WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 36 weeks of pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy week by week
Your Baby at 36 Weeks
As big as a cucumber
Length
19.1
Weight
6.3
Your little one is getting into position for the big show. 
Around 19 inches of cuteness and 6.3 pounds of pure love.
What's new this week?
Baby's Changes Overview
Try to recognize your baby's sleep cycles so you don't interact with him/her when he/she sleeps
5% of babies stay in a breech before delivery
Your baby produces enough of a substance in his or her lungs called surfactant, which helps keep the alveoli open
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Physical Skills: Your baby is practicing essential movements, including breathing amniotic fluid, thumb-sucking, and exploring their environment, which aids in their physical and cognitive development.
  • Visibility: The thinning of your uterine walls may allow more light to penetrate, helping your baby adjust to day and night cycles.
  • Physical Appearance: Your baby's head is now proportionate to their chest, and they are developing creases and folds in their skin, indicating healthy growth.
  • Fine Motor Skills: Your baby's fingers are becoming increasingly dexterous, preparing them for grasping and other fine motor activities post-birth.
  • Self-Soothing Techniques: Thumb-sucking is a critical self-soothing practice that also strengthens jaw muscles.
  • Lanugo Shedding: The soft, downy hair (lanugo) that covered your baby is shedding, a sign they are preparing for life outside the womb.
  • Scalp Hair: Your baby might have a full head of hair or just a light fuzz, with the possibility of it changing color and texture after birth.
The umbilical cord and placenta are still providing all the necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping baby's development
  • Rest and Relaxation: Prioritize rest, incorporating naps and full nights of sleep whenever possible, to support your body's increased demands.
  • Gentle Exercise: Engage in light exercise, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, to alleviate pregnancy discomforts.
  • Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or enjoying a warm bath to reduce stress.
  • Bonding Activities: Talking and singing to your baby fosters language development and strengthens your bond.
  • Creative Memories: Consider making a belly cast as a unique keepsake of your pregnancy journey.
Top Asked Questions
What is the significance of my baby's practice swallowing?

Swallowing practice at 36 weeks is important for your baby's digestive system development. It helps them prepare for feeding after birth.

Can my baby recognize the sound of my heartbeat?

Your baby can hear and may recognize the sound of your heartbeat, which is a familiar and comforting sound for them.

How does my baby's body fat distribution change?

By 36 weeks, your baby's body fat is redistributing, and they are developing those adorable chubby cheeks and thighs.

What is my baby's position in the womb, and does it affect labor?

Many babies are in a head-down position by 36 weeks, which is optimal for a smooth labor and birth. However, your healthcare provider will monitor their position.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
View Sources
All I need to know
Preparing for Birth - Final Stages of Lung Development
2 min read
Decrease in Fetal Movement Space
2 min read
Brain and Nervous System Nearly Fully Developed
2 min read
D
Deborah
29 Dec 2023

How many of you had your baby at 36 weeks? My dr don't want me going full term because im high risk. And did your baby have to stay in the nicu?

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
2 comments
C
Colleen
My 1st son was born at 36 wks. He ended up stayin in nicu for over 30 days. He had to go to nicu cuz had fluid in lungs n needed incubated. He got circumsized day 5 n after circumcision his o2 dropped n he didnt pass carseat test n just needed oxygen to help his lungs a lil farther. My 2nd son was in nicu for same amount of time but he was breech n 8 weeks early. Needed oxygen n feedin tube. Both had to be under the lights for jaundice too.
27 Mar 2024

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D
Deborah
that sounds scary thank God they are doing ok now
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kierra
18 Sep 2023

I’ll be 33 weeks pregnant with my second set of twins Friday . I just wanna know when y’all think a good time is to have your baby. I wanna get induced at 36 weeks. I can’t take this anymore 😫😩

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2 comments
M
Micheline
You have to white for 37 week an if baby is ok your not going to get induced but I feel you do I want to put down to am 37week and 2days
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nicole
I’m also 33 weeks with my second set of twins.when I had my twin boys 13 years ago I was 34 weeks and they were 5 pounds each we left the hospital in 3 days. Hoping this set goes the same way.
27 Mar 2024

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F
Farah
29 Aug 2023

Just had my appointment, I’m 36 weeks pregnant and baby is measuring at 7 pounds 0 ounces. Hows everyone else’s babies at 36/37 weeks? I hope my baby comes soon!

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3 comments
J
Jaelyn
7 pounds 10 oz at 36 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ale
3 kilograms at 35 weeks 😍
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brianna
9 Aug 2023

Hi mamas, what are your babies weighing at 36 weeks? My baby is 5 pounds 8 oz, smaller than I’d like but they say it’s normal. What are you guys babies weighing at?

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5 comments
B
Brianna
Okay, thank you! I appreciate your feedback. I was a little worried
27 Mar 2024

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O
Ounaje
6 pounds exact and this is my first pregnancy
27 Mar 2024

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D
Diamonddddd
2 May 2023

Hey mamas , has anyone ever had a baby at 36 weeks ? I wanna have my baby before June

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6 comments
A
Aquaa
I had my baby at 35 weeks exactly
27 Mar 2024

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D
Diamonddddd
Was there any complications?
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cee
23 Apr 2023

I’m 36 weeks. My baby is 6 pounds 11oz. How many pounds does your baby weigh at this time? 😩🤍 My baby is so chunky and he has a big stomach! #May2023 #36Weeks

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6 comments
I
Iesha
My son was 5lbs 13oz at birth so I'd say your doing well
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiffany Lissor
They never give me an estimate
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittanie
8 Oct 2022

We will be 36 weeks tomorrow and my baby shower is tomorrow! You can come out now baby girl! Your daddy and I can’t wait any longer!

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1 comments
M
Morgan
Your only a week behind me ill be 37 weeks tommrow
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
22 Aug 2022

Have any of your babies been breech at 36 weeks and end up having the ECV procedure done to turn baby? If so how was it and did it work?

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
4 comments
A
Alecia 🌺
Here for the comments 👀 bc I’m going through the same thing now 36 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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D
Diandra
I have until Friday for her to turn. To me the ECV is not worth it. They gave me a little taste and I was sore. I was told it's a 50/50 chance and could stress the baby so I may deliver that day. I'm thinking of denying it.
27 Mar 2024

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N
Niya
5 Jun 2022

Seeing you guys having babies at 36 - 37 weeks makes so jelly I want my baby 🥺🥺🥺💔

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
10 comments
B
Brandi
Me too!! I’m 38 weeks and nothing has happened I’m very jelly 😅
27 Mar 2024

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K
Ka'Laesha Walker
39 weeks due tomorrow ik how you feel 😭😭😭
27 Mar 2024

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A
Aminata
24 May 2022

Hello Beautiful Mommies! Hope y’all are doing great.Went for my 36 weeks ultrasound today My Baby Boy Weighs 7 pounds 8oz.How much is or was your babies weight at 36weeks

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
8 comments
S
Shyanne
Mine were all 7 pounds at 37 weeks lol you got a big baby coming girl pray for that hooha 😂😂😂
27 Mar 2024

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l
lee
I had my last son at 36w and we was 5lbs 11oz 😭 thank God he was healthy and didnt need to be in the nicu or anything
27 Mar 2024

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