Your baby at 36 weeks
Your baby is the size of a head of Romaine lettuce. By the time you are 36 weeks pregnant, your little one weighs between 2.5 and 2.7 kg (5.5 and 6 lb) and measures nearly 48.3 cm (19 inches).
How sweet the sound
Studies show that newborns prefer the sound of their mother's voice over other voices.Research has also found that newborns show a preference for a song that was played to them repeatedly while they were in the uterus. It's not too late to start: pick a time each day to play a beloved CD or tape, sing your favorite song or read your baby a story.
The incredible, shape-able skull
Your baby's head is specially designed to travel through your cervix and pelvis. The bones in your little one’s skull aren't fused together yet; this loose construction facilitates his or her trip down the birth canal without harming baby or you. These bones will gradually fuse over the first year of life.
Your pregnancy at 36 weeks
Step up the check-ups
Now that you are 36 weeks pregnant, Most healthcare providers will want to see you weekly. Your provider will also check your blood pressure during each visit and make sure that your urine doesn't contain any protein. High blood pressure and protein in the urine are potential warning signs of pre-eclampsia, a condition of pregnancy that can be risky to you and the baby.
Living large
Your uterus is now one thousand times larger than its original volume and you’ve probably gained 11.3 to 13.6 kg (25 to 30 lb). But don’t worry: over the next four weeks, you'll probably only gain a few more pounds. In fact, many women gain nothing at all in their last month of pregnancy. Your uterus may not be the only thing expanding. Even if oedema (the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid) hasn't troubled you up until now, you may retain more fluid in the last month of pregnancy.
Take it easy now
Whenever you can, take a few minutes to rest with your feet elevated or lie on your left side. Both positions will increase circulation, getting the fluid in your extremities moving. A note of caution: reducing your fluid intake will not reduce oedema. You still need at least eight glasses of water each day to clear waste through the kidneys, move your bowels and keep your blood volume up.
Twin development at week 36
Are you feeling maxed out? There’s not a whole lot of room left in your uterus. Fetal movements may slow this week. Take note of any changes and share them with your doctor at your next appointment.
36 weeks pregnant symptoms
- fatigue
- frequent urination
- heartburn
- leaky breasts
Did you know?
All systems are a “go”…except for baby’s digestion. Because your little one has been nourished through the umbilical cord, the stomach and intestines have not yet been operational. The digestive system will get up to speed in the months after birth.
Quick tip for moms
If you’re noticing an occasional tightening or “balling up” of your uterus during the 36th week of pregnancy, it’s probably Braxton-Hicks contractions. These “practice” contractions are pre-labor rehearsals for the real thing and will stop if you change position, drink fluids or take a warm bath.
36 Weeks Pregnant: Watch the Growth of Your Baby
Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during the 37th week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.
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