All pregnancy weeks

Pregnancy week 36

Trimester 3 · Baby is about a romaine lettuce head

The baby is gaining around 30 grams a day and settling into a birth position.

How your body may feel

  • Breathing feels easier once baby drops.
  • Increased pressure on the bladder.
  • Looser stools can be an early labour sign.

Self-care this week

  • Finish your hospital bag.
  • Confirm who will support you in labour.
  • Review the signs of labour with your midwife.

Milestone

Baby is considered late preterm — birth is near.

Seek care urgently if you notice

  • Reduced, absent or changed baby movement — call immediately, day or night
  • Severe headache, blurred vision or pain under the ribs
  • Waters breaking before 37 weeks, or green or bloody fluid
  • Vaginal bleeding of any amount
  • Regular painful contractions before 37 weeks
  • Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a seizure — call emergency services