Pregnancy Week 36

What does my baby look like?

Your baby is now about the size of a head of lettuce. Growth may slow a little over the coming weeks, so your baby can store the energy needed for birth while also preparing to travel through the narrow birth canal.

This week your baby looks much more like a newborn, with chubby legs and a pinkish tone from the blood vessels visible just beneath the skin.

The lungs have most likely matured enough now to breathe outside the womb without help. Your baby is also ready to suck and digest breast milk.

Your baby's skull bones haven't fused together yet. This helps the head move more easily through the birth canal. The skull isn't the only soft structure in that tiny body; much of the bone and cartilage will also harden after birth.

Which month of pregnancy is this?

At 36 weeks, you're in the 9th month of your pregnancy. There are only a few weeks left until birth.

Circulation, immune system, and digestion

The circulatory system is largely mature, and the immune system is starting to reach a level that can help protect against infections outside the womb.

The RSV vaccine may still come up during this time. It's usually recommended late in pregnancy (often between weeks 28 and 36, depending on your country's schedule), but it can be given later, up until birth, if needed. If you haven't had it yet, talk with your doctor. The vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of your baby developing severe bronchiolitis in the first 6 months of life, by more than 70%.

The digestive system, on the other hand, keeps maturing for a while after birth. Because your baby relies on the umbilical cord for nourishment in the womb, the digestive system is developed but not yet fully active.

The baby dropping ("lightening")

When your baby drops into your pelvic cavity, the pressure your uterus puts on your diaphragm may ease. When this happens, you may find it easier to breathe more deeply and eat more comfortably.

Not every baby drops before labor begins. But when it does happen, it can put more pressure on your bladder, and you may feel extra pressure in your lower belly.

What's happening in my body?

Your baby may have moved head-down into your pelvis. This doesn't mean labor is about to start; birth could still be weeks away.

Changes in your body shape

If your baby's head has started to settle into your pelvis, your belly may look like it's sitting lower. This is sometimes called "dropping." Because of the size of your belly, loosening ligaments, and a shifting center of gravity, you may want to move more slowly. If bending has become difficult, you might prefer slip-on shoes and ask for help with everyday tasks.

Vaginal discharge can change as labor approaches. A thick piece of discharge may be your mucus plug coming loose. The mucus can be clear, pinkish, brownish, or slightly tinged with blood. Darker, bloodier discharge may be the "bloody show." If this happens, watch for other signs of labor as well.

If your water breaks, call your doctor. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or faintly sweet-smelling. It can come as a leak, a trickle, or a sudden gush, and it usually keeps leaking.

Headaches and migraines in pregnancy may increase during this time. Hormonal changes, dehydration, sleep problems, and stress are common causes. Eating and drinking enough, resting, and getting safe exercise can sometimes ease headaches. If you have a severe, sudden, explosive headache, or a headache along with fever, a stiff neck, or vision problems, call your doctor.

Dizziness can also be common during these weeks. Your heart rate rises, your heart pumps more blood, and your growing uterus presses on your blood vessels. Not standing up too quickly, avoiding lying flat on your back for long periods, eating and drinking regularly, and not overheating can help.

Pelvic pain is also common in these weeks. It may feel like a deep, sharp ache, a stabbing, or a burning sensation. Loosening ligaments, weight gain, and a shifting center of gravity all contribute. Pregnancy support belts, physical therapy, or certain soothing methods may help.

As your baby drops, you may feel extra pressure in your lower belly, vaginal pressure, and short, sharp pains known as "lightning crotch." On the other hand, your shortness of breath may ease and you may be able to eat more comfortably.

Edema, or pregnancy swelling, may become more noticeable during this time. Your ankles, feet, hands, and face may look more swollen. It's still important to keep drinking water.

Leaking a little urine when you laugh or cough may be related to loosening pelvic floor muscles. Using a panty liner and continuing pelvic floor exercises can help.

The nesting instinct may also grow stronger during these weeks. Even if you feel energetic, try to take breaks to rest and eat.

