Pregnancy Pregnancy Guide Trimester Three

Week 36 of Pregnancy – Baby Development, Symptoms & Tips

Overview of Week 36 of pregnancy

During week 36 of pregnancy:

  • Your baby is 18.5 inches long
  • You are in trimester three
  • 4 more weeks to go
  • Baby is producing meconium

With only four weeks left to go, you are in the home stretch of pregnancy. Your belly is probably feeling pretty huge at this point and it’s probably getting harder to move around. You may be feeling like you want to get that baby out right now. However, at the same time, you may be feeling worried and uncertain about labor and being a mother. These feelings are normal at this point in pregnancy, but make sure you keep an open dialogue about how you’re feeling with your partner and doctors. It is important to monitor your mental health so you can detect and diagnose any postpartum depression that may occur.

How many months pregnant is 36 weeks?

You are in the final countdown of pregnancy. You are 8 months and 1 week pregnant. Pregnancy is measured to be 40 weeks long, which ends up being about 9 months and 1 week. That means only one more month of pregnancy left. However, realistically, baby could come at any time now.

Week 36 of pregnancy: your baby is the size of romaine lettuce

How big is baby at 36 weeks pregnant?

Your baby is measuring at around 18.5 inches long and weighing in around 6 pounds during week 36 of pregnancy. Remember, that these sizes are approximate and each baby grows at its own rate. Babies, at this point in pregnancy, tend to gain about 1 ounce each day.

Baby development during week 36 of pregnancy

Digestive Tract

By week 36 of pregnancy, your baby’s organs and systems are about ready for life outside the womb. The only exception to this is the digestive tract. Your little one has been receiving all its nutrients via the umbilical cord so the digestive tract hasn’t been needed too much. In fact, it won’t be fully matured until about one year after birth.

Although the digestive tract isn’t fully matured, it has been busy producing meconium, which will make up your baby’s first poop. It is made from the amniotic fluids that your baby has been swallowing.

Week 36 of pregnancy infographic showing baby development and symptoms

Pregnancy Week 36 Symptoms

Braxton-Hicks

Braxton-Hick contractions are false labor pains caused by the contraction of the uterus. They are not contractions that indicate that labor is coming; instead, they prepare your body for labor. Unlike labor contractions, these contractions come irregularly and do not increase in length or strength. They can feel uncomfortable and like mild menstrual cramps. If you have Braxton-Hicks that seem to worsen or don’t stop, check in with your doctor to make sure they are not real contractions.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum and around your anus. During pregnancy, increased blood flow to the pelvic area, as well as increased pressure from the uterus, causes veins around your rectum to swell. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and if you get them, it is best to avoid sitting for too long at a time, as sitting can cause extra pressure on the veins.

Swelling

Swelling in pregnancy is a normal symptom that usually starts in the second trimester and may worsen towards the end of pregnancy. Excess fluids in the body and pressure from your growing uterus can cause water retention in the feet, ankles, and hands. If you notice your fingers starting to swell, you should remove any rings until the swelling goes down. Let your doctor or midwife know if the swelling worsens or if there is a large amount in your face or around your eyes.

Trouble sleeping

With your growing belly, you may find it increasingly difficult to fall asleep. Your big belly will make getting into a comfortable position a tough task. Add in increasing heartburn and increasing movements from your baby and then sleeping will seem impossible. Make sure you have a comfy pregnancy pillow and avoid eating foods that aggravate heartburn.

Heartburn

Pregnancy hormones may allow the muscles in the esophagus to relax more frequently, allowing stomach acids to push back up into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn or acid reflux.  Now that your baby and uterus are growing, there is also more pressure on your stomach which causes acids to be pushed further up. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tums or Rolaids, can help to reduce any discomfort. If any pain persists, it is best to talk to your doctor about other medications that may be available.

Pregnancy week 36 tips

Take pictures

Have you taken your weekly baby bump photo yet? These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy.  

Finalize birth plan

Make sure that you have finalized your birth plan if you plan on having one. It should be written down and packed in your hospital bag. Your entire birthing team, as well as your partner, should be aware of what is in your birth plan. Make sure you have gone over everything with your doctor or midwife and confirm that they understand your wishes. Your partner should also be well versed with everything so that they can effectively advocate for you during labor.

Learn signs of labor

Labor could come at any time now; make sure you know the signs that your baby is coming. Talk to your doctor or midwife about symptoms of labor and when you should make your way to the hospital. Here are some common signs of upcoming labor:

  • Losing your mucus plug
  • Diarrhea
  • Your water breaking
  • Increasing contractions

Prepare frozen meals

You may want to spend this week preparing freezable meals that you can easily heat up for after your baby is born. That first week with your new baby will be a whirlwind and you will find that you are probably too tired to even think about cooking. Having a few frozen meals prepared ahead of time will take a bit of that load off your shoulders. Quick and easy meals that you don’t have to think about will become a lifesaver.

Week 36 of pregnancy pinterest pin

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