Week 36

Welcome to Week 36! Your baby is about the size of a winter melon, measuring around 18.5–19 inches long and weighing about 6 pounds. You’re now in the final month of pregnancy—and baby is almost ready to meet the world.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Baby is considered late preterm now—if they were born this week, they’d likely do very well, with just a little extra monitoring. Their lungs are nearly fully mature, and they’re practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid.

They’re also losing most of their vernix caseosa (that creamy coating) and lanugo (fine body hair), swallowing it along with other fluids, which becomes their first poop—meconium.

Baby is likely in a head-down position, settling lower into your pelvis (also called “lightening”), which may ease your breathing but increase pelvic pressure.

Common Symptoms This Week

• More pelvic pressure as baby drops lower

• Easier breathing—but more bathroom trips!

• Braxton Hicks contractions—stronger but still irregular

• Lower back pain, hip pain, or sciatica

• Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands

• Trouble sleeping and frequent waking

• Colostrum leaking from your breasts

• Nesting energy—a sudden urge to clean, organize, and prepare

You might also feel a burst of excitement mixed with impatience—you’re so close now!

What You Can Do This Week

• Keep tracking baby’s movements—even in the final weeks, patterns should stay consistent

• Review labor signs with your provider so you know when it’s the real thing

• Have your hospital bag fully ready—you could go any time now

• Install the car seat (if you haven’t already) and have it inspected if possible

• Prep your postpartum essentials—pads, comfy clothes, snacks, etc.

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided meditations for labor

• Rest as much as possible—you’ll need that energy soon!

It’s also a good time to finalize any last-minute details—childcare for older kids, pet care, or any help you’ll need in those first days home.

And don’t forget to savor these final weeks by logging baby’s last big movements or taking a belly photo in Cubtale. You’ll love looking back on these moments later.

Real Talk

Week 36 feels so close, yet so far. Your body is heavy, uncomfortable, and tired. You might be ready for pregnancy to end but also a little nervous about labor and what comes after.

That’s all normal. These final weeks are full of anticipation and mixed emotions.

Take deep breaths. Lean on your support system. You’re almost at the finish line—and you’re stronger than you know.