Vaginal birth after cesarean

If you've had a cesarean birth before, a vaginal birth may be possible in this pregnancy. It depends on the reason for your previous cesarean and on how this pregnancy is going. You'll need to talk through the pros and cons with your doctor.

Your pregnancy signs may include:

• Braxton Hicks contractions
• trouble sleeping
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• round ligament pain
• hemorrhoids
• increased vaginal discharge
• mucus plug or bloody show
• your water breaking
• headache
• dizziness
• pelvic pain and pressure
• shortness of breath
• swollen hands and feet
• urine leakage
• oilier skin and shinier hair

This week's symptoms

One of the most noticeable complaints this week may be pelvic pain and pressure. As the baby drops into the pelvis, the feeling of pressure in your lower belly can increase. If your baby hasn't dropped yet, you may experience shortness of breath. In that case, taking things a little slower, resting plenty, and standing tall can help.

Nutrition this week

Even at this late stage, nutrition matters. What you eat affects both your own body and your baby.

Certain fish such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines can benefit your baby's brain development thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids. Dairy products are also good for bone development; milk, yogurt, and cheese provide calcium, fat, and vitamin D.

Options like semi-skimmed or skim milk, low-fat or low-sugar yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese can be good choices. You might aim for two or three servings a day. If you don't eat dairy, fortified plant-based alternatives can be used.

Time to take action

It's time to start getting ready for the things you'll need during birth. Make sure your hospital bag is packed and important phone numbers are within easy reach.

Preparing meals ahead of time can make life easier once your baby is born. Freezer-friendly meals can be a real comfort in the postpartum period.

Keeping up with exercise

Wanting to move more slowly during this time doesn't mean you have to stop exercising altogether. Regular walking, Pilates, or yoga can help keep you flexible for birth and ease back pain and sciatica.

Babies born this week

Babies born this week are considered moderate to late preterm. While they're less likely to have serious problems, they may need closer monitoring than full-term babies.

What to do if your baby is breech

If your baby is in a breech position at 36 weeks, an external cephalic version (ECV) may be recommended. This is a procedure in which a healthcare provider applies pressure to your belly to try to turn the baby into a head-down position. If it isn't successful, or if it isn't the preferred option, a cesarean may be considered.

Group B streptococcus (GBS)

Testing for group B streptococcus may be done during these weeks. While GBS is harmless for many adults, it can cause a serious infection in a newborn during birth. To test, your provider may take a swab from the vagina and rectum. If the result is positive, antibiotics can be given through an IV during labor.

Pain relief for labor and birth

Knowing your pain relief options ahead of birth can be reassuring. Feeling in control can help you stay calmer. In early labor, warm baths, back massage, acetaminophen, TENS, and moving around may help for some people.

Try perineal massage

If you're planning a vaginal birth, massaging the perineum in the weeks leading up to birth can help lower the chance of an episiotomy or a perineal tear. Ask your doctor how to do it.

Your check-ups with your doctor are even more important during these weeks. Your blood pressure, urine, and the size of your belly may be assessed. Even if it feels hard to get there, it's important not to skip these appointments.

If you think your water has broken

If your water breaks before 37 weeks, it may mean your membranes have ruptured prematurely, and this needs medical attention right away. Your water breaking may feel like a trickle or a gush that you can't control.

Try to sleep on your side

In the third trimester, sleeping on your side is recommended. Research has shown that sleeping on your back may be linked to an increased risk of stillbirth. This advice applies to both nighttime sleep and daytime naps.

The pregnancy walk, or waddle

In these final weeks, many people notice they've developed more of a waddle. This is due to loosening ligaments and a shifting center of gravity.

The mucus plug and the early stages of labor

Losing your mucus plug can be a sign that labor is approaching. But labor could start within a few hours, or not until weeks later. Not everyone will notice it.

Labor has early, active, and transition stages. The first stage is the longest but usually the mildest. In active labor, contractions become stronger and longer. The transition stage is usually the most intense but shorter.

Nausea may return

Some pregnant people may see nausea and vomiting return in the third trimester or just before labor begins.