delivery, here are some helpful tips: 

• Finalise your hospital bag with essentials for both you and your baby.
• Take a tour of your birth centre or hospital, if you haven’t already.
• Keep hydrated and eat light, frequent meals to ease indigestion.
• Practice relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or prenatal yoga.
• Install your car seat—most hospitals won’t let you leave without one properly installed.
• Talk to your doctor about the signs of labour and when to call.
• Continue kick counts to monitor the baby’s activity.

Final Thoughts

You're just a few weeks away from meeting your little bundle of joy! At 36 weeks pregnant, you're almost there. Your baby is almost fully developed, and you're probably feeling excited and ready to meet them. Take a deep breath, stay focused, and enjoy these final weeks of pregnancy. Before you know it, you'll be holding your baby in your arms, and it will all be worth it!