Week 36 Pregnancy
You are 36 weeks pregnant and in your third trimester. Your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce. This week's key development: Full Term in Sight. NHS note: Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.
Baby's Development
Your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce.
Full Term in Sight — Your baby is considered early term from 37 weeks, but at 36 weeks they're almost there. Organ systems are nearly fully mature. You may feel the baby has 'dropped' — easing pressure on your lungs but increasing it on your pelvis and bladder.
Your Symptoms
- 'Lightening' (baby dropping)
- Pelvic discomfort
- Increased discharge
Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.
NHS Appointments
Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.
Practical Advice for Week 36
Nutrition
- Continue vitamin D daily.
- Start eating dates daily (6 per day) — studies suggest it may help with cervical dilation.
- Eat energy-rich foods — you'll need stamina for labour.
- Keep hydrated — water, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juice.
Exercise
- Walking helps baby descend into the pelvis.
- Birth ball exercises and pelvic rocking are excellent preparation.
- Continue perineal massage daily.
- Pelvic floor exercises — keep going right up to birth.
Wellbeing
- 'Lightening' (baby dropping) may ease breathing but increase pelvic pressure.
- Increased vaginal discharge is normal — tell your midwife if it's watery or bloody.
- Nesting instinct may kick in — enjoy it, but don't overdo the heavy lifting.
- Practise your hypnobirthing or relaxation techniques daily.
Preparation
- Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.
- Know the signs of labour — regular contractions, waters breaking, bloody show.
- Ensure your birth partner is on standby.
- Double-check your hospital bag has everything for you, baby, and your partner.
Tip of the Week
Eat dates! Some studies suggest eating 6 dates a day from 36 weeks can lead to a shorter labour.
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