Pregnancy Stages of Pregnancy Week by Week Pregnancy Week 36 Your baby's "rapid growth" period is coming to an end when you're 36 weeks pregnant. Find out how she will continue to develop, and take a look at our predelivery checklist so you're prepared for the big day. By Parents Editors Updated on June 22, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email How Big is Baby? At 36 weeks, your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce, and her wrinkly suit of skin is filling out as she gets plumper. Baby's Length: 18.66in.Baby's Weight: 5.75lb. Mom's Changing Body Does your belly feel a bit lighter these days? It's called dropping, lightening, or engagement, and it's common around this time, as your baby settles lower into your pelvis to get ready for her big move outta there. In a first-time mother, the baby often "drops" two to four weeks before delivery. Also at this time, your milk glands are expanding and filling with colostrum, thanks to an increase in the hormone oxytocin. This might make your breasts feel a bit lumpy. Baby's Development Your baby is working hard to accumulate all the fat she can at this point, and that layer of fat has now rounded out her face. This build-up of fat—about 15 percent of her total weight—will help her maintain her body temperature and give her a store of energy. Her sucking muscles, which are quite powerful, have also finished developing now, and are ready for their first real feeding. That means your baby's going to be hungry soon after she arrives. Read More Weekly Tip You've probably been wondering how you will know when it's actually, really, truly time. When you feel light twinges or cramps that are regular and strong and coming every four to five minutes for one to two hours, call your doctor. Another signal is a painless leaking of fluid—it means your water broke (actually your amniotic sac rupturing). Even if you don't start having contractions immediately, your baby will need to be delivered in the next 12 to 24 hours to reduce the chance of infection. American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine - AIUM.org Week 36 Ultrasound This image of your baby-to-be's face looks identical to the profile you'll be seeing in person in a few weeks (four or less!). For the remaining weeks, your baby will be adding 1/2 pound each week until birth. Read More What Week 36 of Your Pregnancy is Really Like Pregnancy Confidential Podcast New Parent Mistakes—How to Avoid What You Can and Accept What You Can't Parenting is a tough job—one of the toughest you'll ever have. And, of course, it's rewarding. But entering into the new world of parenting, especially if this is your first, can feel totally overwhelming. First, know this: You WILL make mistakes. Also know this: Everything will be OK. Luckily, there are a few things you can learn now, while you're still pregnant, that will help smooth those initial bumps in the road—whether that's helping you avoid some easy mistakes, or simply knowing when to relax (a little) when the you-know-what hits the fan. Subscribe on iTunes This Week's To-Do List Schedule a non-stress test if it's recommended.Read More Review your birth plan with your doctor, midwife, doula, or any others involved.Read More Sleep in, take naps and get as many extra Z's as you can.Read More Send thank-you notes for your shower gifts.Read More This Week's FAQs How do I know if there's a problem with my amniotic fluid? What does fetal testing involve? Must-Reads What Labor Contractions Feel Like From Start to Birth The Different Types of Contractions and What They Mean What Back Labor is Really Like What Does a Mucus Plug Look Like? All About Your Breast Milk Supply Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit