Third trimester
36 weeks pregnant
The fetus is around the size of a romaine lettuce. Next week counts as early term, and position now matters clinically — if the baby is breech, options are usually discussed this week.
Size of
romaine lettuce head
Length
47 cm
Weight
2620 g
Your baby at 36 weeks
Most of the lanugo and vernix is shed, some of it swallowed and contributing to meconium.
The fetus is gaining roughly 250g a week and is getting close to birth weight. Space is extremely limited.
Lungs are close to fully mature, though the final weeks continue to improve readiness.
How you may be feeling
Appointments are usually weekly from now. Position is checked carefully, and if the baby is breech an external cephalic version may be offered — a procedure to turn the baby manually.
Many people experience a burst of energy or an urge to prepare, often called nesting. Others simply feel exhausted. Both are normal.
Common symptoms around week 36
- Pelvic pressure
- Frequent Braxton Hicks
- Nesting urge or exhaustion
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swelling
Appointments and tests around now
Position check is the main focus. If breech, external cephalic version is typically offered around 36 to 37 weeks, and the risks and benefits are explained in detail.
What is normal, and what varies
A breech baby at 36 weeks is not an automatic caesarean. Turning is often successful, and even if not, options are discussed with you rather than decided for you.
Worth doing this week
Ask about position explicitly
If the baby is breech, ask what your options are and the timescales for each. Decisions are easier with a week to think.
Do not overdo the nesting
A burst of energy is not a reason to deep-clean the house. Save it.
Keep your notes with you
From 37 weeks labour is no longer preterm. Having your maternity notes to hand matters from here.
Looking ahead
Next week the pregnancy reaches early term, and labour from this point is no longer considered premature.
Nearby weeks
Not sure which week you are in? The week tracker works it out from the first day of your last period, and the due date calculator gives you an estimated due date.