36 Weeks pregnant: Baby development, symptoms & signs

Your Body at Week 36

Your baby drops

Around 36 weeks, your baby can change positions inside your uterus. This includes moving further down into your pelvis, and turning to a head-down position in preparation for birth. You are probably seeing your healthcare provider pretty frequently at this point so that they can check on your blood pressure and urine. In these appointments, they are probably feeling your stomach to see if they can determine the position of the baby. It’s important to remember that it is not uncommon for the baby to change positions for another week or so until they settle [1]. Depending on the uterus’ position in your body, it is not always easy to figure out your baby’s position by feeling your belly. The most accurate way to see a baby’s position is via ultrasound [1]. Your baby’s positioning in the womb can determine which method of birth is safest for you and your baby.

Depending on your OBGYN, midwife, or birthing clinic, you might be offered an external cephalic version, or ECV, if your baby remains in a breech position around week 36 or 37. ECV is a non-invasive procedure where your OBGYN or midwife will try to physically move the baby into a head-down birthing position [2]. It is a safe procedure for both you and your baby, though it can be physically uncomfortable [3]. 

Research has recommended that in some cases, trying to ease tension in your body can help to create more space for the baby to move [1]. Some recommendations for easing tension in the pelvis include prenatal yoga, taking a brisk daily walk, swimming, stretching, and eating a healthy diet to treat constipation [1].  

Cramping and contractions

In these final weeks before birth, it is not uncommon to experience cramping or light contractions. Like other changes to your body functions during pregnancy, this is linked to changing hormone levels, bloating, constipation, and the physical pressure your baby is putting on your body and internal organs [4].

Remember that contractions that do not come at regular intervals, or which vary in how long they last, are likely Braxton Hicks, or practice contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable, but are usually less painful than labor contractions and typically go away completely for a long period of time and come back [5]. 

If you experience regular, intensifying contractions accompanied by a backache or heavy, aching feeling, it might be a sign that labor has started [6]. Keep track of the frequency and duration of your contractions, and contact your healthcare provider. It is also important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any sharp or stabbing pain in your abdomen that starts suddenly and does not go away, contact your healthcare provider immediately [7].

Your baby’s development at 36 weeks

It might be hard to believe but your baby is still at work growing this week, gaining up to an ounce (around 28 grams) a day [8]. This week your baby’s first fine hair, or lanugo, is beginning to fall out [8]. It is also normal for your baby to shed its vernix caseosa, which is the white creamy substance that helps protect your baby inside the womb - this is the white substance you sometimes see in pictures of newborn babies [8].  

At 36 weeks, your baby weighs between 5.75 and 6.75 pounds (2.6 to 3.1 kilograms) and is likely between 17.5 and 19 inches (44.5 to 48.3 centimeters) long [8]. This is around the size of a papaya fruit!

Although you are nine months pregnant, your baby would still be considered premature if it was born this week. Babies are considered “at term” after week 37 [9]. Babies born at 36 weeks might need a little extra time in the hospital upon arrival, but generally have the same long-term health outcomes as babies who are delivered at term [10]. 

Pregnancy symptoms in Week 36

Swollen ankles and feet

Moving around might be more and more challenging now in this ninth month of pregnancy, but it is important to try to move around as much as you can (if it is considered safe to do in your pregnancy). Gradual swelling in the feet and ankles is usually normal during pregnancy, caused by the body producing around 50% more blood and other bodily fluids. Fluid retention also usually gets worse the closer you get to giving birth as your body prepares for labor [11]. 

It is good to know that standing for long periods of time, warm weather in the summer, high salt intake, and drinking a lot of caffeine can all worsen swelling [11]. Staying hydrated, eating a low-salt diet, taking regular walks (if it is safe to do so in your pregnancy), wearing comfortable shoes, resting, and foot exercises can all relieve swelling [12].

If you experience a sudden increase in swelling, particularly to your hands, feet, or face, it is important to contact your healthcare provider as this might be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires medical attention [13].

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain throughout the last half of pregnancy is unfortunately common particularly towards the end of pregnancy [14]. Additional weight on the pelvis, particularly when your baby grows larger or drops lower in your body, can put strain on the pelvic joints [14]. Though not harmful to your baby, it can make day-to-day activities and sleeping more difficult. Pelvic pain can also affect your balance, so be careful moving about as you might be less stable than normal [15].

Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominals, and stretches to relieve strain around the pelvis can help provide relief [14]. You may find a maternity support band or girdle can also provide some relief. 

If the pain continues to worsen, or you are unable to move around normally, contact your healthcare provider. While those who suffer from pelvic pain in pregnancy are often able to give birth vaginally, it is important that your healthcare team know if you are suffering from pelvic pain when you go into labor [14].

Improved breathing

You might notice you are actually breathing a bit easier this week. If your baby has dropped further down into your pelvis, this will ease some pressure on your lungs and diaphragm [16]. This process is also known as lightening. Improved breathing from lightening can be a big help if you are practicing any deep breathing techniques to use during labor!

Tips in Week 36

• Pack that hospital bag: your baby can come at any time so it is a good idea to pack a hospital bag, if you have not already done so. Be sure to check the website of your hospital or birthing center for recommendations on what to pack. Phone and tablet chargers, sanitary pads, snacks, and basic toiletries will always come in handy. If you are planning to have a partner or friend stay with you in the hospital after you give birth, that person will need to pack some things as well.
• Prepare those newborn essentials: some baby clothes and diapers for those first few weeks are essential! Remember that newborns grow very fast, and it is impossible to know their size before you meet them, so best to have a couple of sizes on hand. Depending on where you give birth, it is also likely you will need an infant car seat to take your baby home.
• RSV vaccines: you might have already been offered a vaccine to protect against the respiratory syncytial virus, but it can be given right up until you go into labor. This vaccination lowers your baby’s risk of severe lung infections.
• Plan your parental leave: depending on where you live or your workplace, you might already be on leave, or getting ready to start it soon. Parental leave is an important way for you to prepare mentally and physically for welcoming your new baby. 
• Prepare physically for birth: childbirth is major hard work for your body! You can help it prepare through some exercises to help encourage strength and flexibility in your hips, abdominals, and pelvis, like child’s pose, deep squats, and cat/cow pose [17]
• Meal prep: those first days home with your baby will be busy, and preparing meals for yourself or your family might be challenging. If you are cooking in the coming weeks, consider preparing twice the amount you normally would and freezing the extras. Having some extra meals prepared and ready to heat up can help in those first days and weeks with your newborn.

Following your pregnancy with Natural Cycles

Did you know that you can use Natural Cycles for more than birth control? Use NC° Follow Pregnancy once you become pregnant to track your pregnancy from that first positive pregnancy test all the way through birth and postpartum. The app enables you to track your pregnancy symptoms and monitor your physical and mental health throughout the pregnancy. Weekly guides give you updates on the development of your baby and the changes you are experiencing in your body. After birth, the NC° Postpartum helps guide your recovery. You can also use Natural Cycles for non-invasive, hormone-free birth control after giving birth.