36 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development, Weight, Size, Pregnancy Tips
36th Week Pregnancy Highlights
Head First
By now, most babies change their position to a head-first position. If your baby still hasn’t changed position, check with your doctor who will do an internal exam or an ultrasound.
Child-Proof Your Home
With the baby expected anytime soon, child-proof your home. Use child-safe tapes around sharp edges of bed, stairs, etc., keep a handy first aid kit, make the baby room dust-free, and install a humidifier if need be.
Pregnancy Milestone
At week 36, you’re in the eighth month.
Your Baby’s Development During Week 36
weight (kg)
2.6 kg
Length (cm)
47.4 cm
Approximate size
honeydew melon
How Big is Your Baby?
This week, the baby’s growth will gradually slow down till child birth. Most of the baby’s bones and cartilages are soft, even the skull bones are not completely fused this week. The thin downy hair, lanugo that covered the baby’s body, will begin to shed from this week. Although the immune system and circulatory system are ready, some of the other systems like the digestive system, are yet to be fully functional. The baby born after 36 weeks is considered healthy and void of any complications.
Baby’s Length: 47.4 cm
Baby’s Weight: 2.6 Kg
Mother’s Changing Body: What to Expect
This week, your body becomes flexible as a result of the softening and loosening of the connective tissues, caused by pregnancy hormones. This change is necessary for the baby to squeeze through the narrow birth canal.
You may have to put up with pelvic pain and ‘penguin waddle,’ aka pregnancy walk, till the delivery date
36th Week Pregnancy Symptoms
Easy Breathing
As the baby moves down the pelvic canal, you may be able to breathe easily.
Frequent Urination
With each passing day, as the baby moves downward, the baby’s head will exert pressure on the bladder causing you to pee frequently.
Vaginal Pressure
If the baby is very low, most pregnant women feel increasing vaginal discomfort and pressure.
Decreased Appetite
With so much going on in your belly, you would find it difficult to finish your normal portion of meals, which might make you feel bloated.
Pregnancy Tips for Week 36
This is a preconception phase and you need to take better care of yourself to ensure a smooth pregnancy. Therefore, you should:
- Whenever you feel vaginal pressure, leave everything aside, lie down and rest for an hour at least.
- To combat decreased appetite, eat smaller, but more portions across the day.
- Try drinking warm water to prevent frequent urination, especially if the weather is cooler.
- Eat fiber-rich vegetables, fruits and nuts to avoid constipation. Do not skip your meals even if you feel heartburn or indigestion.
